Three candidates with deep experience in the Merced community are vying to lead the City Council’s District 3: retired sheriff’s sergeant and planning commissioner Mike Harris, 70; Merced SPCA president Cynthia Kelly, 55; and Sair Lara Rodriguez, 41 who is an educator and business owner.
The District 3 area roughly includes the downtown region and the area around, bordered by the Bear Creek area on it’s northern edge to area of Highway 99 on the southern edge, between McKee Road and V Street.
Bertha Perez, the incumbent who represents District 3, chose not to seek re-election.
The Merced FOCUS sent all of the candidates a questionnaire to help voters make informed decisions about who they choose on Nov. 5. Here are the questions and the candidates’ responses.
What motivated you to run?
Mike Harris: I decided to run because I believe that all of District 3 deserves representation that truly listens and responds to the needs of every neighborhood, not just a select few areas. I’m inspired by the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and energy to the council.
Cynthia Kelly: I decided to run for District 3 in this election cycle after the same issues and concerns kept being repeated by neighbors and residents throughout our district: increased vandalism, thefts, speeding, crumbling roads, etc.
Being a resident of District 3 for the past 17 years, I share these concerns, and frustration that our city leaders do not adequately address the concerns of District 3. I decided that our neighborhoods need a passionate and dependable advocate representing us on the council.
Sair Lara Rodriguez: I am running for Merced City Council District 3 because I believe I can bring balance and effective representation to the council.
Having grown up in Merced County, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that Merced—particularly District 3—faces. With the significant changes and growth coming to Merced, it is essential for me to be on the council to ensure that District 3’s needs are prioritized while collaborating with fellow council members to create policies that benefit all of Merced.
Without a unified council to pass proactive policies, we risk falling further behind in housing, economic development, infrastructure, and public safety. We need immediate results. The upcoming council will shape the next 20-30 years of Merced’s history, and I am committed to being part of that future.
Finding housing that’s affordable is a constant challenge for Merced residents. A report by USA Today recently ranked Merced as one of the most unaffordable small metro areas in the nation. Taking that into consideration, as a member of the City Council, what would you do to improve the situation?
Cynthia Kelly: According to California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office- the median price of homes in California in the second quarter of 2024 is $784,000 for a mid-grade home (not a starter home). That actually makes homes in Merced some of the most affordable in the state.
I think the city needs to do a better job of marketing its available assistance programs – such as its CalHome First-Time Homebuyer program – so that more of our citizens are able to secure the monies needed to purchase homes in Merced.
Another issue is availability – a shortage of stock always drives the prices up. The city does not build its own housing, so offering incentives and fast-tracking the planning and permitting process makes it easier for developers to invest and build housing in Merced. The more they build, the less expensive housing will be.
Sair Lara Rodriguez: Finding affordable housing in Merced is indeed a pressing issue, and as a city councilmember, I would support market-driven solutions and policies that encourage responsible development while respecting property rights.
Here are some of the things I would support:
- Reduce Regulatory Barriers: I would advocate for streamlining the permitting process and reducing unnecessary regulations that hinder housing development. By cutting red tape, we can encourage developers to build more housing units, including affordable options, without facing long delays or excessive costs.
- Encourage Private Investment: Attracting private investment is crucial for increasing the housing supply. I would promote a business-friendly environment that incentivizes developers to invest in our community. This can be achieved through tax incentives, reduced fees, and facilitating public-private partnerships to encourage the construction of affordable housing. Promote Smart
- Growth Principles: I would support smart growth principles that focus on sustainable development and the efficient use of land. By encouraging higher-density developments in suitable areas, we can increase housing options without expanding the urban footprint. This not only helps manage costs but also preserves our natural landscapes. Enhance Job Creation and
- Economic Development: To tackle the affordability crisis, we must also focus on boosting local job opportunities and economic development. By attracting businesses and industries that provide higher-paying jobs, we can increase the median income in Merced, making housing more affordable for residents. A strong economy leads to a more vibrant housing market.
- Engage in Open Dialogue with Residents: Finally, it’s vital to engage the community in discussions about housing development. I would host town hall meetings and forums to gather input from residents, ensuring that new developments align with community needs while respecting the concerns of current homeowners.
