January 9, 2006

From the Mayor’s Desk

Budget challenges, development
and neighborhood meetings highlighted

By Jeanette Watson, Mayor
Special to the Times

Happy New Year to all! Although this is my fifth time, I’m pleased to be serving as your mayor again this year as there are many new things happening in our community.

There are also challenges ahead, namely the city’s operating budget. Similar to many Bay Area cities, the soft economy continues to impact revenues and expenditures. However, I am confident that the City Council and staff will do as much as possible to preserve key services and programs. So, my main message for the year is "Shop Campbell!" Please support your local retail businesses, restaurants and cafes.

I’d like to announce that Campbell City Hall will be holding two Neighborhood Meetings this year for those who have general questions about the city. The first one will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. at Capri Elementary School, 850 Chapman Drive in Campbell. The second Neighborhood Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 7 p.m. at Rosemary Elementary School, 401 W. Hamilton Ave. in Campbell.

We will have booths representing each City Department and staffed with experts to answer frequently asked questions and provide handouts on key services. Please come to one of these events and have your questions answered and learn more of what the city does for its customers. For more information about the Neighborhood Meetings, please call the City Manager’s Office at (480) 866-2125.

In 2006, we’re looking forward to the completion of some private development projects in the downtown area such as the 24-unit Water Tower condo project near Hyde Park, and across the street from the Sonoma Chicken Coup restaurant as well as the Master Development Site project featuring 15,000 square feet of retail and residential space. These developments coupled with the recent completion of improvements at Ainsley Park will positively change the look of the downtown.

Finally, if you have not been to this attraction recently, I’d like to extend an invitation to you to visit our Campbell Historical Museum and enjoy the current exhibits. There are also volunteer opportunities for those who wish to serve as docents. For more information, contact the Museum at (408) 866-2119.