Alice Patino
Candidate for mayor of Santa Maria
| Website: | electpatino2020.com |
| Why are you running for office?: | My experience. I feel I have the background to continue serving the City of Santa Maria. This is an exciting time to be involved in a city that is growing and I want to devote my time and energy to the city and the wonderful people that I love. |
| What makes you qualified for the job?: | My experience. As a young mother of two boys I was involved in the community and schools with 4-H, FFA, sports and School Board member. I have served on several boards and commissions in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County. I have served our community on the Code Compliance Board, SB County Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, SB County Economic Vitality Committee, Marian Medical Foundation, Dune Center Board Member and Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley to name a few. I have served on the Santa Maria City Council and two terms as Mayor. My husband and I owned and operated a small business which gave me a better understanding how government hinders and can help economic development. I am involved in my community. |
| What are your two main priorities if you win?: | Help restart the economy. We need to support small business in staying and relocating to a city that is business friendly. Partnerships with our educational partners in the High School District, Allan Hancock College, 4-year University to provide the opportunity for Santa Marians to find more well-paying careers in the community. Work on the General Plan update which is the blueprint or guiding document that outlines policies which will determine how the city will be built out into the future. We need to figure out where housing developments will be placed, land set aside for schools, retail, industrial and amenities such as open space and parks. Transportation, whether private or public.....vehicle or pedestrian will need planning. |
| How will you interact with other governments?: | I meet regularly with the superintendents of our local School Districts and Allan Hancock College. I sit on the SBCAG & APCD Boards which are regional boards within Santa Barbara County addressing regional issues. I am currently serving on the Governors Housing Task Force with five other counties with the task of solving housing issues in the State of California. |
| What are your plans to help overcome COVID-19?: | I have NO authority. The Governor makes the call than hands down his orders to Public Health Department in each county with directions to each jurisdiction. We work with the Public Health Department to help communicate the message, follow the direction of mandated closures and help small businesses attest to their readiness to open. The Santa Barbara Foundation is giving out grants to small businesses to help in re-opening within the city. |
| Which two issues are most important to you?: | This health and economic crisis is an overriding issue. The people in Santa Maria see Public Safety as a very important issue having voted 74% for a 1-cent sales tax in 2018. Our Public Safety men and women are well trained professionals. During these difficult times for law-enforcement we have great community support. The economy is something that impacts all of us. We were doing great until COVID-19 and now we need to recover for the health of our city and the health of our residents. |
Extended Interview with Alice Patino
