The race for Tulare City Council is heating up as we quickly approach election day. This is the first time the council has been split into districts. The change pits two incumbents and will force one out of office.
Six candidates are vying for two city council seats in Tulare. People say they're ready for a change.
Kent McNatt, Tulare resident says, "They're having trouble making decisions based upon the physical status of the community and it seems to me they could think a little more progressive thinking about the future as opposed to the bottom line."
Craig Vejvoda agrees some changes need to be made. He has served on city council for eight years. He's now running against current city mayor, Wayne Ross to represent District 5.
"I think we need to put more red carpet out for our businesses, not red tape. We have to make investments in our city," says Vejvoda.
Mayor Wayne Ross is also pushing for growth, but his focus is keeping a balanced budget.
Ross says, "When you as a city our taking tax payer dollars and you're betting and you're gambling on projects to happen, I understand that to a point, but it's not my personal money."
Carlton Jones is one of four hopefuls for the District 3 seat. He would like to see more homeowners in the city and says that will come with better paying jobs.
"Sometimes we have to give breaks on fees to get hundreds of jobs."
The firefighter also wants to bring a different voice to the city.
"You have five business men and they think the same, they look the same, it's hard to feel like they're represented," says Jones.
Retired mailman, Alberto Aguilar is also a candidate for District 3. His goal is restoring trust and transparency. He says the city promised citizens an oversight committee of tax payer dollars, but that committee fizzled out.
"We need to go ahead and make the reports if necessary to the public, make them aware of what's going on. Be up front. Don't disclose things," says Aguilar.
Scott Daley is another candidate for District 3. He wants to minimize taxes and fees for citizens and place more importance on youth programs.
Cheyne Strawn's main concern is fixing roads in District 3 and building a new fire station.
All candidates agree public safety is a priority.
Louis Hernandez, Tulare Resident says, "We need more police in Tulare."
People say they agree they need elected officials who will take action.
"Rather than someone just simply saying it, I would be more interested in someone doing it," says Kent McNatt.
District 1 already has a winner. Shea Gowin was the only candidate running for the district. She was sworn in in August and is the first woman to serve on council in eight years.
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