Ballot Statement

By Joseph "Joe" Romano, JD

This summary statement appears on your ballot.

Occupation: Retired Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff, (shot in line of duty 1973, decorated for valor & purple heart), decorated Vietnam Veteran (USN E-5); Businessman

Experience: Former General Manager Santa Rosa Water Department; Managed City Capital Improvement Fund; Owner of. retail & internet business (Organic Groceries and http://www.GeneratorJoe.net); commercial property investor.

Education: Criminal Justice, Business and Law degrees (AA in Criminal Justice to Doctorate in Law).

Goals: We can do all of these things if we have Leaders on the City Council. 1) Develop a comprehensive citywide traffic plan. Limit traffic signals and move traffic. 2) Get back to basics and bring commercial business practices and practicality to government. 2) Reduce operating costs and accomplish more for less money. Cut out worthless studies. 3) Strengthen fire and police departments and build needed facilities. Provide funding to the police to control gangs and graffiti. 4) Promote affordable housing without raising the cost of new homes. 5) Limit and lower utility taxes and utility bills. Limit wasteful utility spending and excessive studies. 6) Provide more support for senior activities including a Senior Center. 7) Award city contracts based on lowest cost, merit and common sense, not politics. Limit sole source purchasing to save money. 8) Establish guidelines for property owners/developers to speed approval of projects. Only allow projects that fit in an area. Take local economy into consideration as a critical factor. 9) Clean up the planning and design review process. Enforce the rules evenly and in a timely manner. 10) Review city ordinances, such as the sign ordinance, to ensure fairness to all. Promote small businesses not just big box stores.

I am running for City Council because I am a leader. I ran the City water department for years on a budget 1/3 the size of the current utility budget with 1/2 the number of people. Water and sewer rates have gone up 800% since 1984. Every year the City raises rates, fees, charges and provides less and less service than the year before.

The current council has made very little progress with a number of issues including building needed fire stations and staffing the police/fire departments. The Council knew that there would be mass retirements and only after numerous public complaints did the council begin to take action. The council should have geared up to add new police officers 3 years ago but did nothing. The Council cannot even get a fire house designed claiming they have no money, but spend millions on bike paths and new parks.

Endorsed by: Chief Michael Turnick, Santa Rosa Fire Chief for 17 years. (retired).

Please vote for Joe Romano, Its time for a Change.

Please go to my website at http://www.generatorjoe.net or http://sonco.ca.lwvnet.org/elections.html