Candidates pledge stepped-up outreach and clearer explanations of city decisions

At the candidate forum for Districts 1 and 5, candidates discussed how they would improve transparency and public understanding of municipal decisions, promising more door‑to‑door outreach, bilingual printed materials and explanations of regulatory terms so residents can make informed choices.

Why it matters: Several candidates said low voter turnout and confusion about technical terms reduce public participation in votes and hearings; they proposed targeted outreach and consistent bilingual communications to improve civic engagement.

Discussion points: Candidates proposed neighborhood canvassing year‑round, bilingual newsletters and regular district updates. One candidate suggested a bilingual press mailing and copies placed at local businesses; another said attending neighborhood association meetings and local festivals is essential to reach residents where they are.

Erin Turowsky said the councilor role requires clear communication about ordinances, citing that many residents do not know what terms like “MIA” mean and that explaining the terms leads to better public engagement. Candidates advocated multiple channels — door knocks, social media, print, and attendance at community events — and stressed outreach outside election cycles.

Ending: Candidates said they would publish clear, bilingual explanations of key proposals and maintain regular contact with neighborhood associations to build trust and improve turnout.