What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I am running because I can't rely on the City Council to keep my city safe and provide jobs. I am a parent to a 14-year-old and I don't think our city is safe enough or will provide enough for him and his friends when he gets out to high school.
What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? First and foremost, I want to find the means necessary to provide our police with the tools they need to keep our streets safe and clean. We must protect our children from gangs and violence and rid our business districts of panhandling, drugs and the homeless.
What sets you apart from the other candidates? I'm a common man. I don't have money, but what I have is a deep devotion for the city in which I was born and raised and am raising my family. I also remember a time when a person could find a job in Santa Cruz, provide for their family and buy a home. With the loss of 1,000+ industrial/blue-collar jobs our city has experienced over the past 20 years, that 'American dream' is a near impossibility for the next generation.
Where do you work and what is your job title? I work at a nonprofit organization call Companion for Life/Lifeline Project. We supply medical alert systems to the elderly and the disabled. I am currently the Executive Assistant to the Director.
Party affiliation? The City Council race is a non-partisan race, but I have been a Democrat since the age of 18.
Age and birthplace? I was born at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz in 1969. That makes me 41 years old.
What are the names and ages of your children, if any? I have one stepson named Trevor. He is 14 years old and started Santa Cruz High School this month. My wife and I also went to SCHS.
Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. I went to Bay View, Mission Hill and Santa Cruz High. I took a few units at Cabrillo College after high school in 1987-88, but I dropped out to work full time in 1989. I have never gone back to College since and do not have any degrees.
Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? No, I have not. This is my first foray into local politics.
Have you run before for an elected public office? No, I have not.
Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal. I do not have any money to spend on my campaign and the people I represent don't have any to give either. My people are the hard working individuals in my community who are working hard to make ends meet in these hard financial times. They need their money to pay their monthly rent or mortgage. Then need their money to pay for groceries so their children don't have to eat Raman noodles 3 times a day for sustenance. They need money to buy back-to-school clothes for their children. The people who I am representing do not have money to spare. What they are willing to provide me are three things: their time, their energy and their vote.
Have you ever served in the military? No, I have not.
Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No.
Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? No.
How long have you lived in Santa Cruz? I was born and raised in Santa Cruz. I have been here most of my 41 years. I currently live with my wife and son on King St. on the Westside.
What's your favorite thing about Santa Cruz? Everything, except the rising threats of gangs, drugs, the homeless and the severe lack of employment.
What is the biggest problem in Santa Cruz? Money. No one has it, and it's negatively affecting everything and everyone. It has caused a rise in crime and frustration with our city leaders. Our city needs a change and hopefully this November 2nd, the people speak and elect me to help guide them to a brighter future.
Contact information: www.gusceballos.com — 831-295-3105
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
