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Yahoo!With Goleta’s mayor, Roger Aceves, well into his term of office, I decided to interview him for his perspective on his experience. I hope you will find his answers as stimulating and enlightening as I did.
Mayor Aceves, personally, how are you feeling about Goleta and what do you believe have been our successes?
Paul Wellman
Roger Aceves
First, I’m very pleased at the balance we have achieved on our City Council. We have a diversity of expertise and opinions that have helped us carefully evaluate all points of view. As a result, I believe we reached really good decisions, approving 200 new rental units at Sumida Gardens, responding appropriately to the requested annexation of Glen Annie Golf course, and approving conditions for the 100-unit Haskell’s Landing project at one of our gateways.
Our housing element has been submitted to the state and we hope to receive their comments soon. We also plan to soon take up the Track 3 proposed amendments and then we’ll be able to wrap up Goleta’s General Plan. We’ll then be able to take up our zoning ordinance.
What are the big challenges that lie ahead?
One major challenge before us is ensuring fiscal sustainability for the next five to 10 years. Another major challenge is moving forward with the revitalization of Old Town, which depends in large part on improving the San Jose Creek floodplain. We’ve put aside the funding and, depending on the weather, hope to begin this work in early 2010.
What have been surprises since being on the council?
During my 30-year career with the police, my experience was largely complaint driven, reactive to calls for assistance. As a council person and mayor, I have actually been pleasantly surprised at what a difference I can make as a policy maker. We can initiate actions with a significant impact on our future.
How did your career in public safety prepare you for this job?
As a police official, I was trained to listen and to react. This is an important skill when called upon to hear from fellow councilmembers, city staff, the public, and other public officials.
Also, many of our issues are public safety issues that I believe we are making a difference on. I fought for and won changes to our contract with the sheriff so that we could give some specific direction in Goleta. We have since enhanced public safety by adding a bike patrol in Old Town and a police substation in Camino Real Marketplace.
Some have seen you as part of a no-growth majority. Is that accurate?
When campaigning, I pledged that I would stand for carefully managing our growth, and respect that our small city and small staff could take only a carefully limited amount of growth. But I am proud to say we have still been able to have significant growth Goleta wanted and needed—housing at Sumida Gardens and Haskell’s Landing I already mentioned, plus at Villages at Los Carneros, plus business and commercial projects including three new hotels and Best Buy.
How are you working with other cities, the county, and the university on regional issues such as water, transportation, and housing?
Regional cooperation is so important in many key areas. I have been directly involved in addressing youth violence by my participation on the Task Force Leadership Council. I have also been working closely with the Goleta Water District. And I’m the Goleta council representative on the Metropolitan Transit District Board of Directors.
What is Goleta’s reaction to UCSB’s Long Range Development Plan?
Goleta prizes UCSB for its contribution to our economy and our culture. Councilmembers Connell and Easton serve on our Town and Gown Committee and have been in touch with UCSB to ensure that impacts on Goleta from any future development will be fully mitigated. We need to have agreement on the amount and pace of growth our region can sustain.
What are Goleta’s plans and contingencies regarding California’s state budget?
Due to the economic downturn, we already took measures to balance our budget, including some layoffs and furloughs. As we are talking, we still don’t know whether California will take more funds from our city. If so, I’m sure the council will go over every line item again to keep us fiscally sound, but minimize impacts to public safety and the services Goleta residents depend on.
Do you want to make any announcements about whether you will run for re-election in November, 2010?
At the urging of my friends and supporters, I have re-formed my committee. Yes, I do intend on running for re-election. A formal announcement will be made early next year. Right now I’m trying to fulfill the “employment contract” I made with the voters when they elected me.
I’m confident that if I do the best job, voters will renew my “contract” when I decide to run again. I am proud to be in a position to continue to provide great constituent service, and welcome City of Goleta residents' comments and concerns, at my direct line, 961-7538, or email at raceves@cityofgoleta.org
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