This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/or/ for current information.
LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Richard "Rick" Rios

Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Brea

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

OPPOSE NEW TAX INCREASES

LOOK AT LANDFILL ALTERNATIVES THAT WILL REDUCE TRAFFIC AND INCREASE SAFETY

STRIVE FOR RESPONSIBLE GROWTH THAT TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS FOR HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT

ACTIVLY SUPPORT AND PROMOTE AN ACCESSABLE AND OPEN GOVERNMENT

PROMOTE THE COMPLETION OF THE SPORTS PARK AND SOUND WALLS

WORK TO ENSURE THE CITY KEEPS ITS PROMISES TO RESIDENTS

--------- Issues and Concerns --------------

>>High Density Development

My big question is why? Neighborhoods have made it clear that they want to keep Brea's small town feel. South Brea residents fought a long and hard fight to keep a proposed development under four stories high. Even with all the voiced opposition to high density development, the City is aggressively purchasing other properties along Brea Blvd. with plans to propose more high density buildings.

I agree with Councilman Roy Moore, who he stated in a televised City Council session, that the proposed buildings were too big and towered over surrounding structures.

WE DON'T NEED TO BECOME ANOTHER L. A.!

>>Fiscal Management

I am deeply concerned with Brea's $400,000,000 debt. City officials have called it "free money" since it involves state funds. But this money must be paid back before any support services such as Fire and Rescue can be allocated more resources. To read what County Supervisor Chris Norby wrote about this problem, visit http://www.RIOS4Brea.com and follow the links.

Other fiscal management issues include where to spend Brea's limited funds. The City Council chose to lay off city employees and spend $250,000 on a public relations campaign on open space. The campaign informs residents of what they already know as most Breans agree with the value of open space. I advocate the preservation of open space but believe funds to preserve it must be allocated responsibly and not at the expense of city employees who provide Brea services.

>>Brea Landfill

The landfill brings revenue to Brea that is used to pay for vital services. Many residents have expressed their concerns with traffic and safety issues that trash trucks pose as they traverse through residential streets.

I have publicly asked the City Council and City Manager to explain the issues associated with using Tonner Canyon to access the landfill. This would allow the City to continue to receive the income and offer a solution to resident concerns about safety.

There are two major concerns with Tonner Canyon access; possible additional traffic from L. A. county and preservation of the wildlife corridor passage. I believe measures can be taken to mitigate both of these issues.

>>Sports Park

Quality of life is what brings many people to Brea and what makes those of us who already live here love this town. We need to speed up the Sports Park process and give our children a place to build life long friendships through competitive sportsmanship.

The Sports Park will also allow adult leagues to bring our community closer.

>>Sound Walls

Brea residents have been forced to live in discomfort as retaining walls and sound walls continue to be delayed. Some of the City's proposed sound walls fall under the jurisdiction of the Mass Transit Authority and a tri-city oversight committee.

In these cases where Brea residents are living in a substandard quality of life environment, I will advocate that the City pre fund the projects and then take aggressive measures to secure repayment of the capital expenditures. If the city has enough money to buy city officials new cars every two years and spend $50,000 for a blue colored intersection in the new Downtown, why can't we pre fund wall construction and let our residents enjoy a sound nights sleep?

>>Traffic and Safety

With Brea's growth and increased size comes increased traffic. Residents have complained to city officials about the problem only to be told "it is being studied." That does not help comfort those with children playing near these dangerous streets.

As your elected council member, I will work to expedite traffic calming measures from the 'wait and study' stage to implementation.

>>Brea Dog Park

As the proud owner of two wonderful Rottweilers, I personally would like to see a dog park in Brea. However, I believe that the burden of the costs associated with the park needs to come from those using the park.

Increased dog license fees, event sales, and corporate sponsorship are all options I would consider in reviewing the feasibility of a park.

Next Page: Position Paper 1

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
November 2004 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter


The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 29, 2004 22:12
Smart Voter   <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://ca.lwv.org