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District 3 Candidate, Ryan Keim
Chamber PAC members noted that Keim has been diligent to keep open lines of communications with the business community, regularly reaching out to Chamber staff and leaders. He has participated regularly in chamber events and roundtables and stays in close communication with business leaders. He has advocated for a streamlined permit and approval process for development, increased height allowances and density downtown, and a new program that makes it easier and more affordable for residents to build accessory-dwelling units.
Keim has a deep understanding of the challenges that business owners are facing with the criminal behavior associated with certain segments of the homeless population. He recognizes the need to proactively focus on property and quality-of-life crimes that have a tremendous impact on the livability of our City. Along those lines, he has proactively sought to end safe havens for criminal behavior by holding budget motels accountable for their impact on the community. He advocates for a two-pronged approach that connects homeless individuals with critical services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery, and bridge housing while at the same time addressing crime and the individuals who choose to victimize our residents.
District 4 Candidate, Peter Weiss
The PAC noted in its endorsement recommendation of Peter Weiss that he has consistently demonstrated his support for business and overall economic development to expand the City’s tax base. Having served in various staff roles, including City Manager, consultant and now Mayor, Weiss understands our City from a wide variety of perspectives.
Weiss has been consistently available to our business community, participating in the Chamber’s regular updates to businesses on COVID-19 issues, joining our small business roundtable forums last year and attending numerous Chamber events.
Weiss has expressed recognition for the need for housing stock for all income levels. He has strong ideas for encouraging developers to build affordable housing units, advocating for a variety of opportunities including infill projects along the coastal corridor to “reasonable and planned development of South Morro Hills”.
