James Ford, Marina City Council - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

James Ford, Marina City Council

Party/Affiliation: n/a
Current Job: Self-Employed Accountant 

Top 3 Priorities if Elected:

WORK TO CREATE JOBS IN MARINA WITH LIVABLE WAGES 

I would work toward developing partnership with the private sector for job creation and provide incentive where warranted to improve job creations. My long term vision would be the creation of a world class city with growth opportunities for its citizens; a city where well paying jobs are plentiful in most disciplines, new businesses find it a desirable place to locate and/or start. A place where accesses to resources to grow are readily available.

RESTORE DIRECT REVENUE GENERATING POSITIONS (E.G. AIRPORT MANAGER, PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER) TO PROMOTE GROWTH

I don't believe the current budget, programs, and staffing levels are adequate for the service needs of a city this size. There is funding available to improve these levels and allow for growth. However, these reserve funds are not being utilized to maximize the city's opportunities.

RESTORE STAFFING TO AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL IN ORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REVNUE OPPORUNITIES 

The Public Works Superintendent and Economic Development Manager are funded through the general fund. However, half of the Economic Development Manager position would be paid by the general fund and half by developers during the first year. After that, then it is fully paid by developer, as development occurs. The Airport Manager position is paid from the airport fund, not general fund.