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Maria Garcia for Paso Robles City Council 

Promoted Article – A paid political advertisement by Maria Elena Garcia for City Council

Maria Elena Garcia is running for Paso Robles City Council and advocating for public safety, small business engagement, and community vibrancy. What does this mean for the residents of Paso Robles and to the city?

Public safety

Garcia proposes to improve public safety by hiring more police and expanding the Paso Robles Police Department Volunteer Patrol Program.

Even though violent crime is down, the city experienced a 12-percent increase over the state average in home and vehicle burglaries in 2017. “The city recently hired three new police officers,” said Garcia. “This is a big step in the right direction but we need to hire at least five more to keep pace with our growing population.”

“The volunteers in the police department’s program do some very important work, including community patrols, that free up police officers for vital services. More trained volunteers can increase outreach programs in schools and neighborhoods to increase community awareness about the public safety steps we can all take.”

Funding is always a consideration for hiring more police or expanding programs. Garcia said she will pursue a variety of funding sources to help add manpower and necessary equipment. “Even adding more cameras in our local parks and public places is going to be more eyes in the community.”

Business engagement

Garcia wants to spearhead a corporate incentive program for identifying and convincing diverse businesses, such as manufacturing and technology, to come Paso Robles. “We need an economy that is less dependent on tourism and the service industry and that can add to family incomes and still help existing businesses prosper.”

Community vibrancy

Paso Robles is a vibrant and richly diverse community said Garcia. “I believe that stimulating stronger volunteer efforts between schools and community organizations can add to our town.” Garcia would bring community organizations together to create a bank of volunteer opportunities then reach into the community through the schools and youth activities to match those opportunities to young people, or to anyone, with an interest in volunteering.

Committed to the community

Garcia and her family have lived in Paso Robles since 2006. She has worked for Walmart for 24 years and worked her way through the company to Lead National Certified Pharmacy Technician. In 2011 she co-founded the Hispanic Business Association (HBA), serving as president for two years, event coordinator for three and is currently vice-president.

Garcia has been nominated twice for Woman of the Year in San Luis Obispo County. She serves on the board of the City Library Board of Trustees, assists with weddings and event at Sculpterra Winery and is the San Miguel parish hall manager for the Diocese of Monterey, in addition to operating a personal business for the past 10 years.

Visit Maria Garcia’s website for more information about the candidate.

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About the author: Access Publishing

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Connect with him on Paso Robles Daily News on Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.