On Wednesday at Cute Cakes on Grand Avenue in Escondido, around 25 people turned out to hear to ask questions and listen to priorities from recently elected Mayor Paul McNamara.
"I didn’t feel like our past mayor was very welcoming of public commentary," said Chris Mason. Mason said he has lived in Escondido for 33 years and asked about opening up legal marijuana dispensaries at the meeting. "There’s some revenue out there that could definitely be realized by the city."
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McNamara was sworn in last December.
"One of the things you learn on the campaign trail is that people are passionate about all sorts of things and you want to have a chance for them to come talk," McNamara said. "This is kind of an extension of that — it’s just come and talk to the mayor personally and share your ideas."
How to tackle the city’s homeless population was brought up multiple times at the meeting. There are two more "Meet the Mayor" events planned for Escondido. McNamara said he will take feedback from residents and have city staff try and address concerns.
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