Jean Rasch
- Statement: I am running on my proven record of accomplishments benefiting District 3 and the City of Monterey. I have worked diligently for residents for the past 12 years, while working full time running my legal practice in Monterey and Carmel. I am ready to serve as an effective Council member on Day 1. Now retired, I can devote the time necessary to do this important and time-consuming job well. I believe in independent thinking so that the best solutions to our problems can emerge. As a trained attorney, I will consider all sides and consider feedback from the constituents I represent and the City I serve.
- It took 7 years for the City to update our Small Cell Ordinance after Verizon/Extenent applied to put 13 towers in residential Monterey Vista in 2017. The MVNA board, led by Susan Nine, Jeannie Ferrara, and Jean Rasch, worked intensely hard. We didn't get everything we wanted, but I was proud to work ceaselessly, as MVNA president, with Council member Alan Haffa to include 100' setbacks from R-1 homes in the final 2023 Ordinance. Thank you, Alan!
- Residents were loud and clear they want criminals apprehended. Yet many wanted safeguards on the use of data and protections from overreaching policies. Working with Chief Hober and the City Council, I suggested two amendments that were incorporated by Council: 1) that yearly audits include the City Attorney, and 2) that changes to the ALRPs policy come through Council rather than amended only through our Police Department. The policy as amended passed 3-2 at the April 2, 2024, City Council meeting.
- Residents want protections from the wildfires that are increasing and intensifying with climate change. The number one Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) priority for Monterey Vista and Skyline neighborhoods for years has been the removal of dead trees and downed fuel. NCIP consistently ranks fuel reduction projects #1, year after year. I am proud to have served on NCIP from Monterey Vista from 2015-2023, insuring a safer Monterey.
- Residents have expressed support and interest in undergrounding utility wires. The reasons to underground are potentially lifesaving and include: 1. the risk of fires from downed utility lines,2. the lengthy energy outages and resultant business losses,3. personal costs and disruption incurred around utility outages,4. blocked emergency routes from downed poles and lines during weather or fire related emergencies, and5. beautification of our lovely city. So far, we have $250,000 in NCIP funds for undergrounding. We have a start!
- Website: jeanrasch.com
