Hawkins Announces Run For Re-Election

Sonora City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Matt Hawkins announced his run for re-election this morning on AM 1450 KVML.

Hawkins was Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

During the interview, Hawkins was asked about ‘Vision Sonora’ as the City of Sonora has had a program to help improve the city, and asked residents earlier this year for input.

Hawkins said, “Some of the issues we discussed and will continue to look at include public transit facilities, lack of parking spaces, uneven sidewalks, abandoned buildings, traffic congestion and historic preservation.”

The state funded Community Revitalization Plan aims to address several concerns within the city.

Funded by a $225,000 Caltrans grant, the City is also working with the Tuolumne County Transportation Council.

The blueprint plan encompasses downtown Sonora and the highway 108 and 49 corridors that lead into Sonora.

“We asked for input from the public,” said Hawkins. “We called this the “Vision Sonora” part of the plan.

Residents were invited to submit their thoughts and suggestions on the areas of the city they feel needs improvement.

The tabulation and waiting continues before the results from a hired consulting team will be released to the City.

“In my three years as a City Councilmember, I’ve learned that Government at all levels works at a snail’s pace,” said Hawkins. “It can be frustrating. However, we are expecting the Vision Sonora results soon. Then we can analyze, roll up our sleeves and get moving on projects to help improve the City.”

As Mayor Pro Tem, Hawkins was asked when he’ll become Mayor. “If the people re-elect me, I’ll be Sonora’s Mayor beginning in July 2014.”

Hawkins then announced and confirmed on KVML that he is running for re-election.

Election Day for Sonora City Council seats is June 10th, 2014.  

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.