Rose Jensen

Relevant experience: I have lived in Westport since 2016. As a citizen of Westport, giving back is my priority. I work with Crime Watch and am on the Planning Commission. I established the Half Moon Bay Pirates, a non-profit organization helping children of all ages and abilities and promoting our community.

What would you say is the biggest infrastructure issue facing the City of Westport at this time (streets, marina condition, water system, disaster preparedness, etc.)? How would you address that need?

Westport is a beautiful city with much to offer. We have safe neighborhoods, parks and so much more. That is why more and more people choose to live here. Together we must maintain strong public safety. Our major infrastructure problem is the safety of our streets, lack of sidewalks and parking lots. Our city streets need improvement, many need complete resurfacing. I will review our six year improvement plan to make sure we are on track and push forward to see that the plan is on schedule. People are forced to walk down the bike lanes on Montesano and Forrest, two of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the city. We can do better. Sidewalks, especially on these two highways, would improve safety for our children and all citizens.

Also, we need more stop lights not less. Our one stop light is set to be removed by the DOT, changing it to a stop sign on Ocean Ave. During the summer or any major event, Montesano and Forrest become congested and dangerous. We need to maintain the one stop light we have and, in my opinion, add another at Forrest and Montesano. Toward that end, I would strive to work with the state to make the needed improvements.

Parking is an issue as well, particularly at the Marina. The parking lots need resurfacing, there are few handicapped parking spots and the signage for those spots is not up to code. Improvement of the parking lots would be good for our fishermen, our citizens, and our visitors. It would go a long way to creating a welcoming atmosphere. I will work with the Port Authority to make those improvements.

What do you see as your primary role as a Westport City Council member?

Serving on the City Council requires time, effort and commitment. We need a strong City Council looking out for best interests of city and our citizens. I will listen to the citizens bringing their concerns and suggestions before the council. My role includes promoting Westport, its businesses, and industries. It further includes looking forward and planning new ways to help our beautiful city grow.

The major economic drivers in Westport, particularly fishing and tourism, are seasonal. What if anything can the City Council do to promote a more diverse and steady economy?

I care about our community, its economic future and sustainability. I want to start a “Shop Westport” campaign. Such a campaign can bring people from out of town to shop our city. I look forward to working with the Chamber of Commerce

City beautification is a factor in getting people to shop Westport, particularly those from out of the area. Creating an atmosphere that is not only welcoming but awe inspiring is one of my goals. We have the ability to bring a variety of new businesses to town, creating needed jobs and filling the store fronts along the marina while keeping that quaint hometown feeling. One way to achieve this goal is through funding from community development and city beautification grants.

There is much that can, should and must be done. There is nothing what we can’t achieve if we work together. I want to be a leader in the community and represent the citizens of Westport with these goals in mind.