2016 Election: Georgette Gomez on Issues that Matter to BikeSD Supporters in District 9

Our board sent questionaires to candidates running for city council and we will be posting their responses here. Georgette Gomez is running to replace Councilmember Marti Emerald who currently represents District 9.Our endorsements will be posted tomorrow, Friday.

Georgette Gomez.  Photo via Gomez's website.
Georgette Gomez. Photo via Gomez’s website.

1) How do you envision the growth of cycling in San Diego – be it for transportation, recreation, or otherwise? Do you see cycling as a community builder?

Cycling is a critical mode of transportation that takes cars off the road, keeps the environment clean, and increases mobility for those who don’t have the means or ability to drive. I strongly believe that cycling helps foster vibrant communities where people stay healthy, enjoy recreational time, and support local businesses.

2) What steps must be taken to ensure the success of San Diego’s “Vision Zero” goals – and what action will you take to deliver on D9 “VZ” corridors, El Cajon Blvd and University Avenue?

In order to achieve these critical goals I would implement a three pillar approach: Build community support, identify pilot projects, and identify implementation funding.

3) Do you support the Kensington-Talmadge Community Planning Group desire to add a right-turn lane on El Cajon Blvd at Fairmont Ave, eliminating a planned traffic calming feature (sidewalk bulb-out)? Do you desire to see more or less traffic calming along highly traveled D9 corridors?

I do not support the elimination of the sidewalk bulb-out feature on El Cajon Blvd at Fairmont Ave. It is critical to improve our roads for all users, not just vehicles. Corridors like the El Cajon & Fairmount are highly trafficked by residents and we need to prioritize supporting active modes of transportation like biking and walking by our residents in a safe and secure manner. On the Council, I will work to implement more traffic calming measures that promote our residents moving about the neighborhoods without their cars.

4) Will you support more road-diets like that on Fairmont Avenue in City Heights? Is ‘Level-of-Service’ a satisfactory traffic measure when weighing improvements in neighborhood safety?

Yes, but it is also critical that the City prioritizes real improvements to our public transportation system so that it is efficient and attractive to users. Investing in a world class public transit system is the best long term solution for reducing traffic and driving in San Diego.

5) Given the myriad of competing interests in D9 neighborhoods, how will you handle individuals and groups, alike, whose interests and actions run counter to the City’s transportation and street design goals as laid out in the Climate Action Plan, and Vision Zero initiative?

On the City Council, I will ensure the district is meeting its goals to reduce climate impacts. But in order to do this there needs to be a broad conversation within the district that includes all stakeholders, especially underserved communities. There is common ground on these issues, and I will work hard to move forward with the input from all stakeholders. In the end, I will make sure we implement the plan, even when it is not the popular thing to do, and I will guarantee that all stakeholders are engaged and informed about the implementation process.

6) Multiple studies have shown that increased bicycle accessibility, is good for local businesses – and that this even holds true when on-street parking is reduced. How can the information gap between advocates and businesses be bridged to advance our common interests of safe, thriving neighborhoods? Further, at which point do you say to those who refuse to engage as responsible and reasonable partners in the community’s progress, that the cycle of arguments must end so we may act for the common good?

One thing is clear for me and that is that the same old narrative in San Diego cannot continue. I’m running to shake up City Hall. That includes changing how we plan our neighborhoods so that low income communities and working people don’t bear the brunt of the harmful effects of pollution and climate change. When we do make planning decisions, it can’t just be developers and special interests with the final say. I’ve fought for planning changes to build healthier, safer neighborhoods my entire career. On the City Council, I’ll make sure ordinary people and residents have a bigger voice in the decisions that affect their lives. All sides, including businesses, have a right to voice an opinion on City decisions, but nobody has a right to drown out others.

7) What (if any) plans and decisions, with respect to increasing cycling accessibility, have been made in the past by government agencies and elected officials that you disagree with? Did you make public that disagreement? And do you see an opportunity, if elected, to reverse it?

I’ve been active since the start on the design and implementation of the Mid City Bike Corridor. I’ve worked with residents to ensure their input is taken into account and I’ve advocated to ensure the streets selected for improvements reflect the community’s needs. Yet the biggest challenge remains City Hall’s refusal to fully fund this vital project. On the Council, I’ll fight for a fair amount of funding for important projects like the Mid City Bike Corridor and other improvement in our dense, urban communities.

I’m going to fight to ensure that the City invests in improving Active Transportation projects, especially in communities that have high rates of pedestrian and biking casualties. I’ll also focus on implementation by ensuring that the work of our Street Engineers and Planning Department is aligned with policies and zoning that promotes biking and walking. We need better and bolder designs that promote walking and biking, are good for the environment, promote community safety, and strengthen the local economy.

I am also going to advocate that our City take a strong position in favor of an Active Transportation policy at SANDAG. The City of San Diego needs to exert more influence on SANDAG’s decisions to promote transit.

8) Will you support the implementation of the 2011 San Diego Bicycle Master Plan Update, including budgetary requirements for its completion and success?

Yes.

9) If you have one, share a favorite cycling memory – and let us know how it shapes your desire to see safe streets in San Diego for all residents, across generations?

I’ve been a strong advocate for redesigning our streets to improve Active Transportation in our Urban Core, especially in our historically underserved communities. Last year EHC hosted a City Heights Bike ride. This ride was a multicultural and multigenerational ride that promoted the importance of riding and bike-friendly urban planning for Orange Avenue. Thinking of that amazing diverse group riding together in support of community improvements still makes me smile.

10) Finally – If elected, will you commit to meeting with BikeSD representatives on a regular basis to continue the dialog around improving all D9 neighborhoods, and making San Diego the world’s greatest city for cycling?

Yes.

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