BIKEable Communities posed a series of five questions to each of the active candidates for elected positions in Long Beach that will be contested in the upcoming election on Tuesday June 3.

Below are the answers from Long Beach and San Pedro State Assembly Candidate John Goya to the five questions posed by BIKEable Communities regarding active living, Biking and walking in Long Beach.

Active living, bicycling and walking in Long Beach

1. Can having an active living oriented, bike and pedestrian friendly culture be an important business differentiator for Long Beach.  Can it help us attract new businesses and new resident that are looking for a city that promotes an active life style along with a business friendly environment. If so, what as an elected civic leader would you do to help deep us ahead of the pack. YES.

   My immediate focus will be on the Safety & Security of all residents and visitors.  As your Assemblyman, I will have the opportunity to present bills and to lobby for funds to increase security on our streets. My plan will include allocation of monies for additional police presence on foot, on bicycle and in patrol cars. More public bathrooms, shaded bench areas and bike stands additional street lighting are needed. Guided tours which would include stops at local visitor friendly businesses should be available. Voluntary community guides, perhaps high school students who will be given letters of recommendation for future use or senior citizens, should be made available, ready to assist all.  Creation of a Long Beach Badge for residents to wear, identifying them to anyone who needs help. A weekly bulletin containing news of sales and store coupons will be made available.
2. Studies from Portland other US cities show people on bicycles spend more per month in local business districts than those arriving by other modes.  Bicycling and walk also promote a “shop local” mindset (it’s difficult to get to a far away store to shop if you are walking or biking). What steps would you take to ensure that local businesses in your district are able to benefit from better access by bicyclists? Once the Long Beach community feels visitor friendly to people they will linger a while and enjoy their surroundings.  People will stop on the street and talk to each other, perhaps enjoying a cup of coffee or a piece of pizza or just shopping, together.  If we build such a community, they will come. We can and will be known as The FAMILY Of Long Beach Communities; where every person and every business enjoys a prosperous lifestyle.
3. Childhood obesity and chronic weight related health issues are a major problem in the city of Long Beach.  In six of Long Beach’s zip codes residents diagnosed with diabetes, sugar diabetes or pre diabetes is 20% or greater.  As an elected official how would you use your position to foster an active lining agenda that will make measurable improvements in these chronic but often preventable diseases?

   I am trained to Asses Risk & Prevent Loss.  And, in my experience this logic can be adapted to all areas of life.  I believe in the motto, “A Healthy Body Means a Healthy Mind”.  I will sponsor symposiums on Good Health for both Children & Adults of all ages and bring Sports back to ALL schools in Long Beach so that our children will be exposed to exercise throughout their formative years.  I will form the Long Beach Family Olympics with participants of all ages enjoying the benefits of good food, events and games, all geared towards healthy living.
   
   

4. Would you support a business are resident council on active living that would provide guidance for city policy?  YES, that is an excellent idea.

5. Will you commit to using your leadership position in the community to “walk the walk” by personally walking and biking during your tenure in office? I believe that a person should live a healthy, happy life, which includes diet & exercise on a daily basis.  I am a walker, a bike rider, and a long-term gym member. I am also a 3rd level black belt in Nihon Goshen Aikido, disciplined to focus on tasks and address every challenge and conundrum that may arise.  I will also “talk the talk”