Jim O'Hara

Government Reform In order to care for and maintain our community’s lifestyle and character while also protecting our precious coastal habitat, a focused approach to planning is required. The inclusion of the community’s voice in decision making and a commitment to local control are important variables that I will highlight in nurturing a balance between the past, present, and future of Encinitas. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I commit to taking steps to address response times, homelessness, wildfire safety, and to monitor and reduce crime. In a time when the Sheriff’s department and the Fire department in Encinitas are often stretched thin and over burdened, we need to ensure that these departments have the support of the council, the tools and the resources to do their job in a successful and collaborative manner. Taxes / Budget I will use my skill set and community input to bring accountability to the council’s budgetary and long-term planning decisions. Economy As a local small business owner, I appreciate the synergy between local businesses and residents of the community. When local businesses do well, jobs are created for local residents, businesses invest back in the community, and nearly 50% of the dollars are recirculated into our economy. I will identify economic stressors that burden citizens and businesses, and I will advocate on their behalf to foster local prosperity. Infrastructure / Transportation Our city’s infrastructure is in need of attention after years of neglect. Drainage, road repairs, facility updates coupled with construction of new facilities—like the Olivenhain Fire Station—are issues that have to be addressed. This undertaking requires tightening of city spending, diverting money away from trophy projects, and a forward-thinking view of city finances.