By implementing these strategies, we can work towards improving the affordable housing situation in Merced while promoting responsible growth and respecting individual property rights. Ultimately, the goal is to create a housing market that serves all residents, providing them with safe, affordable, and sustainable living options.
Mike Harris: I would employ a two-prong approach: bringing incomes up and prices down.
Bringing income up involves bringing in businesses that will provide training programs and jobs.
Bringing prices down is harder and involves incentives to builders to lower their costs so that in turn can lower prices. The state hamstrings local government by limiting the restrictions that we can put on housing projects so we have to use the “carrot” instead of the “stick.”
Homelessness went down by more than 13% in Merced this year. Yet as anyone who lives in Merced knows, the problem is far from over. As a council member, what solutions would you propose? What specifically should be done that hasn’t been done already?
Sair Lara Rodriguez: While the recent 13% reduction in homelessness in Merced is a step in the right direction, the issue is far from being resolved. As a city councilmember, I would take a balanced approach—one that combines compassion with accountability to create long-term solutions.
Here’s what I propose:
- Enforce accountability and safety in public spaces: Our public spaces—parks, streets, and sidewalks—are meant to be safe and accessible for all residents. The city should enforce laws regarding loitering, public camping, and criminal behavior. While compassion is critical, we cannot allow public spaces to be overtaken by encampments that create unsafe conditions for the broader community.
- Hold nonprofits and service providers accountable: We already have many nonprofits and service providers working on homelessness, but we need to hold them accountable for results. I would propose a more rigorous evaluation process to ensure that taxpayer money is being used effectively and that organizations are delivering real outcomes. If programs aren’t working, we need to either improve them or redirect resources to approaches that will make a difference.
By combining immediate relief, long-term solutions, and accountability measures, we can continue to reduce homelessness in Merced while ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all. This balanced approach would focus on addressing the root causes of homelessness while providing the support people need to get back on their feet.
Mike Harris: We know that homelessness is not a housing issue but more a mental health and jobs issue. There is no “one size fits all” solution. It takes multiple contacts many times to break through and connect people with services.
The city has no mental health programs; we’re dependent on the county for that. We can use other proven methods, however. Santa Barbara County has been using paramedics trained as mental health professionals for many years with great results. But, there will always be a subset that will never accept help, and consistent enforcement is needed to make sure that the public and local businesses are protected from acts of violence and vandalism.
Cynthia Kelly: This Point-In-Time Count produced by the Continuum of Care is incomplete. It doesn’t account for decreases in the unhoused that can be attributed to deaths by overdose or other means, or relocation.
This same report that shows homelessness was down by 13% in Merced (in January 2024 – the middle of winter) also showed that 49.6% of the 197 persons surveyed are chronically or repeatedly unhoused – meaning they will be back on the streets within a short period of time. I would challenge the Continuum of Care to do bi-annual counts – one in winter and one in summer- to get a true representation of the homeless percentages.
In most cases of unhoused people, Merced is experiencing a mental health and addiction crisis masquerading as homelessness. Treating the symptom instead of the problem never works. Housing first is like putting a band-aid on an amputation. Without voluntary or involuntary intensive supportive care, the symptom of homelessness will continue.
What needs to be done now is repeated enforcement – offer every available resource to those that truly want help (the P-I-T count also showed that 83.2 % of the unhoused in Merced were aware of services and resources available). And to those that won’t accept it, it’s time to enforce our ordinances.
Some residents have expressed concerns certain City Council members are not accessible. There have been complaints that voicemails go unreturned and constituent concerns are ignored. In terms of interacting with constituents, how would you approach this job? What would you do to ensure you’re accessible to the public?
Mike Harris: I see myself having two main jobs, managing and overseeing city business and listening to the people in my district and in the city overall. There is no excuse for not being accessible! Everything I hand out in my campaign has my phone number on it, and I answer that number myself. I will continue to do so, in addition to responding to email, voicemail, and social media.
Cynthia Kelly: I have already started being accessible – as a candidate. I held four virtual town halls in August via Zoom that were well attended, and I have a District 3 email chain (with about 275 residents) where I update residents every two weeks about issues the council will be discussing or voting on, as well as community activities. As President of the SPCA, the public currently has access to me via email or mobile, and I would expect to give residents of Merced the same access, if elected. I am always available for coffee and a chat as well.
