As the U.S. midterms approach, politics are on everybody’s mind. However, an equally important election is being overlooked: the race for the San Carlos City Council, where three out of five candidates will be elected to City Council on Nov. 6.
This year’s City Council race is more competitive than the elections past few years, as revealed by the hundreds of campaign signs in yards across San Carlos. In the past, the number of candidates running was equal to the available spots.
Furthermore, none of the incumbents are running for office, in contrast to recent elections. The three open seats on the City Council present possible changes in leadership and opportunities for new initiatives to improve the overall quality of life, including the wellbeing of teens. Although San Carlos has a large adolescent population, many teens feel left out of city activities.
“There are barely any activities for teenagers in San Carlos, and the restaurants downtown are unaffordable for us,” said Justine Metis, a sophomore.
The issue of pricey downtown restaurants and lack of activities catered towards teens seem to be shared by many, including those running for the City Council, such as Laura Parmer-Lohan and Adam Rak.
Rak said, “I also think we can improve the downtown experience for our teenagers. I would like to work with business owners and the Chamber of Commerce to create a youth discount card for shopping and dining as a way to promote youth-friendly businesses and to bring my teenagers downtown.”
Another common idea that each of the candidates share is plans for collaboration with the Youth Advisory Council.
Candidate John McDowell said, “That means making sure that our Youth Advisory Council, which advises the Parks & Recreation Department and the Youth Center staff on activities, events, and programs to meet the needs of our students, is a robust organization with real input into decision making.”
Other candidates have more specific plans. For example, candidate Ken Castle would like to create a monthly Hangout Day for Teens, where teens can showcase their personal art.
Meanwhile, other candidates are focusing more on using businesses to cater to teens.
Candidate Sara McDowell said, “San Carlos is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, and as part of that growth, I would like to see the city do a better job attracting businesses that would provide entertainment to teens.”
For now, the public will have to wait and see whether the candidates can make their election promises to teenagers a reality.
