recommendations or decisions as authorized.
Through this work, the Commission helps the
City Council implement planning policy in a clear,
consistent, and transparent manner.
How vital should aesthetics be in approving
development?
Aesthetics should be an important consideration,
but applied through objective and adopted
standards rather than personal preference.
Design affects how development fits within its
surroundings, contributes to neighborhood
character, and performs over time. When guided
by clear design criteria, aesthetic review helps
promote quality development while maintaining
fairness and predictability in the approval
process
As land values increase, “affordable housing”
becomes increasingly scarce. What are your
thoughts on the City’s responsibility to plan for
and provide affordable housing?
As land values rise, the City’s responsibility to
plan for housing affordability becomes more
significant. While cities typically do not build
housing directly, they influence outcomes
through zoning, land use policies, density
allowances, and coordination with housing
providers. Planning for housing at a range of
income levels helps support economic diversity,
workforce stability, and long-term community
sustainability.
What do you feel are some factors that make a
residential neighborhood a “good place to live?”
A strong residential neighborhood combines
safety, functionality, and a sense of connection.
Key factors include quality housing design,
access to parks and schools, reliable
infrastructure, and compatibility with nearby land
uses. Walkability, access to daily services, and
thoughtful transitions between development
types also contribute to livability. Planning
decisions play an essential role in shaping these
qualities over time.
What role should the economics of the
development (city taxes received and the project
Economic considerations provide useful context,
but they should not outweigh adopted planning
costs) play in planning
decisions?
policies or community goals. The Planning
Commission’s responsibility is to evaluate
projects based on consistency with the General
Plan and zoning regulations. Understanding
fiscal impacts and infrastructure demands can
inform recommendations, but economic
outcomes should support—not drive—planning
decisions.
What types of businesses should Union City
seek and why?
Union City should seek a balanced mix of
businesses that provide employment
opportunities, serve residents’ needs, and
strengthen the local economy. This includes
neighborhood-serving retail, small and mid-sized
businesses, and industries that align with the
City’s economic development goals. A diversified
business base supports resilience, reduces
economic risk, and contributes to a more
complete community.
Measure II represents a clear commitment by
voters to protect the Hillside Area’s
environmental resources, visual character, and
public safety. Any consideration of relaxing its
policies should begin with respect for that voter
intent and a strong presumption in favor of
continued protection. I would only consider
changes if supported by comprehensive, updated
studies demonstrating that development could
occur without compromising geologic stability,
wildfire safety, habitat preservation, visual
resources, or infrastructure capacity.
Any amendment would need to preserve the core
principles of the Hillside Area Plan, including
clustered and visually unobtrusive development,
strict limits on grading and ridgeline impacts,
preservation of contiguous open space, and full
mitigation of environmental impacts. The process
In 1996, the voters approved Measure II,
enacting very stringent development policies in
the hillside area.
Pressure is mounting to allow some development
in the hills. If Measure II were proposed for
amendment,
under what conditions, if any, would you favor
relaxing the policies?
would also need to be transparent and inclusive,
with full environmental review, preparation of a
detailed Specific Plan, and voter approval if
required. Absent these conditions, I would not
support relaxing Measure II, as the Hillside Area
is a defining natural asset for Union City that
warrants careful and limited change.
Why do you want to be a Board/Commission/
Committee member? What do you feel you could
contribute?
I am interested in serving on the Planning
Commission because I believe land use
decisions have long-lasting impacts on a city’s
character and quality of life. I would contribute a
thoughtful and even-handed approach, a respect
for public input, and a commitment to
transparency and fairness. My goal would be to
help ensure decisions are grounded in adopted
policy and reflect the long-term interests of the
community.
What qualifies you for this appointment? I bring a strong interest in community development and the ability to thoughtfully review
complex materials and differing viewpoints. I am
comfortable asking questions, considering tradeoffs, and forming balanced judgments based on adopted standards. I value consistency, fairness,
and collaboration, and I am committed to
learning from City staff and fellow commissioners
in order to serve the community effectively.
What is your vision for the committee/
commission you are applying to?
I envision the Planning Commission as a steady
and reliable body that applies adopted plans and
standards consistently. The Commission should
encourage respectful discussion, meaningful
public participation, and clear reasoning behind
its recommendations and decisions. By focusing
on implementation of existing policies and
providing clarity in the review process, the
Commission can help build trust and confidence
in the City’s planning decisions.
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