The Pittsburg I want to build by 2036
It is 2036, and Pittsburg is a city that invested in itself and in its people. Here is what that looks like.
Roads and infrastructure. Streets that are maintained, traffic that moves, and smart investment in the bottlenecks we all know about, including Highway 4 and Harbor Street.
Parks and recreation. Clean, safe parks with facilities that work, expanded trails, a splash pad, a year round indoor swimming facility, and youth programs including gymnastics, competitive cheer, indoor soccer, and swimming.
Schools and pathways. Pittsburg High, Los Medanos College, local healthcare providers, businesses, and the City working together on real routes into healthcare, the trades, and business. Internships, certifications, mentorships, and leadership programs so students can see what is possible.
Our library. A well funded place where children and families can learn, study, read, and gather. If county funding falls short, Pittsburg should look at stepping up locally.
Local business. Thoughtfully planned commercial districts where local businesses can grow and hire locally, and a city that stays attainable for working families and longtime residents.
A parent should be able to take their kids to a safe park and cool off at a splash pad. A teenager should be able to graduate from Pittsburg High and see a career path right here at home. Families should not have to leave Pittsburg every weekend to find something worth doing.
I don't want Pittsburg to simply grow. I want Pittsburg to thrive.
Three priorities, and where I would start
Transparency and trust
The problem: residents should not have to piece together where their city stands financially, developmentally, and operationally. Major decisions, city finances, and development agreements are hard to find and harder to understand.
Where I stand: community input belongs in the process, not tacked on at the end. Notices should be in plain language, and in the languages our neighbors actually speak.
My first step: in my first six months I would push for a comprehensive review, and an independent audit where one is warranted, then use those findings to build a public facing system where residents can see the city's financial position, major agreements, and priorities in one place. I would also use community surveys so we know whether people actually understand what is being proposed before it comes to a vote.
Jobs and economic opportunity
The problem: Pittsburg needs to understand why good jobs and economic activity have not translated into lasting prosperity for the people who live here.
Where I stand: I will not promise a fix I cannot deliver. This city needs a councilmember who understands its finances, workforce needs, development history, and the real barriers to attracting and keeping quality jobs, and who then acts on what they find.
My first step: in my first six months I will do that review and meet with local businesses, workers, schools, and community organizations. Then I will build a concrete local hire and economic opportunity strategy for Pittsburg, along the lines of what East Bay Works does at the county level. That includes job retention, a real look at our shopping centers, school partnerships and apprenticeships, and transition pathways for young people moving into work.
Quality of life
The problem: Leland is still rough while some residential streets in better shape were repaved first. Our parks and facilities need attention, and families leave town on the weekend to find something to do.
Where I stand: road repair should follow actual conditions on the ground. Parks should be clean, safe, and worth spending a Saturday in.
My first step: get an honest, current picture of road and park conditions across the city, then set repair priorities that match what residents are living with every day.
What I would protect
Good leadership is not about saying everything is broken.
I grew up in Pittsburg and my family experienced gun violence firsthand, so I do not take our progress on public safety for granted. I am grateful for the officers and community partners working to make Pittsburg safer, and I want to keep investing in public safety, youth opportunities, prevention, and strong community relationships.
Being honest about what needs to improve and protecting what is working are the same job. That is the balance I want to bring to City Council.