Published in the September 26 – October 9, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON SEPT. 27, 2018 CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY THE MORGAN HILL AAUW

By Julie Hutcheson

Julie Hutcheson

Morgan Hill belongs to all of us who move here regardless of when, with our unique perspectives and our shared desire to be part of a strong, vibrant place to live while also maintaining the values that make it special. Growth — the top issue residents talked to me about — is crucial to the health of every city. Yet, we must grow responsibly and avoid sprawl. We must take into account the needs of a community and what makes that community special. I’m not only committed to honoring that balance, I have a track record that speaks to it.

For the past 10 years, I have been a champion for responsible growth. I served as treasurer in the successful 2009 campaign to update our residential growth control measure, I founded a community group — Thrive! Morgan Hill — to increase civic engagement on issues related to growth, I served on our city’s 2035 General Plan Advisory Committee, and I fought against sprawl to protect farmland in the southeast area of our city.

This is why I support focusing growth along the Monterey corridor. This area is key to attracting new businesses, putting more residents within walking distance of downtown, and encouraging better public transportation.

I will work on an action plan to implement our city’s Economic Blueprint to make progress in growing the number of jobs in our city and ensure reliable high-speed Internet to attract and retain businesses.

Through the budget process, I will seek funding to increase the number of police officers.

There are a number of challenges we face including reasonable housing options, traffic congestion, insufficient public transportation, and inadequate infrastructure. As a leader who values the input of residents and working collaboratively, I know together we can find solutions.

I’m ready and excited to make our wonderful community a better place for your family and mine. I ask for your vote to get started.