Paso Robles Magazine Questions and Answers

By Jim Reed

As asked by Editor of Paso Robles Magazine and published in the October 2014 issue

Do you feel the current direction of the city is appropriate? What is the most significant change you would want to implement as a Paso Robles City Councilman?

More than twenty-seven years ago, when I moved here, Paso Robles was a community based on small town values and principles. Everyday decisions were being made within those ideals. Today, decisions being made on our behalf are directed by outside influences. The result of this policy is that Paso Robles is no longer the family-friendly community with the quality of life that we expect.

After years of watching our principles and values being eroded, we've come to the point that the citizens are no longer being represented. Citizens now feel they are invisible and irrelevant when it comes to the decisions being made on their behalf. For example, two years ago, the citizens wanted Centennial Pool to be opened to provide summer jobs for our youth, swimming lessons, and a wholesome place for families to socialize. Still, the pool is closed.

This needs to change. The values and principles of the citizens need to be respected. I see the need for strong, principled leadership that will actually listen and represent the views and requests of the citizens.

QUESTION #2, in 200 words or less: What specifically will you do to learn and/or review projects and policies that are currently in place?

With my years of experience, I work daily with City and County offices and I am familiar with the process, the projects, the people and the systems in place. Being self-employed, I can arrange my work schedule around my responsibilities to represent our city. My children are grown and I see the need to stand up and lend my background and knowledge to correct the direction our city is going.

After reviewing recent city projects such as the improvements to 21st Street and the new city park bathroom, it has become obvious that we have wasted taxpayer money several times over. To spend nearly $800,000 on a 1000 square foot bathroom when it could have been build for less than $200,000 by any reputable contractor in the city, is irresponsible. After $900,00 of State taxpayer money was spend to conceivably correct the drainage issue, nearly $2 Million of Paso Robles taxpayer funds were spent to repave the street. For this same money, that street plus many other streets in our city could have been repaved. Grant funds come with requirements, and one of them seems to be fleecing Paso Robles citizens.

QUESTION #3, in 200 words or less: Does Paso Robles have an economic future other than tourism/wine? If so, what does that future look like?

Tourism and wine aren't bad business models to include in our city's economic future but they shouldn't be the only components. We also are a vibrant vacation destination with camping and water skiing at Lake Nacimiento. We have many small businesses that contribute to our economy. We have an airport that could be an incredible asset to our city but because of city policies and mis-management doesn't bring in the businesses, the jobs, and the income to the city that it should.

My customers tell me of months wasted to get projects approved, exorbitant fees and ridiculous red tape. City policies actually stand in the way of citizens trying to expand and improve their businesses. We have incredible entrepreneurs in Paso Robles. Hard working, can-do, make-it-happen individuals who, in spite of onerous city policies, bring Paso Robles the unique quality of life that we do enjoy. A change in city policies is all that is needed to make Paso Robles even more prosperous.

QUESTION #4, in 200 words or less: The airport is one of our biggest assets...what more needs to be done to entice manufacturing and commercial businesses offering higher paying jobs to locate there?

Ground lease costs are artificially high while maintenance and upkeep are sorely lacking. Expensive planes are not able to find hangars to rent, but city regulations, requirements and unrelated costs discourage building new facilities. It is actually city policies and mis-management that hinders development at the airport. The rules discourage many types of aircraft and related businesses to utilize the facility. Once again, what is needed is for the city to get out of the way. The aviation industry could provide many high paying jobs and services that would contribute to the prosperity of Paso Robles.

A local group is actively pursuing a trade industry fly-in that brings several hundred general aviation aircraft to our airport. Especially as a yearly event, hundreds of participants would enjoy our local wineries, hotels, restaurants if only the city would agree. Image the financial impact to Paso Robles.

Remember, you don't have to feel obligated to vote for the same old people who do not have your best interest in mind. A vote for Jim Reed will bring citizen representation to the Paso Robles City Council.