Sylvia Robles Seeks Re-Election

GRAND TERRACE>> Sylvia Robles, current city council member, has been a resident of Grand Terrace for more than 38 years and has more than 25 years of local government experience. Robles was elected to the Grand Terrace City Council in November 2012 and has continued her role as Mayor Pro Tem. Now, she is seeking re-election. With a bachelor of arts in business management, and a master’s degree in public administration, Robles said she will use her education and experience. Robles also serves as the vice chair for the Housing Authority, the vice chair for the Public Finance Authority and vice chair for the Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency. She also represents the city on the Omnitrans transportation agency board of directors and Southern California Associated Governments. Also, Robles is a member of the Grand Terrace Women’s Club. “Four years ago, our city was facing a fiscal crisis,” she states in the voter ballot. “Redevelopment Agency dissolutions created havoc on our city budget. The council implemented layoffs. Many long time and valuable employees, unable to bet their future security, in such as volatile fiscal climate left.” She continues to say, “A tax measure was introduced and failed. A recalculation of RDA funds due to the city resulted in just enough dollars to keep the city above water. After years of fiscal stress, the council was able to pass a budget this June, which beings the city to stable condition. This means, we are stable, but service poor.” Robles said the city is able to provide the adequate police and safety services, keep parks open and staff up the planning department to expertly usher emerging new development within the city. Although there have been improvements; Robles said there is still work ahead to make the property sales tax foundation strong. “With a stronger tax base, we can increase police protection and many other needed services,” she states. She said the city is on the road to recovery and said new retail is coming to replace stores that have moved and new housing construction is being built. Also, Robles said the city is working to attract new development on land facing the freeway and are working with the Colton Joint Unified School District to make the joint sports fields better and school traffic safer. Robles said another accomplishment the city has made is using one-time money to fund a summer youth program, senior recreation/transportation programs and sheriff overtime for peak traffic problems and crime prevention. “Our future rests with strategic growth of our existing tax base,” Robles said. “I will work to approve compatible growth that maintains our small city atmosphere and provides property and sales taxes to other services. Please vote for me.” Paid for by Sylvia Robles.