In each case, there was a clear path forward, led by community and city leaders, who came together to forge a compromise that considered what was best for the neighborhood and city, and not what was best for any singular interest group.
Unfortunately, in both cases, commitments have been broken and we are all potentially the worse off for it.
With respect to raising the minimum wage, I chaired a diverse task force that was able to frame an agreement that targeted those Sacramentans most in need, while dually mitigating the potential ramifications to businesses which could have halted the recovery of our local economy.
The task force specifically recognized the importance of our regional farm-to-fork brand and the sensitive nature of the restaurant industry.
Unfortunately, a number of the groups at the table have now backed away from their previous agreements. My hope is that, by using the principles adopted by the task force, we can rebuild an agreement that will be supported by the Council. Optimistically, this will have been successful by the time you are reading this Viewpoint.
As to Curtis Park Village, oye. The developer submitted an alternative proposal for the location of the fuel center, then pulled the alternative proposal, then pulled the resubmitted tentative map, then resubmitted the alternative fuel center location.
As I have stated before: because the Conditional Use Permit coming to the Council is an appeal of the Planning and Design Commission decision, I am not able to take a position prior to the Council meeting.
Additionally, Safeway and the developer have also approached leaders in Oak Park, promising union jobs in return for support of the fuel center. The jobs are important, but it will be difficult for many who have just come to this discussion to understand the context of the dispute over the fuel center. I have great fears that this action intends to pit one neighborhood against another for political purposes – something that we should never do.
With respect to CPV, I have always done my best in representing the neighborhood. My goal is to insure that the agreement made five years ago between the developer and the community with respect to the type of development will be upheld, both in spirit and word.
My commitment is to evaluate the fuel center as a land-use decision for what is best for the neighborhood without consideration for any one individual’s political or personal gain.
In addition to his council duties, Jay works as an independent consultant and policy advisor on education reform and youth policy and strategies.