2024 Clayton City Council candidate questions: Jim Diaz

CLAYTON, CA (Sept. 9, 2024) — The Pioneer newspaper presented a list of questions to the candidates running for Clayton City Council in the 2024 election. To read other candidate answers, click here.

Jim Diaz—Candidate Response

The city has lost significant staff over the last five years. What is the council member’s role in stabilizing staff turnover and what steps will you take to support the new city manager?

High turnover is a function of poor management, and unfortunately, over the past few years, the previous City Managers did not manage the Staff effectively. It was our recent Interim City Manager who rebuilt the staffing structure, upgraded job responsibilities, and created a clear path forward, “Positioning Clayton for Success.”

The community is split over the issue of high density housing development in Clayton. Given land use mandates are handed down by the state, how should the council balance the wishes and needs of the community with the state’s enforcement measures such as withholding revenues and the threat of civil rights lawsuits?

The City approved and complied with State mandates. It is up to the Developers to build projects that not only comply with State mandates, but also balance the wishes of the Community.

Last year, there was a revenue shortfall, and the city used reserves to close the gap.  There is considerable disagreement even among council members as to how serious and how immediate the looming deficit is.  This year reserves were used to close the gap, but it’s clear the city either needs to raise more revenue or substantially cut services.  What is your plan?

Unfortunately, three years ago, the City Council majority was in a hurry to pass a $400.00 Parcel Tax, after spending $30,000 for a survey that showed the vast majority of Clayton citizens opposed any tax.

The City Council reviews the budget thoroughly after the Budget & Audit Committee has done their due diligence.  As Mayor, I supported and voted for three credentialed candidates to serve on the Citizen Financial Sustainability Committee.  Now it’s time to allow the newly formed Financial Sustainability Committee the time they need to do their due diligence.  Then, we can discuss whether we need more revenue or make additional Budget cuts.

The Landscape Maintenance District sunsets in 2027 and along with it, the restricted funds for maintaining landscaping. Should the council ask the voters to renew the district or allow it to expire and pay for maintenance from the general fund?

This is another issue where the City Council, along with the Budget & Audit Committee and Citizen Financial Sustainability Committee, should work together to come up with the best solution for our Community.

Is Clayton doing enough to support diversity and inclusion in the city? Should the city take a closer look at its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies with respect to supporting Pride and ensuring a more just society?

As a Council Member, I voted for the City to fly the Pride Flag during Pride Month.  In addition, four years ago, I brought forth the Proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time in Clayton’s history.

Economic Growth and Development. What do you see Clayton can do to enhance and grow/develop the economy within the city?

The City would benefit from having a citizen Economic Development Committee made up of genuine business owners/leaders who can provide us with ideas on how to attract and retain new businesses within our city limits.

Public Safety. What do you see as the responsibility of a council member in ensuring a safe community, and how do you see that being accomplished?

We need to continue to support our Police Department by providing them with the latest technology and safety equipment, as well as adding other current law enforcement training to further Officer Development.  Also, making baseless accusations about our Police Department is not supportive.

The past few years have seen considerable discord among council members, city staff and residents with tempers running high.  What specific initiatives do you propose to address the concerns raised by the community and ensure that all voices are heard and represented in decision-making? What role should social media like Nextdoor and Facebook play in your plans?

We need to end vindictive politics. The actions of the Council Majority 4 years ago has had a profound and lasting effect on our community.

 What have you contributed toward “the greater good” in Clayton?

My community activities have included:

Led the effort to re-open Clayton’s Fire Station 11,

Twenty-six year member of the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA). My CBCA activities include:

• Served as Vice President for Membership
• Chaired the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament
• Chaired the Art & Wine Festival
• Volunteered for the Oktoberfest Festival
• Volunteered for the Annual Tree Lighting activities
• Volunteered each year to decorate our Downtown for the Holidays

Other Volunteer Activities include:

• Co-Produced the Concerts in the Grove series
• Produced the Clayton Classic Car Show series
• Joined with our Jewish Community to celebrate Hanukkah
• Most recently, I have worked with Clayton’s U.S. Post Office’s Acting Postmaster to enhance the external cosmetic features of the Post Office and to insure proper maintenance of the facility.

What is the most important issue facing Clayton in the next four years?

The most important issue is the City’s Financials. Furthermore, Council Members need to be prepared to make sure they are ready to discuss and contribute when the Budget and Financials are on the Council Agenda. Not voting for City. Budgets is unacceptable for any Council Member!

Visit the candidate’s campaign site.

To read other Clayton City Council candidate answers, click here.