Health and Safety

Foster City has completed and approved its annual budget. It was a detailed and diligent process which was conducted to meet a pre-determined set of objectives. The City Council set a goal to balance the budget while maintaining the quality of life ourresidents have come to expect and deserve. . The process took over six months with many hours of review by both staff and the Council. In the end, we as a City were able to achieve our goals. We balanced the budget and were able to maintain all levels of service and staff levels that provide our residents with a safe and sound community.

This result was only possible because of the cooperation and dedication of our City staff, Police and Fire who provide the services that keep our operations running and safeguard our community and families.  All departments have continued to sharpen their pencils tosurgically cut excess expenditures from the budget. In many cases they have forgone additional compensation and raises. They have also assumed greater workloads and responsibilities. They do so for their appreciation for our residents and our community. I am sure I speak for many when I say “thank you” for their sacrifices and continueddedication.   It is my hope that we will be able to address future budgets with this in mind and build in financial parameters to better meet the value of their contributions.  

This past week the Council reviewed past and new policy initiatives for the coming year.

The policy calendar creates items that are offered to the public as action items during the year at various council meetings. It is important that the public attend and offer input on these items. We serve and represent you.  We have made tremendous progress on the current agenda with most either completed, near or already in process.

While each and every policy matter is important, there are some which resonate more deeply with me. The health and safety of our children and families are of the utmost concern for me as a policy maker. I have been and remain committed to supporting legalprotection for our families and the community in regards to these types of issues. In the coming months, the Council will be conducting a review of several health and safety issues which I feel are critical to our continued enjoyment of the quality of life here in the City.

It has been well established that no one individual may affect the health of another indiscriminately. In the case of second hand smoke many of our surrounding communities have undertaken aggressive steps to protect their residents from the perils of carcinogenic by-products. Recently our City chose to take a less aggressive approach and passed a non-smoking resolution for public events only. The question that remains is whether this step has accomplished its intended goal through less obtrusive means and self compliance.

Foster City is a unique community made up of residents with family-centric values. As a result, our residents usually comply with the parameters set forth in City-wide resolutions that are intended to enhance our quality of life and protect our families. However, some issues are of such importance that a resolution cannot adequately attain the goals desired by our community.

I believe that the health and safety of our families should not be trumped by the personal desire of any individual who may choose to participate in any activity with proven detrimental health consequences for others. This is not to say that individuals should not be able to choose such activities, but rather where and when they are permitted can andmay best be controlled by ordinance.

Most recently, in New York City, the Mayor undertook a severe course of action in an attempt to curb the intake of sugary beverages. A State Supreme Court Judge ruled the regulatory effort to be arbitrary and capricious and most likely difficult if not impossible to enforce. While his intent was good, his approach was overreaching and most likely not effective even if implemented. While the consumption of these sugary beverages is not healthy, it is a personal choice that can be better managed through education and outreach. Moreover this choice is that of the individual and does not cause detriment to a casual bystander unlike the proven effects of second hand smoke

There is no doubt that the review of this issue will yield passionate debate from our community. There will be questions as to what degree smoking should be limited and in what areas or locations. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important issueand where/how it fits within a Sustainable Foster City. I can be reached at 650-468-3143or hperez@fostercity.org.