Where does James stand on the issues?

We need to prioritize improving quality of life for all Venturans. That means focusing our time, energy, and resources to repaving roads, cleaning up our parks, and keeping our city safe.

I’m committed to making this campaign policy-oriented and based on the issues facing Ventura, particularly District 6 neighborhoods. While I’m not updating my views, I am working on putting them on this page.

Sober living houses

While these residences can provide a valuable service to those who inhabit them, homes which house violent felons, are a threat to our communities. Some neighborhoods have several of these homes within walking distance. One of my top priorities is getting an ordinance passed by City Council to limit the number of these homes in a community.

Main Street

This issue has become too divisive in our communities for the council alone to solve. I plan to put this issue to the voters as a ballot measure so we can get input from all Venturans.

Paid Parking

Venturans should not have to pay to park in their city. Charging for parking downtown puts businesses at a disadvantage. Some city parking programs are actually losing money, so why are we charging?

Water rates

The cost overages for Ventura water projects, including WaterPure and the advanced membrane bioreactor, are out of control. We need to curb spending on this now.

Roads

Our roads are crumbling. Many are beyond repair and need to be rebuilt. While the city maintains a pavement management plan, the projects in it are often pushed back and delayed, also driving up the cost of repair.

To fix our roads and sidewalks, we need to set up a specific plan with a clear goal communicated to residents. Any additional funding over the next five years should be prioritized on our roads. Measure O funds need to be spent on street and sidewalk repair.