Joseph Holmes
Grover Beach City Council (4-yr term)
| Why are you running for office?: | I am running for Grover Beach City Council because it's been a dream of mine to serve on the City Council. I have been living here for nearly 30 years and have been active in city politics for 14 years. I have been active at meetings and know the process. I feel that I am the most qualified and right man for the job because of my bold leadership, passion for my city and knowledge of local government and also have served for the last year and half as a Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission. Being a commissioner has been a great learning step to go the next level. I want to be the people's candidate, and work all of our citizens to move Grover Beach forward. |
| What makes you qualified for the job?: | I feel that I am qualified for this job mainly because I already serve my community as a volunteer for the last year and half on the city's Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission. Being a servant of the city I feel has prepared me and has gotten my feet really wet to become a city council member. On the commission I have made some great decisions and have worked on plans to beautify our city. Ramona Garden Park Master Plan, which has been a big project, will go to the Council for approval. Park improvements and projects that I have been involved in. I feel that my passion, unselfish will and my knowledge of City government makes me also qualified. |
| What are your two main priorities if you win?: | If I win this election, my two main priorities are Pedestrian Safety improvements and Affordable Housing. Pedestrian Safety hits home with me because I walk all the time and I see the issues that Grand Ave. is facing and in residential streets. The Council has a plan already and it's one of their goals, I feel I can do more and that more should be done. Better street lighting on major streets, lit up crosswalks, better sidewalks and ramps for wheelchair access and strollers. I want a safe pedestrian city and want to encourage more residents to walk our city. Affordable housing has been a must in not just our city but our state. We need a plan and a solution to solve the housing problem in Grover Beach. Our homeless has increased in numbers and its sad. I see it all the time people not housed and out there struggling. We have to give them some hope and let them know that they are not forgotten. We need housing in our city for low income families, encourage more and find more of attractive way to get developers to build in our city and provide housing. We need to let them know that we want you to call Grover Beach home. I have lived as a renter my whole life growing up with hard working parents with my two siblings in a small apartment. I know the feeling and I still live it as I am the only candidate that is a renter. I want to make low-rent homes for people to raise their children here, as I was raised. We have to tackle this issue and work on solutions fast and that is what I will do when in office. |
| How will you interact with other governments?: | I would make my presence known to other local government agencies. We need to be good ambassadors and work together with our state and local officials. Reaching out to those in office and let them know what we like to see get done, whether it's funding, assistance in special projects, programs to help our city anything we can do. We have a right to reach out to our upper elected officials and work together. That is what I will do. I will talk to everyone and ask questions make a plan and get some things done. |
| What are your plans to help overcome COVID-19?: | COVID-19 has changed our lives and has had a lasting impact on life. Our city has done a great job with keeping our businesses safe and with the outdoor dining that has helped our local restaurants. We have to find a long-term safety plan and make sure that we keep our stores, restaurants and us safe. Progress is key and that is something that I will bring to the table. I believe we can get over this and we will. This is a virus that does not care what party you are or anything. We must unite and fight through this. I want to unite our citizens, not divide. |
| Which two issues are most important to you?: | The two issues most important to me are Safety and the Homeless problem. This city deserves not to have these issues. We need to find a solution and work together with our local citizens and businesses to find ways to get to the root of the problem. The homeless population is growing, they are more drug use, verbal abuse, loitering, and more. I want to help those who need it who have mental health problems they need our help and we have to work more with our county officials to find solutions. A shelter is a must and temporary housing. It makes me sad seeing more people sleeping on sidewalks; this is not acceptable to me. Everyone should get a fair chance and opportunity to get help. This has been going on too long and it's not getting better. We have to make our streets safer and safe to walk to the beach. I feel safe most of the time, but not all the time. I shouldn't (and no one should) have to feel that. I have plans and goals to work on these issues and if elected I promise to do that. |