Sair Lara Rodriguez: I would establish multiple ways for constituents to reach me, including phone, email, social media, and regular office hours. Promptly returning voicemails and emails would be a priority. I would also explore creating a monthly newsletter or providing regular updates on city issues and council activities to keep residents informed about what’s happening in their community. Additionally, I am already very active in the community and regularly attend events with my family. It’s important for the public to see council members at events and community meetings, as this provides valuable opportunities to interact with residents.
Merced lacks high paying jobs. The average median household income here hovers around $66,000 – nearly $30,000 below the state average. Plus, with the upcoming closure of the Save Mart warehouse, the need for more jobs is even more evident. What specific proposals do you have to bring higher paying jobs to the region?
Cynthia Kelly: I support Councilwoman Sarah Boyle’s directive to hire an outside economic development firm to take over the task of business recruitment efforts in Merced.
Right now we have a part-time economic development director who also serves as the deputy city manager. We need a dedicated economic development team that evaluates trends and takes advantage of new opportunities to recruit quality jobs to Merced.
We also need better support for entrepreneurship and small businesses. As the owner of a small, minority-owned business, I had to scale back my operations during COVID due to lack of support from our city, and I’m still playing financial “catch-up” four years later. Our city needs to recognize that the financial backbone of this community are our small businesses. The city needs to lower its cost and streamline the process of doing business in Merced to attract much needed commercial development.
Sair Lara Rodriguez: To address the lack of high-paying jobs in Merced, we need a comprehensive approach that includes expanding our economic development department, attracting new industries, supporting local businesses, and investing in workforce development.
Merced is strategically located between major tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Sacramento, making it an ideal location for growth. To attract companies in the technology and renewable energy sectors, I would support creating a business-friendly environment. This includes offering tax incentives, streamlining permitting processes, and promoting Merced as a cost-effective alternative for companies looking to expand outside of high-cost areas.
UC Merced is a growing research institution with tremendous potential to drive economic development in the region. I would advocate for stronger partnerships between the city, UC Merced, and private industries to create an innovation hub focused on research, tech startups, and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, I would support the creation of a regional workforce training program in partnership with Merced College, UC Merced, and local employers to prepare workers for higher-paying jobs in emerging fields.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and helping them grow is key to creating more high-paying jobs. Investing in infrastructure is also crucial. High-paying jobs are more likely to come to areas with strong infrastructure, so improving our roads, transportation, and digital connectivity should be a priority.
Finally, Merced’s central location in California and its proximity to major highways and rail lines make it well-positioned to become a logistics and distribution hub. Promoting Merced as a prime location for logistics and distribution can attract significant job opportunities in this growing sector.
Mike Harris: Higher-paying jobs go to highly-trained and qualified people. Bringing in businesses that will provide training programs and commit to hiring local employees will help not only raise the average median household income but also help those employees afford housing in Merced.
While it’s not uncommon to see protests at City Council meetings, typically they are related to local issues. On occasion, however, protesters have asked City Council members to weigh in on national and international issues – including conflicts happening abroad.
Is there a place for protest at City Council meetings – particularly in a university town that invites a wide range of viewpoints? As a council member, what would be your approach when protests erupt in council chambers?
Sair Lara Rodriguez: The City Council is a local policymaking body and does not have control over international policy. That said, all residents who have concerns are welcome to address the council. I will always support people’s right to speak in a public forum; however, disrespectful or threatening behavior should not be tolerated. The mayor leads the council meetings, and as a council member, when a protest erupts, we must look to the mayor for guidance and to take control of the meeting.
Mike Harris: We are all aware of national and international issues, but the focus of the City Council has to be on city business. We are almost at the 100,000 population mark, and council meetings have to be focused on the current agendas. The forum for protests not involving the city directly would be state and/or national elected representatives. If the city is invested financially in things that are related to national or international issues however, that becomes material and should be agendized for discussion, not dealt with ad-hoc.
Cynthia Kelly: I support the right to speak to the council on any matter that the citizen finds important during the appropriate time. The law permits protests and speech activities in facilities operated by state and local governments and open to the public as long as they do not disrupt normal operations.
I will support anyone’s right to peacefully protest – the key word being peacefully – however protests that become disruptive and interfere with the normal operations of council meetings should not be allowed in council chambers, and the mayor should either adjourn the meeting or remove the parties involved to ensure that all parties have a chance to calm down and regroup.