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Santa Cruz County - 5th District
Theresa
Bond
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?
Theresa:
Yes.
Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Theresa:
Current and future generations of residents will benefit from the corridor. Education to utilize public transportation is key. I would recommend public schools add to their curriculum how to use public transportation safely.
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?
Theresa:
Declined to answer
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Theresa:
I have not yet toured this section of the project to understand the obstacles causing the delays. This will be a priority to me and I would welcome scheduling a tour now.
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?
Theresa:
Yes.
How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?
Theresa:
My focus is on safe routes for all residents and their mode of transport. Yes I would support common sense policy. Choosing which projects to fund I would base on data and response to my questions.
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?
Theresa:
​Yes.
What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?
Theresa:​
Voters made their desire clear and as their representative I would work to achieve, exceed their expectations. Many feel the delays and looking for new leadership.
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?
Theresa:​
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?
Theresa:​
Reliance on transportation drives our economy and not just as backup for disasters. It is only prudent that we develop improve the pace which includes investing in safe alternatives.
Christopher Bradford
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?
Christopher:
Yes.
Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Christopher:
We must pursue forward-thinking transportation that serves our community and environment. Electric rail on the Santa Cruz branch line would provide an accessible option reducing cars and emissions.Our county must do its part on climate change through realistic alternatives to driving. With population growing, we cannot rely solely on highways. Commuting costs also strain working families and fixed-income seniors. Equity demands affordable, sustainable transit. That's why I'll collaborate with stakeholders to advance electric rail initiatives if elected supervisor. My advocacy will secure funding at all levels by touting benefits like convenience, affordability and reduced environmental impact.With rail,we can curb congestion, lower commute costs and decrease our carbon footprint. We must act now.
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?
Christopher:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Christopher:
Like every other policy and budgetary issue it will be expressed in the choices I made and the votes I make in collaboration with other supervisors while in office. I would communicate to my constituents that I support building the trail wherever it makes most sense for the community. Making sure we've gotten good data and know how we can best construct the trail to best serve the community with justice as the center while also respecting their interests.
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?
Christopher:
Yes.
How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?
Christopher:
Improving safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is a very important issue. Too many lack access to sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting and crosswalks needed to travel safely without a car. I'll advocate for projects, policies and funding to create connected active transit networks so residents of all ages and abilities can walk and bike comfortably. This includes collaborating with local planners to modify road designs, increase dedicated pathways, implement traffic calming measures, and install bike racks while making sure historically underserved areas see infrastructure upgrades first. Our community deserves accessible, sustainable transportation options that protect our most vulnerable road users. With strategic investments guided by equity and climate goals, we can transform our streets into spaces that work 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 the June 2022 Ballot Measure D?
Christopher:
Yes.
What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?
Christopher:
That most constituents want both rail and trail and when provided education on the topic they made their voices heard.
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?
Christopher:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?
Christopher:
Freight rail has been important for moving goods in America for more than a century, and continues to be so. I support freight rail capacity on the Santa Cruz branch rail line and the continued use of train. This position would be expressed in my vocal public support, in addition to a positive approach to policy related to freight rail capacity.
Tom
Decker
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?
Tom:
Yes.
Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Tom:
I support implementing electric passenger rail on the Santa Cruz Branch as long as it can be funded from currently existing taxes revenues.
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?
Tom:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Tom:
As long as this trail can be built using currently existing revenues.
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?
Tom:
Yes.
How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?
Tom:
As long as these can be built with currently existing revenues.
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 the June 2022 Ballot Measure D?
Tom:
No.
What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?
Tom:
"Rail bank" is just another way of saying the "We will tear up the tracks and NEVER replace them". Seriously, when is the last time that the State of California replaced any rail road tracks anywhere? You only need to look at the 10's of millions spend on building the High Speed Railroad in the Central Valley. Millions spent and not a single rail yet laid after all of these years.
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?
Tom:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?
Tom:
Of course - we need freight rail lines serving our communities.
Monica Martinez
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?
Monica:
Yes.
Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Monica:
I wholeheartedly support implementing electric passenger rail, and have been a consistent advocate for this vision. I am a strong supporter of sustainable transportation alternatives and recognize the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Another important aspect is alignment with the State Rail Plan, allowing us to make meaningful progress towards our climate goals. Electric rail is a sustainable mode of transportation that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a greener future for our region. Additionally, connecting to the SRP has the potential to reach underserved communities, offering affordable, reliable transportation alternatives. It can improve accessibility for residents, helping to bridge gaps in our transportation network. Lastly, investing in electric rail can spur economic development. It creates job opportunities, stimulates local business, and enhances overall infrastructure of our county.
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?
Monica:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?
Monica:
I strongly support building a trail next to the tracks. It’s important to provide our community with multiple options for alternative transportation, including bike and pedestrian pathways. Dedicating a trail next to the tracks will provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians, away from vehicle traffic, which will reduce collisions and make neighborhoods safer. As 5th District Supervisor, I will be a RTC Commissioner, and I will be a strong advocate for advancing the project. Since the rail trail does not touch the 5th District, I will champion it to my constituents by highlighting the benefits of connectivity: being more able to walk safely between businesses and recreation spaces, and expanded opportunities to hike and bike while not having to worry about vehicle traffic.
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?
Monica:
Yes.
How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?
Monica:
As an experienced road cyclist and a parent of SLV school children, I am deeply committed to enhancing street safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. I will champion policies that reduce the risk of traffic fatalities and injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility. I want our streets to be places where our community can safely walk and bike without fear. It's not just a policy issue for me; it's a matter of the safety and well-being of loved ones. I strongly support the RTC’s project that will improve access to the SLV schools complex in Felton. I understand the safety concerns of parents and students, and am committed to addressing them. I will ensure pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and Complete Streets policies are integrated into broader, long term transportation plans. I will prioritize projects in areas with high pedestrian/cyclist traffic, as well as locations with a history of accidents or safety issues, as well as historically underserved communities.
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 the June 2022 Ballot Measure D?
Monica:
Yes.
What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?
Monica:
I was strongly opposed to Measure D, and volunteered on the No on D campaign. The 73% defeat sends a clear message that Santa Cruz County is more than ready to implement a rail and trail, and is not interested in railbanking. The 5th District had the highest percentage of No on D votes across the county. Not only do 5th District voters support the idea of green and affordable passenger rail, they also strongly support Roaring Camp, which would have lost its federal protection as a freight line had Measure D passed, giving the RTC control over the tracks between Felton and Santa Cruz. 5th District voters also wholeheartedly support their local fire districts, whose chiefs publicly voiced their opposition to Measure D over concerns of the loss of the use of freight lines for transporting supplies and firefighters during wildfires.
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?
Monica:
Yes.
How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?
Monica:
I strongly support preserving freight rail capacity on the Santa Cruz Branch Line. As I stated in the previous question, I am confident that the 5th District voters will stand with me as an opponent of railbanking and a supporter of freight rail capacity. Disaster preparedness and recovery is the most important issue to the 5th District, and I will continue to publicly support the preservation of freight rail as a critical piece of that issue. As a County Supervisor and RTC Commissioner, I will support policies that protect freight rail, as well as utilize my relationships with our state and federal elected officials to lobby them and ensure that they are also protecting our freight rail capacity.
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