Hank Sims asks Kati Moulton, Kenny Carswell…

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What Does the Second Ward Need?

Leaving aside city-wide issues for a moment: What do you see as the biggest needs for your ward, in particular? What do people want to see happen in the neighborhoods you wish to represent? How would you help them on the council?

— Hank Sims

Response

Kati Moulton

Eureka’s Second Ward is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, so our needs are likewise diverse. It’s hard to separate the success of the folks in Ward Two from the rest of Eureka.

  • The big thing folks are concerned about is the fate of the old Jacobs Campus. Whether it’s Eureka City Schools, the California Highway Patrol, or someone else developing the property, the neighbors deserve a seat at the table. My job is to keep us there. (I oppose Measure F because the “zoning overlay” it would put on Jacobs removes the public part of the building process, allowing a private developer to build almost anything they want without any responsibility to folks who live next door.)
  • Two things that would ease strain on everyone would be more Affordable Housing and better Public Transportation. More rentals in better condition with more opportunities to buy, and a walkable city with safe bike and pedestrian routes as well as more useful bus schedules. (This is why I oppose Measure F. A vote for F is a vote against affordable housing and public transportation.)
  • Public Safety and Quality of Life are closely tied here like in all of Eureka. We need a fully staffed, fully trained, and fully accountable EPD. Police patrols can only do so much, so we need reasons for neighbors to be out and about enjoying public spaces and events, making connections. Parks are made safer by block parties and little league.
  • In the bigger regional picture, we need a strong Local Economy and better access to Good Jobs. These issues are tied into Eureka’s relationship with other regional governments as well as state and national agencies. If re-elected I will continue to push for local control, so that the growth happening in and around Eureka benefits the people of Eureka, not just outside investors. New industries should mean new opportunities for local businesses and high quality jobs for local workers.