Political Philosophy for Diane Benge Lenning

Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Huntington Beach

DIANE LENNING'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

The government is of, by, and for the people; therefore, I feel that the decision-making process of our City Council Government needs to more inclusively incorporate the voice and will of the people in the decisions of the City of Huntington Beach. It is philosophically a part of our heritage from the Founding Fathers of our country, that the people have an ear with their elected officials and that the elected representatives to the peoples' government respond to the need of the whole community, rather than respond to Special Interests Groups that desire to make a profit, sometimes at the expense of the people and their quality of life.

The importance of the elected officials staying in touch with the will of the people, is a high priority of mine. I intend to remain open to the expressions of everyone, by access of the internet, surveys, voice-mail, written notes, television/media, public meetings, and personally, as is possible.

The City Council needs to be creative in ways of developing income that does not greatly inhibit the quality of life and the will of the whole voice of the people. Fiscal Responsibility can be much more adhered to in accomplishing this goal. The people of our city need to be involved in deciding and creating ways to solve the fiscal inadequacies of the budget. What areas would citizens be willing to pay 'user fees'? How can we get our fair share of funds from the State? How can we attract tax-paying businesses?

Prioritization of Shared Goals of our community need to be established with community input in the decision-making of a "Priority List." This would allow a "buying-in" effect by the community as they know their interests and needs will be met according to an established schedule, as prescribed within the Budgetary Allocations.

It is important to have a 'Democratic City Government" in which everyone can feel free to participate with parity.