Jennifer Smith
| Candidate Name: | Jennifer Smith |
| Position Sought: | Goleta City Council – District 3 |
| Website / Social Media: | www.jennifersmith4goleta.org Facebook: Jennifer Smith 4 Goleta Instagram: @jennifersmith4goleta |
| Why are you running for office? |
| My spouse and I are proud to call Goleta District 3 home. As a 12-year Goleta resident, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape our city’s future. I am ready to tackle pressing issues such as housing affordability, infrastructure improvement, emergency preparedness, environmental preservation, and conservation of open space as the City of Goleta 3rd District council member. |
| What makes you qualified for this position? |
| Since 2017, I have served on the Goleta City Planning Commission, ensuring that land use proposals align with our community’s General Plan. I am also an attorney and the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. Throughout my legal career in non-profit civil legal aid, I have proudly championed the rights of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. Whether protecting vulnerable populations, aiding survivors of intimate partner violence, or combating housing instability, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to justice. |
| What are the two hardest issues facing the candidate who wins the office you are running for? |
| Major concerns include ongoing infrastructure needs and both the impacts of housing and housing affordability. |
| How do you plan to address the issue of inflation and its impacts on your constituents if elected? |
| Cost of living is a major concern for Goleta residents. It is critical that implementation of housing element and related programs prioritize and focus on housing affordability. I will also collaborate with regional stakeholders to address issues related to affordable childcare and food security for families. |
| What major crime issues do you plan to address if elected and how? |
| Goleta is frequently cited on various "safest city" lists for California and I support ongoing efforts to keep Goleta safe with a focus on prevention of violent crimes, including increased prevention of intimate partner and family violence. I also support efforts to connect law enforcement with local businesses for expert guidance on burglary prevention. |
| How do you plan to address the issue of housing if elected? |
| City resident are concerned about the impacts of future housing projects on local infrastructure and also with housing affordability. I plan take a balanced approach. We need ongoing monitoring and advocacy related to 1) any impacts related to rezoned properties in the County that border the City and 2) implementation of the City's new housing element to ensure that housing plans/programs address the need for affordable housing. |
| What do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office if elected? |
| If I am elected, I will continue to use my experience serving our community to address local needs and will work collaboratively with other stakeholders to champion the needs of city residents. Review and approval of the City budget will also be a critical opportunity to ensure that the budget reflects our city values and promotes fiscal responsibility. |
| What actions do you plan to take to reduce political divide? |
| I will proudly serve City of Goleta residents regardless of political affiliation. Local issues related to infrastructure, climate disasters, parks, cost of living, and open space impact all of us as neighbors and provide an opportunity to work across political lines to create meaningful solutions. I will serve local residents with transparency and integrity as we work together for a brighter future for the city of Goleta that honors our past, embraces our present challenges, and paves the way for generations to come. |
