Published in Morgan Hill October 12-25, 2016
By Armando Benavides
Armando Benavides
Uncontrolled growth is what motivated me to run. That concern resonates across our community. I felt the rate of growth seen around our city has been gradually straining our infrastructure. Estimates are that we need to invest millions of dollars to repair and bring on a par the state of our infrastructure to sustain the current growth — money we don’t have. And yet our city leaders have plans to continue to grow our community. I hear them say it will be a slower growth, but that position is being conveyed after the campaign season began. I will follow the policy that we only approve growth that our infrastructure will sustain. That will be my priority, responsible growth based on priorities.
I also believe we need a fresh approach to the future development of the Southeast Quadrant. The current leaders spent many years and dedicated a lot of money and staff time to develop a plan that was rejected by the county authorizing agency. I will undertake a collaborative approach to engage all stakeholders, including the county authorizing committee, open space advocates, members of the community, developers and business interests to come up with a plan that incorporates responsible growth sustained by the infrastructure.
I want to make sure we spend our money responsibly. No more tax dollars will go to outside artists that overcharge. Our tax dollars will go to local artists. No more selling cheap land that we paid outlandish prices for, only to sell it at fire-sale prices. I will advocate that any legal notice required to be given to our community be clear, easy to read and intended to give actual notice. I will be open and ready to listen to the community, not just on election day but all days in between elections.
I am a believer in transparency, accountability, good governance and effective engagement. Those values are close to my heart and I will abide by if elected. I have 22 years of experience as an attorney litigator, experience that will be invaluable as a councilmember. I support Kirk Bertolet for mayor and others for city council who advocate the same visions for Morgan Hill as I do.
