The Santa Cruz Police Department is among some of the best in the country, but it wasn’t always, writes five-time former mayor Mike Rotkin. If we want a police department that is fully accountable, he says we’ll need to change the state’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights. He’d like to see that happen.
Mike Rotkin on Santa Cruz politics
Mike Rotkin, former Santa Cruz city councilmember and five-time mayor, writes about local politics for Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Measure D is over. The RTC needs to go after federal and state money.
Santa Cruz voters have spoken. Now what? Mike Rotkin, former five-time Santa Cruz mayor and member of the Regional Transportation Commission, writes about next steps for the RTC and explains how we can get past the logjam and move toward action. That will take federal and/or state funds, some local funding commitment, patience, and a desire to work together.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Design matters in affordable housing
Mike Rotkin, five-time mayor of Santa Cruz, says the city needs more affordable housing, but we also must be careful what we build. Design, including open space and access to the San Lorenzo River, are key, he says. He cautions against cost-cutting, which could undermine increasingly strong public support for more affordable units.