Election 2018 > Eureka Mayor > Susan Seaman

Susan Seaman

Links

Notable Endorsements

Supervisor Mike Wilson; Harbor Commissioner Richard Marks; Humboldt County Democrats; Humboldt Del Norte Central Labor Council; Operating Engineers Local 3; American Federation of State and County Municipal Workers; United Food + Commercial Workers Union; Building + Construction Trades Council of Humboldt + Del Norte Counties

Ballot Statement

Eureka is my home, not only because I live here, but because I love it here. I have been an active community member in Eureka for 27 years. My husband and I bought our home here, raised our family, and both of my children attended Eureka City Schools. I’ve been involved in local organizations from the Heritage Society and Humboldt Roller Derby, to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Food for People.

I have worked in economic development in Eureka and the region for over ten years. I currently sit on the City’s Economic Development Commission, and I am the Program Director at the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), located in Eureka. Central to my job is working with local governments and leaders to find opportunities to support businesses, and talking to business owners about their successes and struggles. This has encouraged me to dig deeper into issues of workforce, housing, and infrastructure.

I have committed myself to building collaborative relationships and I have a wealth of ideas to build a stronger Eureka. We need to create an economic development strategy that supports Eureka now and into the future, and gives special consideration to engaging and retaining young professionals. I believe that a healthy economy and workforce are the critical first steps to any sustainable future. I will work with the city and our partners to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable housing. Finally, we need to continue to foster safe neighborhoods by ensuring we have optimal police coverage, embracing neighborhood-focused solutions, and working together to address vandalism, blight, and property crime.

Eureka is facing challenges, but I believe in the importance of building off of our strengths. When I look around our city, I feel excited that we are starting to realize our potential: we have a new waterfront trail; our parks are seeing upgrades; and we have a recently appointed Cultural Arts District. I believe the Mayor sets the tone for the community, and I have the ability to set a tone that is optimistic, motivational, and pragmatic to move us towards a better future.

We need to solve complex problems common to big cities, but with small community resources. We also get to witness community pride that is often foreign to larger communities. That’s the spirit that motivates me to make this city even better. I hope you will join me.