LOCAL CONTROL
MAINTAIN CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Our State Constitution ensures each municipality has the right to govern its own development, but State government has been systematically eroding away that right with no defense from our council members or representatives. Ferlito and Barron are encouraging it, Richards and Potter are ignoring and silencing the public, and only Dramov has been the sole voice of reason. Dawn Addis thinks we are to small to fight and other politicians skirt the issue. Advocating for local control in development is crucial to safeguarding our community's autonomy. We must fight hard for our constitutional right to self govern our development. We must engage in constant communication with our Supervisors, Senators, and Assembly Members to underline the dangers of invasive State Mandated development laws that do not consider local needs.
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We must stand firm against laws that harm our communities and fight to overturn them. One way to reclaim our autonomy is by supporting a ballot initiative that reaffirms the State Constitutional right for municipalities to govern their own development. Creating a Charter City instead of our existing a General Law City could help us engage in successful lawsuits against the State as others have done.
Preserving historic districts and heritage areas can help maintain the character and identity of our community, one area at a time. It is time to take a firm stand for our right to self-govern and shape the development that aligns with our unique needs and values. Let's unite to defend our local control and promote responsible and sustainable growth by changing our council to leadership that fights for our rights and not the whims of others.
UNDERGROUND POWER LINES
FIRE SAFETY
Just like the devastating fire that claimed many lives recently in Lahaina, Carmel-by-the-Sea is facing a similar threat with limited exits and numerous power lines running through our forested area. Having lived in Lahaina and feeling horrible for the loss my previous community has endured, I am deeply concerned for my community here. It's time to take action to protect our loved ones. We must prioritize safety by under-grounding the power lines. Let's kickstart this crucial improvement by introducing a Betterment Assessment based on equal division of cost by property. This ensures fair contributions, even from long-term residents facing financial challenges, and exceptions can be made. The local government must act now! Your safety is at stake. Let's make it happen together!
POST OFFICE
URGENT REPAIRS NEEDED
Recent letter to Jimmy Panetta, U.S. Representative:
"For generations, our beloved post office has stood as an enduring symbol of our closely-knit community. It is more than just a functional space for sending and receiving mail—it is the heart of our town, a cherished gathering place where neighbors meet, exchange ideas, and collectively foster the spirit of unity that defines our unique character.
Recent events have left our community in a state of great distress. A vehicle accident that damaged the front entrance of our post office has rendered this essential hub of connectivity and camaraderie uncertain. The building, privately owned, needs significant repairs which have been stymied by the owner's delays in seeking insurance compensation. Meanwhile, the pressing needs and the impassioned calls of our community are being neglected.
It is difficult to articulate the profound sense of loss and disruption this has caused. The post office is an irreplaceable bastion of community life and an anchor for our daily interactions. Without it, many of our seniors and less mobile residents are particularly disadvantaged, isolated even more from the threads of daily life that keep us all connected.
I am fervently appealing to you for assistance in addressing this matter with the urgency it deserves. Can you help expedite the necessary repairs to our post office? Any intervention you can provide or influence you might leverage to ensure swift action in the wake of this accident would be received with immense gratitude by all residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Our community stands ready to support efforts that bring about this essential restoration. Rest assured, your proactive involvement will resonate deeply with the voters, affirming your commitment to the welfare and well-being of the constituents who depend on you.
Thank you most sincerely."
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
PRIORITIES SET BY RESIDENTS
​​It is crucial for our government to prioritize fiscal responsibility in order to ensure long-term financial stability and sustainability. One pressing issue that needs to be addressed is the ballooning retirement debt, especially regarding municipal pension obligations. It is essential to take proactive steps in securing these obligations and consider modifying future benefits to align them with Social Security standards. Transitioning from defined benefit programs to defined contribution plans may help mitigate the financial burden and ensure the long-term viability of retirement funds.
