Re-Election Plans Formally Announced

Along with First-Ever Green E-Mail Campaign

For Immediate Release: December 7, 2009
Contact: Nels Henderson, 805-252-8924

Goleta Council Member Roger Aceves, who formally handed over the Mayor’s gavel last week, has announced his plans to run for re-election next November. He also made a call for Goletans to help his campaign save paper by providing their email address in exchange for his promise not to send them political snail mail.

Aceves campaigned on a platform of environmental protection, growth management and public safety but also a commitment to listen to all sides and make decisions on issues based on their merits. Often called "the man in the middle", 2009 was marked as a year of accomplishment for the young city of Goleta. During Aceves’ tenure, the council’s relationship with the city’s business community improved and amendments to the General Plan have made the planning process more transparent and easier to manage. Rather than a clone of the County of Santa Barbara, Goleta’s General Plan now represents the unique needs of its populace.

"This council has created the first residential rental project the city has seen in 20 years in Sumida Gardens.", said Aceves, "We created open space, public recreation and better public transportation in Old Town. We are also planning for our economic future with approved plans for three hotels that will add to the city’s revenue. We’ve worked hard in the interest of our city".

As a former police officer, it’s no surprise that Aceves also credits creating a real municipal code as an important part of Goleta’s growth as a city. No longer is Goleta reliant on code designed for other parts of the county to guide their police officers, planners, etc.

Aceves now wants to change the way political campaigns are run in the City of Goleta. Any voter who registers for his email list at his website can do so with a promise that he won’t send them "snail mail" to their home mailbox.

"The concept is simple. Political mail is a hassle but a necessary part of any campaign that wants to be competitive. It wastes tons of paper every election but I think we can change the way campaigns are run.", said Aceves, "Provide my campaign with your email and we can do our part for the environment and actually improve our communication with each other."