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
Police
Mission Statement The men and women of the Barstow Police Department are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Through honesty, integrity and compassion we will build a partnership with the community to actively achieve positive impacts in the prevention of crime and to safeguard the citizens and guests of our community.…
ANNOUNCEMENT ~NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER PROMOTES KODY TOMPKINS AS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER BARSTOW, CALIF. – March 1st, 2023,- City Manager Willie Hopkins Jr. announced the Promotion of Kody Tompkins to the position of Assistant City Manager. As Assistant City Manager, Mr. Tompkins will provide strategic level leadership support for the Finance and Administrative Services, Information Technology department…
BARSTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF ESPINOZA AND CAPTAIN KIRBY RECEIVE THE MEDAL OF VALOR
BARSTOW, CALIF. – February 22, 2023 — The Barstow Police Department hosted its First Awards Ceremony, called “Preparing for the Future,” at the Harvey House in Barstow, where Chief Andrew Espinoza Jr. and Capt. Christopher Kirby received the Medal of Valor. On March 31, 2021, Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby became aware of a call…
Business Opportunities in 2023 Workshop
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XmG7c4ZHS7GP87jwwTSx1w
American Rescue Plan Act
For Immediate ReleaseFROM: Dr. James Hart Interim-City ManagerSUBJECT: American Rescue Plan Act – Employee Back Compensation The Mayor and Council under the recommendation of Interim City Manager Dr. James Hart voted unanimously to lift the 2-year employee compensation freeze that was enacted in the Summer of 2020, 1 year in advance of the proposed schedule.…
Chemehuevi Indian Tribe re-initiates Casino Discussions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barstow, Ca. – On Monday July 19th, the Barstow City Council on a 4-1 Vote approved an update from the original November 2005 Municipal Services Agreement (MSA) with the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe which describes the operating relationship between the Tribe and the City. Staff had been negotiating with the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe…
Marriott Hotel Ground Breaking
Barstow, Ca. – On Wednesday July 7th, Hotel Investment Group was joined by Barstow Mayor Paul Anthony Courtney, Mayor Pro-Tem James Noble, Councilwoman Marilyn Dyer-Kruse, and City Treasurer Michael Lewis for the official groundbreaking of the newly approved Marriott Hotel Project. The Chief Executive Officer for Hotel Investment Group Darshan Patel stated, “We are honored…
Council Approves Marriott Hotel Project in Lenwood
DATE: 5/27/2021TO: For Immediate ReleaseFROM: Dr. James Hart City ManagerSUBJECT: Council Approves Marriott Hotel Project in LenwoodFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barstow, Ca. – On Thursday May 27th, the Barstow City Council reversed an earlier decision in a special meeting to approve the Marriott Hotel project to be slated to begin construction this summer. The Hotel Investment…
Caltrans Section 190 Funding – 1st Ave. Bridge
DATE: 5/30/2021TO: For Immediate ReleaseFROM: Dr. James Hart – City ManagerSUBJECT: Caltrans Section 190 Funding – 1st Ave. BridgeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barstow, Ca. – The City of Barstow was recently notified by Caltrans Section 190 Administrator Carlos Ruiz that it has been awarded $5,000,000 million dollars in funding for the Section 190 Grade Separation Program…
Community Develop Block Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barstow, Ca. – On Friday March 26th, Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney – Mayor for the City of Barstow, presented a check in the amount of $65,000 to the Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery Board as part of the City’s annual Community Develop Block Grant funding (CDBG), aimed at addressing identifiable needs of…
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