Dear Clayton Watch:
Thank you for the invitation to respond to these questions. I note that the invitation states that these questions were sent to all four candidates for city council. However, it appears that only two candidates received this invitation.
Regardless, the questions presented are ones I address daily in my interactions with Clayton citizens on my 5-mile walks around the community. I have also addressed these questions in my various ‘meet and greets’ around town and I anticipate that some of these questions will come up during the League of Women Voters’ forum on September 29, at 3:00 p.m. at Hoyer Hall in the Clayton library.
I wish to make clear that by responding to these questions, I am not seeking, and will not accept, any endorsement from any Political Action Committee.
Question 1 — Landscape Maintenance District / Measure N
Do you support the renewal of Claytons Landscape Maintenance District (LMD),
Measure N?
Yes or No. Please explain your position.
Your response: Yes, I support Measure N. Measure N is not a new tax, but a renewal of the special district whose funds are limited to maintaining our landscape, streets, and trails – which we see and use every day and are critical to our quality of life.
Question 2 — If Measure N Is Not Approved
The City’s Landscape Maintenance District currently provides funding for maintenance
of trails, open space, roadside landscaping and community gateway entrances, as well
as certain weed-abatement activities. The City reports that the district generated
approximately $1.4 million in fiscal year 2025–26.
If Measure N is not approved by voters, what would you propose the City do to
maintain these services and address the resulting funding needs?
Your response: This measure, which must be passed by a two-thirds majority of voters, is critical to maintaining the quality of life the Clayton community has come to enjoy and expect. There is no other source of funding in the city’s budget for which the LMD funds are used. I am sure that our city staff and council have already considered other options if this measure does not pass. However, the community has not yet been informed of what these options are.
Question 3 — Measure M / Sales Tax
Do you support Measure M, which would increase Clayton's sales tax rate by one
percentage point?
Yes or No. Please explain your position.
Your response: Yes, I support Measure M. If passed this measure could bring in much needed revenue. But, at best, it is a short-term band aid that does not solve Clayton’s long-term financial issues. This measure will bring us up to par with our surrounding communities.
Question 4 — Clayton’s Long-Term Budget
The City has been reviewing its budget, operations, contracts and sources of revenue
as it works to address its long-term financial needs.
If elected, what specific steps would you support to maintain a balanced and
sustainable City budget?
Please address both expense reductions and potential sources of additional
revenue, if applicable.
Your response: A community’s quality of life is dependent upon our government living within its means. Deficits for the foreseeable future, as projected by the city, after review of the “budget, operations, contracts and present sources of revenue” can only be addressed by strong leadership that seeks buy-in from everyone. Only then can hard decisions be made. The citizens I talk to daily want and deserve to know what our leadership is doing to address the issues you raise in this question.
Question 5 — City Fees and Community Events
The City has a master fee schedule that establishes fees associated with the use of City
services, facilities and infrastructure.
What changes, if any, would you support to the City’s fee structure for community
organizations that produce events in Clayton?
Please explain how you would balance cost recovery, taxpayer responsibility and
the City's interest in supporting community events.
Your response: Our community overwhelmingly attends and supports our community events and appreciates how these events impact our quality of life and make Clayton a desirable community in which to live. I do not support the use of taxpayer money to fund community events. However, a fee structure that discourages community events should be carefully re-examined.
Question 6 — The Future of Clayton’s Community Events
Clayton has several longstanding community events, including Concerts in the Grove,
the Fourth of July celebration and the Classic Car Event.
What role should the City play in producing these events, and what role, if any,
should community organizations such as the Clayton Business & Community
Association (CBCA) play?
Please explain.
Your response: “Community Events” are not limited to those that only the city (or CBCA) produce. “Community Events” encompass all events that we enjoy (e.g., our Memorial Day observance, Garden Tour, Plant sales, Latin Heritage) This community is aware that the city events you reference cost more to put on than what is collected in revenue. Our quality of life is dependent upon the incredible volunteer ethic that our citizens display. The city should not be producing any event that uses taxpayer money. A better way to approach this is leadership that works with community groups to put on community events.
Question 7 — Bringing Clayton Together
Clayton residents have expressed differing views on a number of issues facing the
community.
In your view, what are the primary causes of those disagreements, and if elected,
what would you do to encourage greater cooperation and civility among
residents, community organizations and City government?
Your response: I do not subscribe to the premise that “differing views” equates with “disagreements” and a lack of “cooperation.” Residents having differing views are a hallmark of our freedom. Strong leaders need to encourage dialog and different views. I welcome different views. Consideration of differing views must be done with a high standard of civility and purpose. My principle of leadership is based on decades of training in the military and private sector. I will lead by example to work with my community to maintain and improve our quality of life.