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l Q&A NORTH COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL x SUMMER 2017 x sdnedc.org insurance. We also started visiting busi- nesses twice a month to learn more about their challenges and concerns. • • • What are some of the things you've helped do for the city when it comes to education? The city now holds public biennial forums with Cal State Univer- sity San Marcos, Palomar College and San Marcos Unified School District in collaboration with CSUSM to put student housing and dorms off campus on pri- vate property. We continue to work in this public-private effort with CSUSM and its new Extended Studies building. We also worked with CSUSM and Palo- mar College on degree and certificate programs to adjust to industry needs, and CSUSM is starting an Engineering program this fall due to the demand of engineering jobs in North County at the request of North County Mayors. • • • What makes you optimistic about the economy in San Marcos? More than 80 percent of the students who graduate from CSUSM and Palomar College stay in the region. We attract students, young professionals and young families to our city, which in turn attracts jobs, innova- tion and amenities such as new busi- nesses, restaurants and hotels. • • • What are the biggest benefits to doing business in San Marcos? Loca- tion, available talent and a local and a re- gional economic development team to help businesses succeed. • • • Biggest honor as Mayor of San Mar- cos? Knowing that during my tenure, the city has been fiscally responsible, with strong reserves and a solid founda- tion to build upon. • • • What made you decide to run for the county Board of Supervisors? I want to take the important lessons I've learned as mayor of San Marcos and apply them to the Board of Supervisors. In San Marcos we have been successful at protecting taxpayers, improving public safety and ensuring our quality of life. I know that I can be as successful working for the citizens of North County. • • • Are there some things that you'd like to see accomplished as Supervi- sor? Stay fiscally conservative with strong reserves and continue to strengthen public safety in San Diego County. Also, to develop and fund a plan to fix and maintain the county roads and infrastructure to ensure the County meets the needs and concerns of the residents of District 5, while enhancing quality of life. A view of San Marcos with City Hall in the foreground.