August 11, 2009 7:32 AM
Real estate broker Isaac Garrett is expected to formally announce his candidacy for mayor of Santa Barbara 1 p.m. today at City Hall.
"There are issues that need to be discussed and addressed that are not currently being addressed," Mr. Garrett told the News-Press on Monday.
The 69-year-old has been working as a real estate broker for 36 years. He has a wife of 44 years, Alice Garrett, and three grown sons Phillip, Kenneth and Timothy.
How will his experience serve the city well?
Mr. Garrett said, "I believe that I have a broader background than other members currently sitting on the council and other candidates" who intend to run for mayor.
As well as serving on several city and county committees, Mr. Garrett served as a member of the county civil Grand Jury in 1991-'92 and is a former president of the Santa Barbara Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
In 2001, he ran unsuccessfully for Santa Barbara City Council.
The News-Press asked what's taken place since then that makes Mr. Garrett confident about a shot at the mayor's seat in November.
"There's a lack of (people) dealing with real issues," he said. "And that is a real problem. There are fiscal irresponsibilities, and the city can be much better managed at a lesser cost."
"Affordable housing is not being dealt with adequately, and the environment is not safe and clean as it should be."
Despite the uncertainty of how many medicinal marijuana dispensaries there are in Santa Barbara and the ratio of legal vs. illegal dispensaries, Mr. Garrett stated that he stands in support of the use and distribution of medicinal marijuana.
Another issue that could come to bear on candidates is building heights, especially in historic areas.
"It would be a question that I would love the voters of Santa Barbara's opinion on," he said, adding, "original building contracts should be held true."
"If, however the voters decide on a different ruling and decide on restrictions, then the builders should be compensated for the difference."
In a statement, Mr. Garrett said his goals are campaign finance reform, returning the city to district elections, providing affordable and workforce housing.
He joins a field of at least eight people, including two seated council members, vying to succeed Marty Blum, who is not in the running.
The filing period closes Wednesday.
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