I'd distinguish between programs mandated by state or federal law and those that are not, and look to reduce non-mandated programs first — in order to protect the core services residents actually expect from a city: water, trash, sewer, and roads, along with health and safety broadly, and programs that support local economic activity, since that activity is what generates the sales tax revenue the city depends on.

It depends on the type of work. As someone who has spent my career as local government staff myself, I see real value in contracting for one-time or short-term special projects, or for genuinely specialized work outside city staff's expertise. I don't support contracting out ongoing, day-to-day operational functions that are core to what city staff already does well. Used properly, outside consultants should be a force multiplier for staff, not a replacement for them.

I support fair wages, strong safety standards, and real local hire and apprenticeship opportunities on public projects. I'll evaluate procurement approaches — including PLAs — on a project-by-project basis, to make sure Port Hueneme gets the best value and quality for both our workforce and our taxpayers, rather than committing to a blanket policy before I've seen a single project.

I'm generally not in favor of them. It takes real time to develop a working understanding of local government law, regulations, operations, and budgeting — often years. Frequent turnover on a council creates a loss of institutional knowledge and widens the gap between newly elected officials and long-serving city staff. If a councilmember is doing effective work and voters continue to support them, I believe they should be able to keep serving.

I'd want a real baseline. I've proposed creating a "level of service" study across city programs, comparing Port Hueneme to other cities in the county and select coastal cities in California — including staffing ratios that many jurisdictions already use for budget and planning purposes. You can't make good decisions about a service without first understanding where you actually stand.

Professionally and consistently. Public decorum matters — speaking out of turn or damaging important city partnerships wastes both goodwill and taxpayer time and resources. I'd hold myself to an even-tempered, professional standard in how the council does its business, because how we conduct ourselves affects whether the city can actually get things done.