Transparency: Revitalizing Civic Participation

As Monterey’s Mayor, I am committed to enhancing citizen engagement and transparency in local governance. I will work closely with the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) to empower our community. Additionally, I am committed to ensuring broader representation of community members on city boards, commissions, and committees.

It is crucial that we leverage 21st-century tools to guarantee that all residents, regardless of background, have a voice in shaping our city. During my tenure, we have seen increased utilization of HaveYourSayMonterey.org, a platform dedicated to gathering feedback and facilitating discussions on crucial policy, planning, programs, and projects affecting our community. We have also expanded outreach efforts through surveys, mailers, and community listening sessions, ensuring broader participation in local decision-making.

To bolster transparency, I championed the establishment of campaign contribution limits. Prior to 2020, candidates in Monterey could receive unlimited contributions, but I led the initiative to set a reasonable limit of $570 per donor, promoting fairness and accountability in our elections.