Roads, Data Centers, Local Economy, and Health
Shared by Misc-1
Resident’s primary concerns
- Fighting the establishment of a Data Center in Patterson
- Quality of roads
- I-5 freeway on- and off-ramps
- Speed of ambulance arrivals
- Support for the establishment of the planned hospital
- Support for more local businesses and fewer chains
My response
On Data Centers: The extension of the moratorium by the current city council was a good first step. However, we must be proactive in our zoning to limit the likelihood of a developer being interested in establishing one in our city. Data Centers have been linked to increased pollution and a rise in the cost of utilities where they have been established. Moreover, they often exaggerate the number of permanent local jobs they bring. We must make sure our city’s codes are up to date, so that no developer decides that paying any fines is simply the cost of doing business. Furthermore, we cannot and should not do this alone. Supervisor Condit, whose district includes Patterson, has already expressed opposition to a Data Center there. It is better for Stanislaus County to act proactively and coordinate to make sure no Data Center developers come and do as they wish.
On Roads and Freeways: In the last few years, we have seen more improvement on our roads from the measures passed in previous elections. However, some roads that are more heavily traveled by semi-trailers have many potholes shortly after being repaved. We must find common-sense solutions that keep our roads up to standard for the comfort and safety of our residents. If that means using higher-quality materials on roads with higher traffic, so be it. We cannot chase short-term savings while ignoring long-term costs. The same goes for the freeway ramps that have been planned for so long.
On the Local Hospital: I was born just a few months after the last hospital in Patterson closed. Back then, Patterson had fewer than 12,000 residents. Now we are more than double that and still lack access to a local hospital. I fully support the establishment of the planned hospital and the expansion of ambulance services in Patterson. Our residents deserve access to proper medical care.
On Local Businesses: I support all local businesses. However, it is well known that truly local businesses, that is, not chains, keep more money in our community. I support simplifying the permitting process so that local entrepreneurs can enter the market more easily. In addition, we should follow the lead of other cities in securing our downtown through zoning, so that, as we look at growing our downtown, it does not become awash with chain restaurants.