As I am continually approached by concerned citizens expressing their worries about our country and our city, I thought I would share a few ideas and plans of my own.

I, too, am worried about the directions we have been taking. It sometimes seems like aimless wandering while applying different patches to problems. We have an important presidential election this year, which offers a great opportunity to discuss what we want for America's future and to take part in the process of putting a plan into action.

Some of the topics that need to be addressed:

- Finding alternate forms of energy and reducing our dependence on oil is important.

- Funding the infrastructure that makes America function, like roads, water and schools.

- Defining our foreign policies that address our cultural and economic interests with other countries.

I urge every American to participate in the presidential campaign. Get involved, listen, talk to your neighbors, participate in a campaign if you have the time, and vote; it's important.

On a local level, in Oceanside, I am also concerned about our quality of life. As the potholes in our roads deepen and worries about our financial future increase, I decided to throw my hat into the ring and run for mayor because I believe we need active leadership at this time. For example, residents have been complaining about zoning issues -- I think it's time we looked at our general plan.

We need our roads fixed, more jobs, our own "infrastructure" improved, and we need to ensure that we can afford everything that we plan for our city, now and in the future. The voters of Oceanside overwhelmingly agreed to fix our schools, which is excellent news and a contribution to a better future for our children.

We need to actively discuss and then put into action a vision for the future of Oceanside. Being an elected leader is not just about cutting red ribbons; it's ensuring that we have the local economy to keep that business running. It's not about just handing out proclamations, but supporting the public-private partnerships that keep students in school and out of gangs. It's not just about cuddling a cute puppy, but to stem the flow of unwanted pets to the shelter. And it's not just about voting yes or no, but of going into the neighborhood, rolling up your sleeves and working with opposing factions to agree to a shared solution.

To that end, I am running for mayor. I have also decided to leave my position as chief education officer of the School of Business & Technology Charter High School so that I can devote all my energies to the campaign for mayor. I'm proud to see the teachers and parents of SBT working on a plan to improve the school, and I am very supportive of these efforts.

SBT has helped many of Oceanside's children in the past six years; there is value in a smaller educational environment. We hear from former students often, and their success is heartwarming. I will continue to teach the AVID Senior Seminar as a volunteer.

However, I now want to concentrate on the future of the city of Oceanside. I again urge everyone to become involved this year. There is a lot at stake, and we can change our future -- it's in our hands.

Oceanside resident Rocky Chavez was elected to the City Council in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.