MARINA >> On the November ballot, Marina residents will be asked to approve up to $50 million in general obligation bonds, and those in District 3 will be choosing one of two candidates to represent them.

The funds raised through Measure U bonds would finance the construction of a new Marina fire station, police station and community center with associated community rooms.

A “yes” vote would authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds in the amount up to $50 million to provide for the construction to be secured by property taxes on property located within the city of Marina. A “no” vote would not authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds.

Measure U would allow an increase in the property tax rate to pay debt service on the bonds. The city estimates that the tax rate required to pay for the bonds will be $54.74 per $100,000 of assessed value of taxable property.

Measure U must receive approval from at least two-thirds of Marina voters, but if California Proposition 5 is approved on the same ballot, the approval threshold would be reduced to 55%.

The race for Marina District 3 is the only contested position for representation on the Marina City Council and pits incumbent Jenny McAdams against challenger Mike Moeller.

McAdams, 49, currently serves on the Marina City Council as the District 3 representative having been appointed earlier this year to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of the previous council member. McAdams served on the Pacific Grove City Council from 2018 to 2022. She actively serves on boards and committees, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Palenke Arts, Central Coast Energy Services and the Cal State Monterey Bay Otter Student Union.

McAdams is the current director of operations at the Monterey County Business Council, and has also worked in the offices of former District 4 Monterey County Supervisor Jane Parker and current District 4 Supervisor Wendy Root Askew.

McAdams said the most pressing issue facing Marina is ensuring that the city’s infrastructure and services keep pace with its growth while meeting the needs of all residents, no matter where they live in Marina.

“As our city evolves, it’s critical to maintain sufficient staffing and facilities to provide essential services. This will be a key focus of mine in the upcoming budget cycle, making sure Marina continues to serve its community effectively,” said McAdams. “On the dais, I will continue to advocate for funding capital improvement projects across all areas of the city, investing equitably in our neighborhoods and parks. I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the long-term maintenance of recent investments, ensuring all residents, regardless of where they live, receive the same high level of services and neighborhood upkeep. My commitment to equity, sustainability and infrastructure is essential for Marina’s future.”

Mike Moeller, 51, who is also running to represent District 3 on the Marina City Council, is an SEIU 521 union member and a respiratory care practitioner with a large public healthcare system. Moeller said he has training as a union steward and experience in staff management as well as policy review and quality improvement committees. He is currently active in the Friends of Marina Parks, an organization that works with the city of Marina to help maintain and improve its parks.

“We have recently begun working with California State Parks to ensure Marina State Beach and Fort Ord Dunes State Park is cared for and envisioned with the public input,” said Moeller. “We are also paying close attention to Locke-Paddon Park which is owned by (Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District) but is supposed to be maintained by the city. There is a disconnect in this current agreement and we are remaining closely engaged to ensure that agreement is restored and the deferred maintenance is going to be completed soon.”

“We have a lot of issues that are high priorities though. I feel the most important and highly controversial issue facing Marina at the moment is the public safety facilities and community center buildings that the city has outgrown,” said Moeller. “Though I am not in favor of Measure U, I would like to see these facilities updated immediately. I’m sure the city has the ability to build them through current funds and financing without a bond. The city is finally doing much better after many years of financial struggles. Based on projected growth from business and property taxes, it will only get better.”