Additionally, addressing immediate maintenance and safety concerns, such as those faced by police stations, is key to preventing more significant financial strains in the future. By investing in the upkeep and security of existing infrastructure, we can avoid the enormous cost of building a new station and ensure a safer working environment for law enforcement personnel.
Overall, prioritizing fiscal responsibility involves making prudent financial decisions that balance current needs with long-term sustainability. By focusing on maintenance, beautification, and safety measures, we can create a more resilient and financially stable government that better serves its constituents.
PROTECT CHARACTER
WORLD TREASURE FOR GENERATIONS
​​It's necessary to prioritize beautification projects that focus on preserving the unique charm and character of the city. By investing in initiatives such as landscaping, street improvements, public art installations, and architectural upgrades, Carmel can maintain its visually distinctive environment for residents and visitors alike for generations to come.
Supporting volunteer organizations like Carmel Cares is essential for fostering a sense of community engagement and civic pride. By collaborating with such groups, Carmel can leverage volunteer efforts and resources to address local needs, promote social cohesion, and strengthen community bonds.
Auditing Planning Department and Planning Commission decisions is key to ensuring that development projects align with the city's General Plan, Building Codes, and Design Guidelines.
Developing Historic Districts as outlined in the current General Plan can help preserve Carmel's rich cultural heritage and international architectural legacy. Many significant structures are replaced by designs not in the historic context statement, and do not follow the existing Design Guidelines. Carmel can sustain its unique identity, promote tourism and economic vitality by being sensitive to its past.
TRANSPARANCY
OPENNESS IS KEY TO WISE DECISIONS
There appears to have been some challenges related to transparency and community input in recent City Council decisions. This perception has resulted in some confusion and concerns among residents affected by these choices.
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To address these challenges, it is important to enhance open communication, actively involve the community, and consider residents' perspectives in the decision-making process.
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By fostering a more inclusive and transparent approach, the council can work towards rebuilding trust, promoting unity, and creating a stronger sense of collaboration within the community.
FOREST PRESERVATION
15,000 YEARS DESERVES SCIENTIFIC SOLUTION
The Carmel Urbanized Forest holds significant ecological value and has been an integral part of our village long before any development took place. Preserving this forest is essential, especially in the face of tree removal for safety reasons. To maintain the integrity of the forest, it is crucial to replace any Monterey Pines that are removed with new Monterey Pines, alongside Monterey Cypress and Redwoods, instead of non-forest ornamental trees.
While urban forests are typically planted after city development for environmental benefits, the Carmel Urbanized Forest stands out as a preexisting natural entity that must be safeguarded akin to preserving a wild park. Merely planting 2% of Oaks and Pines in this forest does not sufficiently support its overall health or address the depleted tree population effectively.
When introducing new trees into the Urbanized Forest, it is imperative to adhere to a structured maintenance plan. This includes proper care such as watering and regular upkeep to ensure the survival and growth of the newly planted trees. Neglecting these maintenance practices, as has unfortunately been done in the past, would undermine the preservation efforts and endanger the forest ecosystem.
ADDRESSES
TRADITIONS AND CONCERNS
The town of Carmel-by-the-Sea has a longstanding tradition of opposing physical addresses. Packages being delivered to the local Post Office instead of individual residences ensures greater security. While concerns have been raised about potential difficulties for emergency services in locating residents in need, there are currently no reports of delays in response times. Although challenges were encountered during the initial setup of my personal services upon moving to the area, they were ultimately resolved.
Residents argue that transitioning to street addresses, while unnecessary, would create significant disruption for the community at large. The current system, albeit unconventional, has effectively served the town thus far, and many feel that maintaining this unique approach is in the best interest of all involved.
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In unison with the idea of keeping this tradition alive and yet exploring ways to improve it, I will research a way to better identify home locations digitally to address the concerns of residents who want addresses.
Find us:
SE Corner of 12th
Casanova, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Paid for and authorized by David O'Neil for Carmel City Council 2024 - FPPC# 1470131