By world standards, Tracy is a young city. A single rail line was established nearby just thirty years after the Gold Rush. Tracy, the intersection of two rail lines, became an incorporated city 100 years ago with fewer than 1,000 citizens.

We are blessed as a city with a moderate climate, good soil for agriculture, and a location that is hard to beat. We are within a couple of hours of a number of world destinations. We are a short distance to Silicon Valley - the world's technology leader and a huge economic engine for northern California.

As we move past the first decade of the 21st Century, worldwide economic problems, war in the Middle East, and environmental disasters like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico point to significant challenges for our country, the State of California and for the City of Tracy.

We need to plan for the future while serving our current community needs. As we work through the issues and challenges we face, we must think about the consequences of our actions 20, 30, and even 50 years from now. The policies and decisions we make now must be balanced by a consideration of their long-term effects.

MY PRIORITIES FOR TRACY

A SAFE COMMUNITY

Maintain a strong level of community safety

Support Police and Fire

Zero tolerance of gang activity

A STRONG ECONOMY

Continue job creation policies

Bring new businesses to Tracy

Support existing businesses so they can grow

A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Implement policies that will make Tracy a leader in
environmental planning and action

A BALANCED BUDGET

Balance the City budget

Eliminate the 10% shortfall

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Work to bring the following to Tracy:

Sports fields

A community swimming pool

Improved animal shelter

A second library

EDUCATION

Support the Tracy Unified School District

Support D.A.R.E. training for Tracy's kids

DOWNTOWN AND THE MALL

Complete the Downtown Specific Plan
to promote a renaissance of our historic downtown

Continue City policies of suppporting the Mall

Let's guarantee a solid future for Tracy with strong measures that foster economic development.

Let's preserve our history and identity. As we add neighborhoods, let's contnue to improve and support our downtown area. Let's give our neighborhoods the character and amenities that foster community and that support people and their families. Over the years, the quality of our neignborhoods will sustain us.

We need a balanced, reasonable approach to the issues facing Tracy. We need to listen carefully to the needs, concerns, and wishes of all citizens of Tracy.

If you have any comments or would like to talk to me about the issues, don't hesitate to call me at (209) 835-4325 or e-mail pete@mitracos.com

Aug 12, 2010