SB Now

Tillman says race and class inequity makes at large elections untenable.

The next question is on economic development.

Lee says public safety is key for development. "Are you going to be held up, robbed, killed," he says, are legitimate concerns of business owners and patrons. He says we need to model policies after pasadena, which has a successful development record.

Avila says we need to drop impact fees and get average fees for businesses down. We need to lure investors into the city he says, and also reduce the utility users tax.

"We cannot stay stagnant," he said.

"I talk to a lot of investors and developers, and they're avoiding SAn Bernardino like the plague," he says.

Tillman says we need to stop doing what we're doing. She says citizens in the community are the best marketing tools for our city. She says government should do better, better service, so our residents will sing our praises to others.

"It starts here, in the council." Adding that we need to stop bickering in city government.

"We have to stop negatively stereotyping our citizens."

She quotes the bible, saying we need to do away with the "yoke of oppression."

She draws big applause.

Kelley addresses Avila, saying he supports raising development impact fees.

The airport and development in the 5th ward are examples of progress. He says SB is desireable because of some of its natural features.

"We must take the tough steps needed to lower crime in our city," he says, moving back to the crime issue in an economic context.

He notes that he's the only candidate to vote to lower the UUT.

Question: PArolee housing is an issue, what is your opinion and should it be regulated and how?

Avila says it should be in industrial areas, not residential areas, because "it's a business." He also says there should be no more than two parolees in a house, not the usual six.

"Is parolees the real problem in our city?" There's less than 1 percent of the parolees doing the crime in our city.

Tillman says the issue is key to reducing crime. She says tried and tested strategies. She says the parolee sweeps seven years ago appeared to be effective.

She quotes the bible again.

She said solutions must be worked out in cooperation with the state.

Transition programs are also key, she said. Prevention and intervention strategies are the way to address the problem long term, she says.

Kelley says our city has too many parolee houses and too many group homes. It jeopardizes the safety of our neighborhoods, he said.

He advocates more parolee sweeps. The responsibility for rehabilitating is the courts and the correctional system, not the city.

"Shut down illegal group homes" he says, through resumed sweeps, drawing applause.

Lee says parole housing should be regulated at the local level. A collaborative approach by city agencies.

Closing statements are next.

Tillman says she will make a commitment to her vision, on recreational and youth development program. She wants crime prevention and disaster preparedness programs.

"I am excited about the future of SB"

Kelley says he and his wife have called the ward home for 18 years, "unlike some of my opponents" a clear dig at Avila.

"My agenda is simple" To be the voice of the ward, get a community center and assure the ward's share of resources.

He touts an unprecedented expansion in the 5th ward. He addresses Tillman for her critique of pocket parks, saying to tell that the hard workers behind it.

he says he'll support quality of life and home values.

Lee says he's ready for a new challenge.

Avila says the people in the 5th ward, speaking for 2 minutes, they take more than 2 minutes, he gives out his cell phone to the public and television audience. He said a councilman for four years is more than enough time to prove what you can do.

"You've already had the rest, now try the best,": he says, looking at Kelley.