DAVID PROTECTS CARMEL
"Simple beauty becomes a treasure when protected over time."
As a caring and hardworking individual, I am devoted to making a positive impact on the Carmel-by-the-Sea community. My commitment to service is evidenced by my extensive local volunteering experience with various organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Carmel Residents Association, patrolling with the Carmel Police Department's Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, and supporting initiatives such as Meals on Wheels, the SPCA of Monterey County, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce, Carmel Woman’s Association, and PAC REP.
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I have demonstrated my dedication by actively participating in meetings of key city boards and commissions within Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Planning Commission, City Council, Historic Resources Board, and the Forest and Beach Commission. Additionally, I have been involved in the revision of the City's Design Guidelines painstakingly revising over a year of meetings to help protect Carmel's character. Through these engagements, I have deepened my understanding of the city's dynamics and decision-making processes. This has equipped me to contribute valuable insights and perspectives, ensuring that I advocate for the community's best interests. I diligently studied the General Plan, Zoning Codes, and Design Guidelines, which serve as essential references in informing my statements and perspectives.
My passion for learning and my education with remarkable mentors has equipped me with knowledge and wisdom that transcend traditional education paths. I have embraced challenges and transformed them into opportunities for personal growth and community betterment. My unconventional path has fostered in me a profound appreciation for the virtues of attentive listening, tenacity, and prioritizing the welfare of the community above personal interests. These principles guide me in advocating for what is just and meaningful for all residents, embodying a commitment to integrity and community well-being.
Through dedication, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve, I am equipped and prepared to contribute effectively as a Carmel-by-the-Sea City Councilman.
Even though I have only lived in Carmel for a few years, my attachment to this enchanting village dates back to my childhood visits from inland areas. I am committed to serving this community with a genuine spirit of curiosity and a deep desire to understand and address the needs of our residents. Rather than imposing my own views and attempting to alter this beloved place, I believe in honoring the wisdom of our community members and embracing their insights. I am dedicated to preserving the essence of Carmel with love and care, recognizing that it thrives on its unique character that should be cherished and retained.
Peace of Mind
Village Enjoyment:
You deserve a council that is accountable and dedicated, prioritizing residents' interests and ensuring city staff are held to high standards. With strength, kindness, experience, availability, and unwavering commitment to public service, I aim to provide you with governance that allows you to enjoy your village with peace of mind.
Representation:
Beyond mere public meetings, it is essential to inform and engage citizens in decision-making processes. Decisions must be understood and supported by the majority to truly reflect a representative democracy.
Decisions:
Approaching decisions with a business mindset helps eliminate waste and establishes clear priorities. Despite the challenges of listening to diverse community voices, it is our duty to consider all viewpoints. While complete agreement may not always be possible, diverse perspectives can shape decisions to be as inclusive as possible.
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Local Control Challenge:
I have been actively involved in safeguarding our local control since my arrival in Carmel-by-the-Sea. (Click Here) Instances of government overreach, like our Chateau project in France, where higher levels of government disregarded local needs, have reinforced the importance of defending our community rights for me. It is disheartening to witness similar challenges in the United States, threatening the democratic ideals we hold dear. Upholding local control is key to preserving and revitalizing the foundations of our remarkable civilization.
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Dedicated Service:
Service to the community is my ultimate passion. If entrusted with representing your interests, I pledge to prioritize my time and energy to this role. Understanding the importance of listening attentively and doing thorough research, I commit to working diligently to provide you more peace of mind, and work for the betterment of our community now and for generations to come.
Saving a Chateau
Why local control is so important
In 2016 we embarked on a transformative journey to restore a decaying 19th-century Chateau in France, nestled above a picturesque village with its meandering river, ancient bridge, and working mill house. The Chateau, shrouded in neglect with black mold disfiguring its once white stone facade, crumbling walls, and the absence of essential amenities, stood as a testament to its former grandeur now overshadowed by disrepair.
Our vision encompassed reviving this historic edifice and the village, envisaging a refined venue for various events like weddings, fundraisers, tours, and art exhibits. However, our aspirations clashed with plans of a neighboring entity proposing the installation of colossal windmills towering directly behind the Chateau. The looming structures, akin to 22-story skyscrapers, threatened to dwarf the Chateau and inundate it with a continuous airport-like noise.
In alignment with our commitment to invest $5,000,000 into the Chateau's restoration, we engaged in discussions with the village councilors. Presenting them with the option between endorsing wind turbines overshadowing the Chateau or supporting its restoration by local artisans to stimulate the local economy. Ultimately, with enormous citizen support, we garnered unanimous backing for the renovation project. Unity was solidified in a signed declaration by the councilors, paving the way for our efforts to breathe new life into the Chateau with the help of local craftsmen.
As years passed, our investment materialized into vibrant events on the revamped Chateau grounds, enriching the community through fireworks displays, fundraisers, concerts, and art exhibitions. Yet, our monumental preservation endeavors were marred by the revelation of plans to break the agreement, and build four even larger wind turbines in the same location.
Finally, our hopes were dashed when the prevailing authorities were determined to have the right to disregard our little village's unanimous decision. Tearfully informed by the regional governor, the betrayal dealt a poignant blow, compelling us to sell the Chateau at a significant loss and return to the United States.
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After discovering the charming "Irish Rose Cottage" in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we found solace in its quaint charm among cottages, beaches, forests, galleries, restaurants, and shops. Inspired by past experiences with governmental challenges, we're advocating for democracy, local autonomy, and community empowerment to shape vibrant societies. We urge a shift towards incentivizing community development over coercion, championing the preservation of Carmel-by-the-Sea's unique character and values established over a century ago.
