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Carlos Escobedo

Carlos Escobedo
Carlos Escobedo - Santa Maria City Council candidate

Santa Maria City Council - District 1

Website: https://carlosforcitycouncil.com/
Facebook: @CarlosForCityCouncil
Other: Instagram: Carlos4CityCouncil
Why are you running for office?: I am running to make Santa Maria and the Westside in particular a better place to live. I see a District 1 that requires a representative with a spirit of service and total dedication to this huge responsibility. Somebody who knows the problems residents face and has the capacity and openness to seek community-based solutions. Somebody who represents our community as a whole; somebody who understands that in order to make things happen you need to include all voices. All of them.
Imposition and improvisation in public service have historically obstructed the growth of societies and we must not allow that to happen. This is the time for all of us to come together and vote to define the government that we want and need to represent us.
My gratitude toward our community has motivated me go the extra mile in order to create a better Santa Maria for our families.
What makes you qualified for the job?: I have a unique background having worked in several industries here in Santa Maria. I know what it takes to work in broccoli fields, all night as a cashier, as a cook and as a waiter. I understand the struggles of our community.
As a current employee of Allan Hancock I have been able to provide support and guidance to thousands of community members in the process of applying to higher education.
I am also the event coordinator for Santa Maria Open Streets ¡Calles Vivas! which last year brought together more than 150 free activity providers and more than 15,000 community members on Main Street. For this I received recognition as the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year for 2019.
I also founded the first Toastmasters club in Spanish on the Central Coast, “Toastmasters Valle de Santa Maria”. I also volunteer for more than 10 different great organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Bici Centro, Santa Barbara Food Bank, United Way, Rotary and Serve Santa Maria. I simply love giving back to the community that has accepted me as one of its own.
What are your two main priorities if you win?: I don’t think it is as much about what I want as it is about what the community needs. Throughout this campaign I have knocked on thousands of doors and talked to many residents about their concerns. Two issues have emerged as the most important to the community: public safety and a lack of recreational opportunities. I am committed to making both of those issues a priority on City Council.
How will you interact with other governments?: One of the lessons learned from involvement in the community has been that in order to make things happen, you need to create effective communication channels and collaborate with other people. I have already built the relationships needed to accomplish this as evidenced by earning the endorsement of multiple County Supervisors, multiple Santa Maria School Board Members and also Councilmembers from nearby cities.
What are your plans to help overcome COVID-19?: Over the last 6+ months COVID-19 has affected us all in some way. Since the pandemic started I have been working hard to support Santa Maria’s efforts to limit the spread of the virus. I have volunteered at several food distribution centers, delivered food to the elderly, brought masks to farm workers and helped small businesses apply for the Payroll Protection Program.
As a City Councilmember, I will keep supporting Santa Maria by advocating for more resources and continue to keep our community informed. Once we overcome the pandemic itself, we will need to enact policies that help our local businesses and economy begin to thrive again.
Which two issues are most important to you?: This question was answered above, but given the ability to prioritize two additional issues they would be supporting small businesses and creating more affordable housing opportunities.

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