Editor’s note: “The Coronado News reached out to all 2024 mayoral candidates with questions to learn more about their priorities and philosophy in running for mayor. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.”
Q: Why did you choose to run for Mayor?
Tanaka: I have served Coronado as a council member or as a mayor for 18 years and I have amassed a wealth of knowledge, expertise and institutional memory that I want to continue to put to work for the citizens of Coronado. I love working on behalf of this community and if people value my experience and ability, I would be delighted to keep working on the community’s behalf.
Q: During your time living in Coronado, what is your record of civic involvement?
Tanaka: I have been teaching U.S. history and U.S. government at Coronado High School for the past 26 years. I have previously served as the chairman of the Coronado Historic Resource Commission and I have been elected five times to serve Coronado on its City Council, eight of those years as mayor. I have devoted most of my adult life to the service of our community and I consider myself fortunate to have the chance to work on the public’s behalf.
Q: What is your stance on the Cays Park Master plan?
Tanaka: I voted to approve the Cays Park Master Plan. Most of this Master Plan is maintaining what already exists in the park. We voted to maintain at least 75% of the currently existing open space while putting in an improved restroom and an improved playground accessible to a range of users, including users with limited mobility. The next step in this process is costing out each part of this Master Plan and determining if there is a commitment to pay for each of these elements. I would like to lead the next City Council in making these budgetary decisions and I want to make sure the next council is clear about the scope and sequencing of when those improvements would take place, in the coming years.
Q: Can you spell out specific plans you’d advocate for fixing the stormwater infrastructure?
Tanaka: The city evaluates its infrastructure needs every year as part of its yearly budgetary process. The city has prudently and appropriately invested in its stormwater infrastructure. We manage an elaborate system of drains, pumps stations, pipes, etc. We review our systems on an ongoing basis and when major storms hit, we meet to assess how our systems and infrastructure held up to these storms. I am satisfied that we have invested appropriately in our stormwater infrastructure and I am committed to maintaining a vigilant posture in reviewing and updating this infrastructure, when needed.
Q: What are tangible examples of efforts you’ve made with the Tijuana sewage crisis. Or, what do you hope to do during your time in office?
Tanaka: As mayor, I will continue to support the city’s efforts to maintain pressure on state and federal leaders to address the cross border sewage crisis. The next City Council will have a diverse skill set and I will be effective and persistent in deploying the city’s resources, including council members and staff, toward this goal of ridding our beaches of sewage. I will also be ready to fight and advocate on our city’s behalf at a moment’s notice.
Q: What is your stance on the affordable housing allocation?
Tanaka: I am opposed to increasing housing density in our city, but I will always honor my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the State of California. If state law requires more housing allocations in Coronado, I will comply with state law. When the city has discretion, I will fight against making Coronado more densely populated.
