SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City Council candidate Mike Jordan says he’s ready for four more years after a strong showing for him on Election Night. He has a huge lead over his competitor, Tera Taylor.
Jordan says he has shown voters in his district his willingness to understand all sides of issues from lengthy staff reports and hours-long hearings, to specific neighborhood issues in District 2. This district is essentially the Mesa District, but runs from downtown to State Street and Cabrillo Avenue.
He has shown concern about traffic safety, the potential for wildfires around Ellings Park, and vacation rentals that have slipped through the cracks without producing tax revenue.
Jordan spoke confidently on election night about the city’s future with numerous projects underway and a comprehensive range of potential changes in a relatively short period of time not seen in decades.
“I think it’s just doing the work. So the list was, vacation rentals, safe roads, safe roads for pedestrians and bicyclists, fire safety. People in my area are getting someone who is willing to actually chase the ball and do the job,” he said. “The work, and I think they appreciate that.”
Jordan often explains to people that ideas and suggestions don’t always translate quickly into immediate action. He said that the words of the residents of his area are still stuck in his mind. “And part of that secret sauce is getting someone in the sandbox to translate the residents’ perspective into the city and talk to the people who work for the city.” It’s a constant challenge, he said, “to get better, communicate better with the public, and understand the issues they want in their area.”
Expanding that to the city as a whole is another heavy lift. “I think when you start on the base State Street and you look at all the opportunities, especially in the downtown corridor, we’re teetering on the brink of, you know, the tunnel, the apartment development there at the base, and then De La Guerra Plaza, the Paseo Nuevo housing project, Library Square. , and La Comber, I believe we are seeing some of the biggest positive changes ahead of us since the earthquake 100 years ago.
He described it as a great opportunity. “I think there’s a great opportunity staring us in the face going forward. And you’re going to be a part of that for at least the next four years. That’s fun.”
Voters also approved a half-cent sales tax to get the city out of current debt and pay for basic services. “This frees us up to keep moving forward on a lot of the things people want to see.” Jordan said.
The election results will be certified in early December. To get an update on all the races, go to: Newschannel 3 – Santa Barbara County Elections
