Nancy Bilicich (Contributed)

• Bilicich served on the Watsonville City Council from 2009 to 2018 representing District 7. She served as the city’s mayor in 2015.
• Some Watsonville voters said they wanted better quality jobs and higher wages. When asked about bringing higher quality employers to Watsonville, Bilicih said skills training is key. “In my current position in adult education, I work with the Monterey Santa Cruz Building and Construction Trades for the developing of skilled workers in the trades industry,” Bilicich said. “This results in higher paying jobs for those who complete the program. I would work with the chamber of commerce to encourage better paying jobs in the city of Watsonville by motivating new companies to join our city.”
• When asked about making streets safer for cyclists and walkers in Watsonville, Bilicich said she wanted to continue new construction on bike lanes and crosswalks with grant money. “We need to continue this process determined by city surveys to implement bike lanes in the busiest areas,” Bilicich said. “In addition, we need more flashing crosswalk lights and other more modern LED (light) traffic-safety technologies.  I think this is needed across the city, obviously, with the current plan that they want to move forward with which does prioritize some of the downtown area, just to make it more walkable and to have more connections to bus stops and so forth.”
• Read more about Bilicich in Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide.

Ari Parker (Contributed)

• Ari Parker is the mayor of Watsonville. Parker declined to participate in Santa Cruz Local’s election guide.

Maria Orozco (Contributed)

• Maria Orozco is the sole candidate for Watsonville City Council District 3.
• Orozco has served as a Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustee for nearly 10 years. She has served on Watsonville’s Parks and Recreation Commission for eight years and on several county boards and commissions including the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission.
• Orozco said job creation and economic development are her priorities. “With the rising cost of food, fuel and housing, Watsonville residents do need access to those types of opportunities,” Orozco said. Orozco said a way to further that goal is to support development of programs that offer access to career pathways, internships, apprenticeships and educational and skill development programs. Orozco added that there is a need for more housing across all income levels, including affordable housing, workforce housing and programs for first-time homebuyers.
• Read more about Orozco in Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide.

Kristal Salcido (Contributed)

• Kristal Salcido is the sole candidate in Watsonville City Council District 4.
• Salcido is a Santa Cruz County assistant district attorney.
• Salcido said she wanted to make that sure city spending is aligned with what residents want. “We are a city that is of limited means and limited budget. As a city councilperson, I see my role as really being that focused, independent audit to make sure that every dollar that we’re using is used in the most appropriate way,” Salcido said. City money must have “the most impact, and that we’re prioritizing what it is we want in our community by listening to the community.”
• Read more about Salcido in Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide.

Casey Clark (Contributed)

• Casey Clark is the sole candidate in Watsonville City Council District 5.
• Clark declined to participate in Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide.