The following 9 points are the Platform that Mayor Courtney promoted during the campaign. As we move forward these are the goals that we will work toward in improving our community. Check back here for updates on how we are doing on each item.
PUBLIC SAFETY / Barstow Fire and EMS
As Mayor, ("Backing the Red"!), I plan on continuing to exhaust all efforts to keep the Barstow Fire Protection District under local control (under the City of Barstow); and having a separate Fire Commission with commissioners made up of one commissioner from each city district, 1,2,3,4 and a member-at-large.
Our Fire Department has been under appreciated and misunderstood for far too long.
PUBLIC SAFETY / Barstow Police
As Mayor (Backing the Blue!) . . . I propose a goal of fifty police officers on our streets, supported by the highest quality training and the best in new technology. Additional funding would come from the passing of Measure Q, re-prioritizing categorical funds that are available, and partnering with outside law enforcement agencies in the County-wide and State-wide illegal drug trafficking intervention enforcement efforts. Seized assets will then be shared with our Police Department as a continuous source of newly generated revenue, designated to law enforcement efforts. A safer community, a better Barstow. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
Police Commission, I support the idea of creating a Citizens Police/Public Safety over-site committee. There would be one committee member from each district and one member-at-large. The committee would be tasks with brainstorming ideas to improve transparency and create policy proposals that best services the overall public safety objectives of our city.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As Mayor, I want to help create a climate that encourages businesses and entrepreneurs to follow their ingenuity and invest in their ideas in Barstow. I propose that newly formed "small businesses" receive a 50% reduction in the City of Barstow required start-up fees and costs during the *1st full year of doing business.
I propose that the City of Barstow re-form and formulate a "true partnership" with the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce and support a "win-win" success enhancement and creative business growth environment. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
*City license, Occupancy Permit, Fire Permit.
TRANSPARENCY & TERM LIMITS
As Mayor, I propose that the city finances be thoroughly reviewed by an outside entity and reviewed by the newly formed "citizen finance over-site committee" as well as the sitting mayor and council members. All findings are to be presented in an OPEN forum and presented to the general public in multiple presentations.
TERM LIMITS
New perspectives can provide different types of influence and that can inspire changes. As Mayor, I propose a maximum of two terms, eight years for any elected Mayor and Council Members. Benefit: No career politicians AND creates a pathway for NEW ideas and opinions.
EDUCATION / RECREATION / KIDS
As Mayor, I propose that the city-owned Community Center be open daily for extended hours to support a city directed "after school" Student Success Enhancement Services Programs, i.e.: homework, tutoring assistance, recreational activities, "teen-specific" area, as well as creating a "safe place" for our children.
RECREATION I propose that the "city league" methodology and community-based accountability initiative be put in place. I propose that the Park and Recreation Commission be reestablished to empower parents and community leader's at-large to have a voice and influence at the table . . . One commissioner from each city district and one member-at-large. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
HOMELESS / TRANSIENT ISSUE
Our quality of life in Barstow should strive to match the quality of our nice climate. As Mayor, I will lead the efforts to tackle the homeless and ever-growing population of the “dumping” of transients on our city streets.
I propose to create a position of “Health and Welfare Officer”. The funding will come from the existing categorical grant funds that the city already receives to address "real world" social justice issues. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
HOUSING STARTS
As Mayor, I propose to create a working relationship and partnership(s) with local home builders to “jump-start” new home building. Homes would initially be built (1) house at a time. NOTE: Historically, multi-home builders have chosen not to build in Barstow because of unfavorable demographic concerns and this fact remains to date. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
SENIORS
As Mayor, I propose that the City creates an active and engaged partnership with the Barstow Senior Center. This active partnership will better serve and service our ever-increasing senior population. Initial funds and funding will come from the “promised” MeasureQ sales tax increase income. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
NEW INCOME OPPORTUNITIES
As Mayor, I propose to create a “central grant-writing” professional position. This expert will focus solely on acquiring funds and funding for public safety, youth, senior, and social justice success enhancement systems and programs. I pledge to personally lobby legislators in San Bernardino County, Sacramento, and Washington DC to ensure that the City of Barstow receives its fair share of funding for all programs and systems that the City of Barstow qualifies for. NOTE: All financial commitment (s) will be based on the outcome of the overall COVID-19 pandemic financial impact on our city.
Press Releases
BNSF to Build New Integrated Rail Complex in Barstow to Increase Supply Chain Efficiency Nationwide
Post Date:10/06/2022 12:34 PM First-of-its kind integrated facility will create 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, and reduce port and freeway congestion around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach BARSTOW, Calif., Oct. 1, 2022 – BNSF Railway today announced plans to invest more than $1.5 billion to construct a state-of-the-art master-planned rail facility in Southern…
BARSTOW COUNCILMEMBER CARMEN HERNANDEZ JOINS WOMENS HISTORY MONTH PANEL TO DISCUSS EQUITY AND EQUALITY
Post Date:03/23/2023 6:52 PM Councilmember Carmen Hernandez, representing the City of Barstow, recently participated in a panel discussion focused on equity and equality as part of the Women’s History Month celebration. The event was hosted by Barstow Community College during a celebratory brunch, with fellow councilmember Barbara Rose also in attendance. The panelists…
BARSTOW AND FORT IRWIN STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP WITH SIGNING OF 4TH INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT WORTH $90 MILLION FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES
BARSTOW, CALIF. – The Barstow City Council and Fort Irwin officials held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023, to formalize the 4th Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) between the City of Barstow and U.S. Army Fort Irwin. “This continues to be a…
WHY BARSTOW INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY IS A BIG DEAL
Post Date:03/23/2023 4:56 PM Transportation has long been part of the story of Barstow, California, located in the southern portion of the state in the Mojave Desert. The settlement began along the Mormon Corridor as freight wagons and animals followed the course of the Mojave River. When miners arrived following discovery of silver, railroads were…
Working together for a better Barstow
https://player.vimeo.com/video/810790435?h=e103169f2c&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479
Barstow’s Shot ! PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023
Barstow’s Shot ! PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023 Barstow’s Shot ! PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023 Barstow’s Shot ! PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023 Barstow’s Shot ! PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023 PULSE Of The Desert -March 2023
MAYOR’S MARCH NEWSLETTER
Post Date:03/08/2023 5:21 PM
ANNOUNCEMENT ~NEW PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Post Date:03/12/2023 9:10 PM City Manager Willie Hopkins Jr. announced the Appointment of Miriam Munoz to the position of Public Information Officer for the City of Barstow. Public Information Officers (PIOs) are the communication coordinators or spokespersons of governmental organizations. Miriam has over 15 years of Professional Public Relations Management. She moved to the High…
BetterBarstow.com
Thank you Barstow! We pulled together for change, and Voted Paul A. Courtney for Mayor. Now the work begins on making the plans put forth in our platform happen.
This website will keep you posted as each goal is realized. You will also want to check here for Volunteer opportunities to get involved. #BarstowStrong