Q&A: Elizabeth Conlan, Santa Cruz City Council Candidate

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz City Council candidate Elizabeth Conlan makes her case to voters ahead of the November election in a Q&A with Patch:

Age (as of Election Day)

32

Town/City of Residence

Santa Cruz

Office Sought

Municipal office

Family

No local family

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.S. in International Agricultural and Rural Development from Cornell University, M.S. in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Florida

Occupation

Scientist - 4 years

Campaign website

www.conlanforcouncil.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The housing crisis and recovery from the pandemic. For recovery, I will work to prevent cuts to essential local services, support local businesses, and aid renters. For housing, I will make it easier to build more affordable and middle-class homes.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My local organizing experience is related to housing policy and I am a renter. I personally feel the effects of the affordability crisis and I understand that we don't have enough affordable housing options for the various members of our community including students, seniors, and families. I also recognize that at building costs of ~$500k/unit and a budget shortfall, the city does not have the resources to build all of the affordable housing projects we need. We should make it easier and cheaper for non-profit developers to build deed-restricted affordable homes, while also improving the options for the middle-class through zoning reform for duplexes and fourplexes and mixed-income projects. I recognize that we need a balance of regulated, affordable homes and market-rate homes for middle class families who may make too much to qualify for affordable units but are still constrained by the city’s high housing prices.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My other key issues are an outreach-focused approach to homelessness and tackling climate change by advancing policies for Santa Cruz to lead as a model sustainable city. Also, many renters are particularly vulnerable right now, we should support policies to help tenants including rent relief, a rental registry, and legal assistance to enforce state and local laws.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

(Candidate did not answer)

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

(Candidate did not answer)

Why should voters trust you?

I show up for housing -- at city council meetings, persuading state-level officials, and helping to lead a march downtown for affordable housing earlier this year.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
(Candidate did not answer)

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

(Candidate did not answer)

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

(Candidate did not answer)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love my day job as a scientist and have no aspirations for higher office. I am running because we need leaders who will act with urgency and take bold action to solve the housing crisis.