Candidate: Juanita Gonzalez
District: At-Large Cumberland County Commissioner
Opponent: Michael Boose
What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?
None at this time.
If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, Buildpac etc.)
Yes
What are you going to do for homewoners/property owners in Cumberland County if elected?
I have done quite a bit for homeowners/property owners in the past years as a County Commissioner and as a City Councilwoman. I have protected homeowners in rezoning cases and have supported property owners in their endeavors to improve their land. I have worked on committees that have planned neighborhoods and that have envisioned land development in our city and county. Because of my tenacity to improve our neighborhoods where we make our homes, build are schools and raise are children, we now have sidewalks, green spaces and a better quality of life. I AM COMMITTED TO BROADENING OUR TAX BASE BY SUPPORTING A MORE EQUITABLE SALES TAX TO TAKE THE BURDEN OF BALANCING BUDGETS OFF THE BACKS OF PROPERTY OWNERS.
How will you reduce property crime in the county?
I always have and will continue to support our law enforcement agencies. I believe we must eliminate turf battles and work together to solve our crime problems in both the city and the county. Partnerships are a must between community watches and law enforcement. I also will support partnerships between parks and recreation and our schools to provide our youth with quality activities between those critical hours of three and seven o’clock. I also support offering parenting classes and mentoring programs which will help strengthen our families in need.
What are your thoughts on a new parks and rec bond referendum?
I believe we must be clear to the citizens of what voting for the bond referendum would entail. The referendum may need to be pared down or broken up on the ballot as to what citizens really want and/or need. Citizens need to understand their taxes will increase if this referendum is passed and that operational costs are not included, therefore adding to that tax increase. We do have a lot of parks already and the possibility of enhancing and improving what we presently have may be a better alternative.
What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?
I am committed to broadening our tax base by supporting a more equitable sales tax while reducing property taxes. I am committed to partnering with other agencies to provide quality activities for our you after school to keep them occupied in a positive environment. I believe in offering workshops for parents where information can be shared and provided to help with discipline, curfews, morale building and child rearing. I also believe we should plan for a vocational school for our students which will help develop a better trained, more effective work force in our county. I am a mother, a grandmother, and a former educator and I believe we must invest in our you to turn this county’s crime and unemployment around.
