Is Eureka a big town or a tiny city? When you’re charting its future, which is the better way to think of it?

— Hank Sims

Response

Janelle Jackson

I don’t aspire for Eureka to become a big city. Eureka is a small town, and I love that about it. To me, the more important question is: what kind of community do we want Eureka to be?

I believe we can grow economically without losing our small-town feel. Growth doesn’t always mean getting bigger. Sometimes it means making better use of what we already have.

Eureka has tremendous potential. Our waterfront, downtown, and mall all have opportunities for new investment and activity. I want to see those spaces put to better use, creating jobs and supporting businesses that strengthen our local economy. Tourism is important, but our focus should also be on what our community can provide for the people who live here: good jobs, thriving local businesses, opportunities for families, and a quality of life we can be proud of.

That also means taking care of the basics. We need to fix our roads, invest in the services and facilities our community depends on, clean up our city, and make sure Eureka is safe and welcoming. Growth should be measured not only by what we attract to Eureka, but by what we are able to provide for the people who call it home.

One of the things I value about being a small town is that our residents can have a real impact on what happens here and help shape the future they want for their community. I want to work alongside the people of Eureka, listen to what they want for our community, and help build a future where Eureka can thrive without losing the character and sense of community that make it special

 

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