Gary Condit

Economy Over the past few decades, we've seen businesses leave Ceres, resulting in closures and vacant buildings. Our top priority should be to collaborate efficiently with city staff to cut red tape, making it easier for new businesses to flourish and preventing our community from being marred by empty, unsightly buildings. Social Services It is essential for our elected officials to prioritize keeping recreational programs affordable, ensuring that families can involve their children in sports. Programs like our Youth Soccer League and the Ceres Hoopsters Basketball League should focus on creating opportunities for families and children to build lasting memories, rather than generating profit for the city. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Our Ceres Police Department and Dispatch Center have faced understaffing challenges which has compromised public safety. Ceres City Hall has been mired in financial mismanagement, with budgetary freezes, and irresponsible spending. As your next Mayor, I am committed to reinstating the Ceres Street Crimes Unit to investigate gangs and drug crimes as well as increasing traffic enforcement throughout the City. Taxes / Budget The City of Ceres has faced significant financial challenges. I am committed to supporting a balanced budget and working diligently to reduce our City's debt. I will be a steadfast advocate for the responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars. As your next Mayor, I will call for a complete audit of the budget to get to the bottom of financial problems. Government Reform In the November 2007 election, the City of Ceres' voters approved a ½-cent retail transaction and use tax (sales tax) for the improvement of police, fire, and 9-1-1 emergency response. If elected, I will direct city staff to conduct a full review of how the Measure H money has been used over the past 10 years so residents know what they have been paying for since 2007. Our city should be held accountable for taxpayer money, especially since our community voted for this sales tax. Environment / Energy I support lowering water rates across the City to make life more affordable for our residents. For the past several years, water rates have increased, placing a financial burden on our community. Now that necessary improvements have taken place in our region, it's time to reduce water rates and provide relief to our residents. Elected officials must have the courage to lower costs for residents to make life more affordable in Ceres. Housing We must have a safe and clean community for our residents to call home. To address the issue of homelessness we must use compassion and enforcement to deal with this issue. I would like to see a better partnership between the City of Ceres, the City of Modesto, and Stanislaus County to get these folks the resources and the shelter they need while allowing our police department and code enforcement officers to enforce the municipal codes we have in place. I would also like to see a citizen’s advisory committee set in place so the City can hear directly from residents impacted by this issue. Government Reform I believe the City of Ceres must increase public outreach to residents regarding important issues that impact them daily. Whether it’s through mail, newspaper, or social media we must make sure our community members are aware of what is happening within our city government.