City of Santa Cruz - 5th District

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Question 1:
The Regional Transportation Commission owns the rail corridor. The RTC has unanimously affirmed its commitment to institute high capacity public transit service on the Santa Cruz Branch Line.

Do you support implementing electric passenger rail on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line?

Joe:
Yes.

Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?

Joe:
I absolutely support implementing electric passenger rail on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. I believe that this will help low-income communities across our region and incentivize people to be more environmentally friendly by taking Passenger Rail instead of driving a gas-powered vehicle to work or school. If elected, and put on the RTC by our mayor I will work with the Friends of the Rail & Trail to ensure that we invest in our community by investing in Electric Passenger Rail.


Question 2
Construction has begun on the trail next to the tracks, but some segments have faced opposition and resulting delays.

Do you support building a trail next to the tracks from Davenport to Watsonville?

Joe:
Yes.

How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?

I will fully support construction of the Trail, and believe it to be necessary to help encourage people to walk and bike more throughout the county. Any delay that is not absolutely necessary for safety or other concerns appears that we’re just wasting Taxpayer dollars. I will say that I absolutely support the Trail, and that this project means that people will have more modes of transportation to get around that are safer, better for our environment, and better for the future of Santa Cruz.
 

Question 3:
Neighborhoods with safe streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks create room for us to move freely without our cars.

Do you support improved street infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists?

Joe:
Yes.

How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?

Joe:
I was involved in a car accident because a driver didn’t clear the bike lane. I know firsthand the importance of making our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and even cars. Developing bike lanes all over the city, and daylighting our sidewalks, make it safer for people to choose to not drive a car, while also making it safer for someone driving because they are able to clearly see pedestrian crosswalks and protected bike lanes. I will work to make our streets safer for everyone.
 
 
Question 4:
The June 2022 Greenway Measure D sought to “rail bank” and tear up the tracks for a trail only.

Did you oppose the June 2022 Ballot Measure D?

Joe:
Yes.

What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?

Joe:
The implications are that the voters have spoken, they want a Rail & Trail, and they want to see these projects move forward without any more delays or obstacles particularly from elected officials who supported the Deceptive Greenway Measure.

 
Question 5:
The California Coastal Commission recognizes the value of both freight and passenger rail in the coastal zone for environmental and coastal access reasons. Freight rail capability is important infrastructure for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Do you support preserving freight rail capacity on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line?

Joe:
Yes.

How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?

Joe:
In a community that faces natural disasters from wildfires, floods, mudslides, and earthquakes, I believe it is absolutely necessary to preserve our freight rail capacity in order to ensure that during an emergency, we are able to get in necessary supplies, and recover from a natural disaster.

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