Q&A

Q: There is a vacant lot for sale at the corner of Watson and Williams Streets that is now zoned for high density housing. I understand the need for affordable housing. However as a home owner near this property I am concerned about additional traffic and decreased property values. How will you work toward a balance between housing needs and protecting residential neighborhoods?

Great question. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this issue while I’ve been going door to door.

I have the same concern.  I live just around the corner from that empty lot. If something is built on that lot, I want to see a project that lifts up our neighborhood. Eureka needs housing, but we don’t need more eye-sores.

Nearby, there is a drab apartment building that’s too big for the lot and doesn’t remotely reflect the historic character of our neighborhood. I don’t want another project that brings our neighborhood down.

The City has some protections in place to prevent inappropriate development in our neighborhoods. The City can only enforce objective standards – like set back and parking requirements. State housing law prevents the enforcement of subjective standards. 

The next stage of the City’s housing plan will be focused on identifying smaller housing opportunities, like the undeveloped lot in our neighborhood. Our best hope is to advocate for the type of quality projects we expect to see built.

I think the City could develop a style guide.  The City can’t enforce subjective standards, but the City can advocate for quality projects. A style guide could include architectural style suggestions and examples of recently built housing projects that helped lift up Eureka neighborhoods.

As a council member, my goal is to build a strong connection with City Hall. I want to be aware of upcoming projects and meet with developers early in the planning process and advocate for quality.

Q: I was wondering what Jeff means by "accountable, compassionate solutions" when it comes to illegal camping? Is this Housing First, homelessness and housing plans to come, designated free camping areas with possible community outreach officers making efforts to make contact, etc. What are the accountable and compassionate solutions? I don't need concrete information, but an idea of what this means, because it is too vague for me to like. I agree that illegal camping can be problematic because of the messes it leaves behind, but the people that are illegally camping and their safety and health are my concern, rather than the way it makes the city look.

Thanks for the question.  I believe compassion and accountability need to be partners. I very much support helping people in need. I also support  setting clear expectations and holding people accountable for meeting them.

Over the past ten years, Eureka has emphasized compassion. We’ve developed multiple housing opportunities and supportive programs for community members in need.  Other cities send representatives to Eureka to learn about our programs - we’re setting a positive example for the rest of the state. I support these efforts.

Looking forward, I want to see our city focus similar attention on accountability. We’ve invested significant time and resources in building the Boardwalk and the Waterfront Trail. Illegal camping is trashing some of these areas. Community members don’t feel safe or welcome using these public spaces. Downtown businesses show up to open their stores and people are sleeping in their doorways.  They’re cleaning trash and human waste off their sidewalks.

I was disappointed that the City Council failed to pass the camping  ordinance in May.  If I am re-elected to the City Council, I will ask council to take a second look at what we can do to increase accountability and address these issues.

Just like you, I’m concerned about people’s health and safety.  I’m also concerned about the way our city looks. The programs and housing that we’ve developed require significant funding. If the look of our city makes tourists stop wanting to visit, makes it difficult for local businesses to keep their doors open, then we’ll no longer be able to fund these programs. We’ll lose our ability to help.

Q: The sales tax in Eureka is extremely high at 10.25%. What would need to happen for you to support/push for lowering the Eureka sales tax?

First, we would need to address the budget deficit. The City transferred nearly $4 million from reserves to balance last year’s budget. Reducing the sales tax in Eureka by even less than 1% could add another $5 million to the deficit.

Very unlikely that the City (or the County) will be able to reduce the sales tax any time soon, without declaring bankruptcy.

Addressing the budget deficit is the current priority.  The first step is cutting costs and the City’s already headed in the right direction. This year’s budget is almost 10% smaller than last year’s budget.

The second step is growing our local economy by attracting new businesses and new residents to Eureka. When the economy grows, we have more jobs for everyone. Revenue to the City increases, making it possible to provide the essential services we all need.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Bike Boulevards? If given the opportunity, would you support adding more or not?

I support bike boulevards. Whenever possible, I ride my bike to get around town.  I regularly use the C Street bike boulevard to get downtown. My partner and I have e-bikes and we enjoy riding the bay trail to Arcata or south to Humboldt Hill.

In order to meet the requirements of a housing grant, I understand the City is planning a bike boulevard connected to the project near the Eureka Inn. The project hasn’t been finalized. I’m hoping we can plan something for 8th Street, to help cyclists get across town.

With that said, before moving forward with projects like this, I would meet with residents to get their feedback.  When I was on council and a project like this would come up, I would go door to door to inform residents, hear their concerns, and answer questions.

Overall, I’m glad that the City has improved safety for cyclists.  Most people drive cars to get around town, so most of our streets support car traffic. However, many community members bike, jog, or walk. A lot of people depend on bus service. City policies should support the transportation needs for everyone in our community.

Q: Aren’t there term limits in the City of Eureka? Since you already served two terms, how can you run for council again?

Yes, in the City of Eureka, elected officials must step down from their position after serving  two consecutive terms in office.  After serving two consecutive terms, Council Members and the Mayor are eligible to campaign for the same office again IF at least four years (one term) has passed without holding office. So, I am eligible to run for City Council again, since it’s been at least four years since I served.

‍Q: Which ward do you live in?‍ ‍

There is an interactive ward map on the City’s website.  Just enter your address and you’ll find your ward.  Find the map here:

Ward Map (interactive‍ ‍

Q: Am I voting for City Council in November? Or the Mayor?‍ ‍

The Mayor will be on everyone’s ballot, if you live within Eureka City limits. The Mayor is a citywide election.  Council members are elected by the voters within their ward.  There are 5 wards in Eureka, and council members in wards 1, 3, and 5 will be elected this fall.

‍For a complete list of candidates, check out the local elections page on the Lost Coast Outpost: https://lostcoastoutpost.com/elections/

Q: There is a vacant lot for sale at the corner of Watson and Williams Streets that is now zoned for high density housing. I understand the need for affordable housing. However as a home owner near this property I am concerned about additional traffic and decreased property values. How will you work toward a balance between housing needs and protecting residential neighborhoods?

 Great question. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this issue while I’ve been going door to door.

I have the same concern.  I live just around the corner from that empty lot. If something is built on that lot, I want to see a project that lifts up our neighborhood. Eureka needs housing, but we don’t need more eye-sores.

Nearby, there is a drab apartment building that’s too big for the lot and doesn’t remotely reflect the historic character of our neighborhood. I don’t want another project that brings our neighborhood down.

The City has some protections in place to prevent inappropriate development in our neighborhoods. The City can only enforce objective standards – like set back and parking requirements. State housing law prevents the enforcement of subjective standards. 

The next stage of the City’s housing plan will be focused on identifying smaller housing opportunities, like the undeveloped lot in our neighborhood. Our best hope is to advocate for the type of quality projects we expect to see built.

I think the City could develop a style guide.  The City can’t enforce subjective standards, but the City can advocate for quality projects. A style guide could include architectural style suggestions and examples of recently built housing projects that helped lift up Eureka neighborhoods.

As a council member, my goal is to build a strong connection with City Hall. I want to be aware of upcoming projects and meet with developers early in the planning process and advocate for quality.

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