City of Scotts Valley - Councilmember

Question 1:
The Regional Transportation Commission owns the rail corridor. The RTC has unanimously affirmed its commitment to institute high capacity public transit service on the Santa Cruz Branch Line.

Do you support implementing electric passenger rail on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line?

Steve:
Yes.

Why or why not? How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?

Steve:
If feasible and economically practical, I would support this as a mechanism to ease traffic and increase access. I believe that both can be equitably achieved with adequate safety measures in place. This issue would have little affect on Scotts Valley residents and only those who would either transportation option when visiting Santa Cruz.


Question 2:
Construction has begun on the trail next to the tracks, but some segments have faced opposition and resulting delays.

Do you support building a trail next to the tracks from Davenport to Watsonville?

Steve:
Yes.

How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected? What will you say to your constituents about this project?

Steve:
The ability to bicycle and ride a rail throughout the length of the county is beneficial in many ways. Chief among those reasons is (1) increases access to recreation and adds to the overall attraction of our larger community, (2) can ease traffic. Concerns would be economic feasibility and, safety and not reducing the quality of life for those living adjacent to the tracks. The project must be done responsibly and with minimal impact.


Question 3:
Neighborhoods with safe streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks create room for us to move freely without our cars.

Do you support improved street infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists?

Steve:
Yes

How would you support or prioritize projects, policies and funding to improve safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists?

Steve:
Scotts Valley is currently evaluating 2 of 4 options presented at the September 18th City Council meeting. The proposals aim to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along Scotts Valley Drive. Bicycle and pedestrian safety need to be evaluated in the overall transportation plan for the city with appropriate and proportional resources applied. For me, the current options put forth lacked a comprehensive plan and left out many important stretches along Scotts Valley Drive. I would prefer to see a more comprehensive and practical plan to accommodate the multitude of travel needs for Scotts Valley Drive. 


Question 4:
The June 2022 Greenway Measure D sought to “rail bank” and tear up the tracks for a trail only.

Did you oppose the June 2022 Ballot Measure D?

Steve:
Yes

What do you think are the implications of the 73% defeat of measure D?
 
Steve:
This gives a strong sense of where community sentiment is on this issue, and the hope that a feasible rail solution could come forward in the future. 


Question 5:
The California Coastal Commission recognizes the value of both freight and passenger rail in the coastal zone for environmental and coastal access reasons. Freight rail capability is important infrastructure for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Will you commit to oppose any efforts to abandon or remove railroad infrastructure during your term?

Steve:​
Decline to answer.

How would this position be expressed in your work, should you be elected?

Steve:
The reason I "Declined to Answer" is due to the understanding that community needs and priorities can change over time. Additionally, my response would depend on how any future resolution is written and if it includes other stipulations that may, or may not be favorable. Again, this is not an issue that would greatly affect Scotts Valley residents, so I would tend to keep my work those issues that more directly affect Scotts Valley.