Mayor Alison Kerr –

Promises Made, Promises Kept

Two years ago I pledged to bring about change to our city. I kept the promises I made, including the promise to show up for our community in the most challenging moments.

We have more to do! I hope I can count on your vote on November 3rd.

Click on each topic below to expand it.

SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITY

Through the unprecedented COVID pandemic and wildfires, Mayor Kerr provided weekly written updates, initiated a weekly community Zoom meeting for dialogue on safe practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
The first segment of the Fort Ord Recreation Trail and Greenway (FORTAG) will realign dangerous intersections at Canyon Del Rey/Fremont and Canyon Del Rey/Carlton. It will also provide a safe underpass for bikers, walkers and wildlife to go from one side of the city to the other.
In response to the George Floyd murder, Mayor Kerr signed the Obama.org Mayor’s Pledge to review Police Dept. Use of Force policies.
A Police Advisory Committee has been created to provide citizens input into police administration.
The city now financially contributes to Casa de Noche Buena, a new homeless shelter for women in Seaside.
Mayor Kerr wrote and presented first-ever proclamations to recognize our LGBTQ+ community and racial diversity to promote tolerance and acceptance of all.

CHAMPIONED ENVIRONMENT & GREEN SPACE

DRO finally joined Monterey Bay Community Power for access to cleaner electricity at lower rates, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and be locally governed.
Mayor Kerr voted for green space versus development of our 17-acre wetland.
Fort Ord Recreation Trail and Greenspace (FORTAG) will provide our community a bike and walking path that
promotes a healthier transportation option. City Hall is now powered by solar panels.
Co-Founded Sustainable Del Rey Oaks, the only resident- run and city-focused city 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our Parks have been revitalized and the Dog Park fees eliminated.

INCREASED TRANSPARENCY

Held monthly “What’s On Your Mind?” meetings for conversation with constituents.
Launched weekly emails and community Zoom calls during COVID-19 crisis. Now expanded to include guest speakers on a variety of public topics.
Openly questions matters at each council meeting, including – Airport budget decrease and contract disconnect
– $150k contract request without proper procedure
Finance Committee meetings will now be open to the public.
City financials, reports & contracts now available on city website. Working on ensuring videos are recorded.
Brought to DRO citizen’s attention the attempted suppression of a public document by a city council member

SAFEGUARDING TAXPAYER FUNDS

Fiscal watchdog & member of DRO Finance Committee

Established and funded the city’s first-ever financial reserve fund, currently with $1.5 million dollars.
Paid off long term $500,000 FORA debt.
Ensured all pots of money are publicly listed and tracked.
Responded to COVID crisis with compassion for renters and businesses.
Only council member to:
- vote against a housing element because it did not address critical water issues and opened door for a costly lawsuit
- stand against unethical attempts to suppress $1 million regional taxpayer funded report.

SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITY

1. Arts & Culture Advisory Committee

Held highly successful First Annual Del Rey Oaks Artist Showcase and Holiday Sale at the Moose Lodge show- casing DRO visual and performing artists. Twenty five DRO artists featured. Over 200 in attendance.
Created “Stories of Home,” a series of stories highlighting long-term DRO residents and their contributions to the city.
Creating opportunities for public art:
- Inspirational chalk art during the pandemic,
- Collaborated with SDRO on Butterfly Garden artwork, – Studying options to create outdoor murals.

2. Sustainability Advisory Committee

Shortly after being formed, this committee transitioned to Sustainable Del Rey Oaks, a 501(c)3 non-profit organi- zation with partners across the county.
Created the Butterfly Garden, partnering with City of DRO, Monterey Stormwater Mgmt District, Save the Whales, CSUMB Service Learning, and MAC for Arts & Culture.
First time DRO participated in an Earth Day Celebration. DRO booth featured environmental protection displays, raffle of environmentally safe products supplied by DRO businesses & free t-shirt grocery bags made by committee
Additional t-shirt bags filled with hygiene products and socks were donated for homeless youth.
The Friends of Arroyo del Rey Creek, which was created during a Community Campfire, will chart the life and health of our perennial creek.

3. Parks

Held Del Rey Park clean-up day prior to CAG Picnic.
Studying options to keep Work Memorial Park in a healthy, natural state.

4. Emergency Preparedness

Preparing informational packets to educate residents on crisis safety measures.