San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
RE-ELECTED POWAY COUNCIL MEMBERS LOOK TO FUTURE
Continuing work on projects, starting new ones among their goals
With their re-election, returning Poway City Council members Barry Leonard and Caylin Frank said they are looking to continue the work started during their previous terms.
Leonard said he found this campaign easier than his first because he understood the process and commitment needed to win.
“I felt fairly confident of winning based on my frequent discussions with residents,” Leonard said. “They approved of my past performance on the council and supported my desire to continue with my commitment to enhance the quality of life in Poway.”
Leonard said his re-election — now as the District 2 representative — was gratifying and a confirmation by residents that he is meeting their expectations.
This is the first year for Poway to hold district instead of citywide council races.
Frank said her 2020 campaign
was a learning experience, due to having a new baby and needing to stay safe and keep others safe as well.
“My favorite part of a campaign is connecting with residents through meet and greets, neighborhood coffees and community events, so without the ability to do that in the usual way, we had to regroup and get creative,” she said. “I never take anything for granted, so I worked very hard to reach voters and share my message with the hope that they would agree and support my re-election campaign.”
Frank said being reelected as the first District 4 council member means a lot to her.
“I’m extremely grateful to have the support of my community,” she said. “Between our Poway Road commercial centers and the business park, south Poway is invaluable to our city’s economy and financial future.”
She said quality of life and the level of services enjoyed are equally important to south Poway, and she is dedicated to protecting those as the city works through its economic recession.
“I will work hard to be the advocate District 4 deserves by continuing to listen to residents, being accessible and supporting our community,” Frank said.
With their campaigns successful, both said they are looking forward to continuing in-progress projects and working on new ones.
Leonard said he is a strong advocate for action and he joined the council with the intention of improving Poway.
“The council is careful with the taxpayers’ funds and we have been able to do some great things, like build the new community center with cash on hand,” Leonard said. “We will see the new special needs housing come online in 2021 and new senior housing will follow behind it.”
Leonard said the council has encouraged careful development along Poway Road to replace blighted areas and three projects are currently under way with new condos and apartments, along with new retail businesses.
Leonard said he has also advocated for land conservation, and the council has added hundreds of acres to its land bank.
“We are always looking for opportunities to increase public access to our trail network,” he said.
Frank said she is especially excited to see the opening of the new Mickey Cafagna Community Center and welcoming Poway seniors to their new senior center, as well as getting things like bingo and meals back up and running once it can be done safely.
She said the council has ordered an assessment of Poway Community Park and would like to see some effort put into making the city’s largest park the true gem of the park system that it should be.
“I will also continue working with the Poway Chamber (of Commerce) to bring awareness to the importance of shopping local as much as possible, supporting our local businesses and keeping tax dollars in Poway where they most benefit residents,” Frank said.
Leonard said he wants to do what he can to see The Farm at Poway take shape on the former Stoneridge Country Club site.
“This is the most important project to take place in north Poway in years, and I would like to see the area transformed into a functional residential neighborhood with new amenities for all Poway residents to enjoy,” he said.
He also cited work he and Councilman Dave Grosch have been doing with the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, meeting with city staff and stakeholders to ensure the city retains ownership.
“We are committed to the arts in Poway and want to see this beautiful city asset flourish,” Leonard said.
Leonard said they have also requested an assessment of Poway Community Park, to enhance its amenities to meet the changing needs of the community.
“This will dovetail nicely with the new community center and housing along Poway Road,” he said.
Leonard noted new projects rely on funding and the city is facing an uncertain budget at this time.
“I have some ideas (for new projects), but they are subject to funding and I believe that we need to live within our means,” he said. “At this time, I look forward to the completion of the Espola Road Safety Path. This project has been delayed for many reasons and should be finished in 2021. I can’t wait to see it.”
Frank said pending the completion and results of the Poway Community Park assessment, she would like to take a closer look at Poway’s other parks to ensure the city is providing the services and amenities residents most desire.
“I plan to explore some creative solutions for the Big Stone Lodge site that enable public enjoyment,” Frank said. “It’s also important that the future of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts is resolved and a new operating model is implemented, to ensure PCPA operations well into the future.”
Frank said she hopes the council can find an appropriate project to bring muchneeded affordable housing to the Monte Vista site, as that is something she would like to see accomplished in the next few years.
“Maintaining a balanced budget, offering high quality services to residents and remaining the safest city in the council (will) always be top priorities during my term,” Frank said.