Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Fullerton

Political Philosophy

As a life-long resident of Fullerton, I have seen the city grow into the dynamic community it is today. I feel my achievements in the community, work on the Community Services Commission for the City of Fullerton and knowledge of the city would make me a valuable addition to the city council. I believe Fullerton's most important resource is its people. I will work to improve communication between city government and all of its citizens.

I believe that there are several important issuse facing the City of Fullerton. Among these are:

Infrastructure Maintenance

Most of Fullerton's infrastructure is over 50 years old and in need of repair and yet the Maintenance department has a $150,000,000+ deficit. Sewer regulations have been mandated by the State to protect the public from a real health hazard. Beach closures are evidence of what happens when cities send the problem down the pipes. (Swimmers contract infections and viruses. So severe is this problem at Huntington Beach that many doctors are advising hepatitis B inoculations.) Rather than implementing a long-term solution, our Council has found funds to remedy the problem temporarily by assessing the City's "rainy day" fund. A great risk is at stake--public health. Based on the findings of our Maintenance Department, a solution should be acted upon immediately. The current City Council has decided to delay a long-term solution until after the November election. Health and safety issues should never be postponed due to politics.

Communications

Our present Council seems unwilling to listen to the will of the people. Thus, the people, out of frustration, are spending their own time and money to be heard. We already have the "Save Coyote Hills" group, the "Save the Fox Theatre" group, and the "Save the Independence Park Pool" group. And we may soon have a "Save the Hunt Library" group. Thus, the Council has suddenly adopted many of the Citizen groups' positions. Citizens are now leading the parade on behalf of the Council. But didn't we elect them to lead on behalf of us? My experience as a teacher, as a member of the Community Services Commission and the Board of Directors of the Fullerton Boys and Girls Club, and as past chair of the Fullerton Collaborative, have taught me the importance of partnerships and listening to all voices. As a City Council member, I will work to develop partnerships between the City, the residents, businesses, and organizations (e.g., Labor groups, citizen organizations, etc.) to improve the quality of life for all Fullerton's residents.

Master Plan

In order for the Council to lead us properly, there must be a plan for them to follow. The City has a Master Plan, which by law must be updated every 10 years. With the many changes occurring in our city, this plan should be reviewed and updated more often and recommendations for changes to it should come from the residents. I want to develop a partnership of residents, business interests, City staff to review and develop recommendations for changes to the Master Plan.