YOUNG VOICES |
Editor’s Note: This November, Salinas voters will elect council members in four districts and the next mayor. With five seats at stake, the council’s make up could change dramatically.
In an effort to keep Salinas voters informed, Young Voices correspondent Isaac Díaz González has sent the same questionnaire to all the Salinas city council and Mayoral candidates. Voices of Monterey Bay will be publishing the responses as the candidates respond.
By Isaac Díaz González
CARY SWENSEN, COLLEGE EDUCATOR/BUSINESSWOMAN
VOICES: What is your position regarding the renters protection recently approved by a majority of the city council? Will you support a process to enforce them or will you advocate to repeal them?
I am in favor of renter stabilization and renter’s protection because residents are really hurting, and I do not want to create more homelessness. As a city council member, I will work toward more diverse housing and affordable housing. I will also do what I can to bring landlords and property management companies together so we can figure it out together. If greedy landlords were more concerned with their tenants rather than their return on investment, then the city would not have to intervene. I work to enforce tenant protections.
VOICES: According to the U.S Census, nearly 48,000 children lived in Salinas as of 2020 — almost 30 percent of the city’s population of 163,542. Salinas is younger than other cities in California, as its proportion of youth is higher by 8 percentage points. What projects can be offered so children and youth can thrive and feel they belong in the city?
Good question. First, we must remember that 50% of all our students are not proficient in reading and 80% are not proficient in math. Therefore, we must start with educating our youth so they can become thriving adults. I would like to see state of the art youth and elderly centers in each district so the elderly can tutor and interact with the youth. There is so much to get done in Salinas with infrastructure. We could partner youth with trade unions, local colleges and non-profits to learn how to improve our infrastructure. They can start to learn trades in high school. I want to make Salinas more bike and walking friendly; if we have safe outdoor spaces, students can be outside more often.
VOICES: Is the city doing enough to build housing? What would be the solution to support people who don’t have stable housing?
I have been trying to find the answer to that question. They are allowing more ADUs but that causes street parking problems. There are some new developments with housing starting at $750,000. We need more diverse housing to meet everyone’s budget and needs. For those who struggle with stable housing, we need a dedicated housing task force who can unite all the diverse programs in Salinas who deal with the homeless. There are lots of programs but they need to be under one umbrella so help can happen in a timely fashion.
VOICES: Business owners have been complaining about the permit process, arguing that it takes too long to open a business. The challenge has been pinpointed to a lack of employees. What can be done to recruit more city employees? What is your plan to recruit more people to work for the city?
I guess the first question is “Why is there a lack of city employees?” Is it because of the high cost of living in Salinas and they do not pay enough to attract city employees? If not, we need to increase salaries. What level of education do these positions require? We implement training for high school students to place in these positions. Let’s not forget more than half of our graduating seniors are not proficient in reading or math. Maybe we can work with Hartnell to train for these positions. We need to use our own residents, not hire people from out the area.
VOICES: In which areas could the city work together with schools to improve services? How can they work together to improve student safety?
The city can help to bring all the school districts together to determine what services need improvement. Most districts need help with their special ed programs. I know students in special ed who leave 12th grade without knowing how to read. What did they do for 12 years? We need to help the elementary school districts get more funding for k-3rds so we can focus on teaching the fundamentals of reading and math. Students need to leave 3rd grade ready for “reading to learn.” We also need more ELD for students who come here and do not speak English or Spanish. Teachers need smaller classrooms and more support. For student safety, we need to work with schools and parents to ensure safety. Parents need to make sure that their kids come to school ready to listen to the teacher and focus on learning.
VOICES: What is the most important contribution that the immigrant population makes to the city of Salinas in particular and the Salinas Valley in general?
The immigrant population in Salinas and the Salinas Valley plays a crucial role in several key areas. One of the most significant contributions is in the agricultural sector. We are a rich agricultural production, particularly in crops like lettuce, strawberries, and artichokes. Immigrants provide essential labor for planting, harvesting, and processing these crops, which are vital to the local economy and food supply. Additionally, immigrants contribute to our cultural diversity, enriching the community with various traditions, languages, and cuisines. This cultural infusion enhances social cohesion and promotes a broader understanding among residents. Furthermore, immigrants who start their own businesses stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Their entrepreneurial spirit can lead to the development of new markets and services that benefit the entire community.
Overall, the immigrant population in Salinas and the Salinas Valley is integral to both the economy and the cultural fabric of the region.
For more information on Cary Swensen, visit https://voteswensen.com/
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