LWV League of Women Voters of California
Orange County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Tim G. Redwine

Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Lake Forest

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY: I have made this commitment to run for Lake Forest City Council because I have always been concerned about how our government represents the People. Quite often when elected officials hold the same office for extended periods they become complacent and out of touch with their constituents. Even at the local level, those involved in the "system" for extended periods become entrenched and are not open to individuals with fresh ideas. I believe that this is the situation we have in Lake Forest and I ask that you disrupt the status quo of the multiple term incumbents and vote for me so that I may represent the community with sound logical decision making.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: We have just had a 25% decrease in police services. Although the City of Lake Forest has finalized the annexation of both Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch, an annexation long since planned, the City Council DID NOT budget for any additional officers in our contract with the Orange County Sheriff's department. How can it be justified to add 33% more size and 25% more population without increasing law enforcement to any degree. I see this as poor planning and illogical. The Sheriff's department was already spread too thin in Lake Forest and now they will be even more so. Prior to the annexation, Lake Forest had one patrol officer for every 1650 residents. We now have one patrol officer for every 2200 residents. Our officers work too hard, under very difficult circumstances, to be put into this situation. I would have shown our officers more respect and fought for budgeting for additional support because of the planned annexation.

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Until the recent annexation, Lake Forest had one fire station located on El Toro Road at Jeronimo. There are two issues to address here. First, because this station is located on the most busy street in town, it is difficult and dangerous for our firefighters to exit this location in an expeditious manner. Secondly, that particular station is far too old and small to adequately accommodate the needs of our firefighters. In fact, the age of the building makes it susceptible to extreme damage during an earthquake, therefore, at a time when we may need our firefighters the most, they may have to escape their own emergency situation first. We need to locate a new site for this fire station so that the residents of Lake Forest can be assured that our emergency response system will be able to respond when needed. I AM HONORED TO BE THE ONLY LAKE FOREST CANDIDATE ENDORSED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION.

LIBRARY COMPUTER FILTERS: Although designated "children computers" in our libraries are filtered to prevent the access of offensive material, I contend that ALL of the computers in our libraries should be filtered in order to prevent inappropriate access by anyone. Our children utilize these facilities and this is yet another way that we can protect them.

REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT: As we all know, the ongoing El Toro Redevelopment Project has been moving at a snails pace for many years. The obvious goal of this project is to enhance the area around El Toro Road (mainly from the freeway to Muirlands). After attending many Council meetings, it has become evident to me that one source of this slow process results in typical government "red tape" and an adversarial relationship with business. Whether an existing Lake Forest business or a new business in the process of moving to Lake Forest, the city seems to be more interested in applying their authority rather than enhancing the area (this includes the city Planning Commission). It seems to me that they have lost sight of the goal of this project.

EL TORO AIRPORT: I am adamantly and passionately against aviation use at the former Marine Corp Air Station / El Toro. The pro-airport majority on the Orange County Board of Supervisors continually ignore common sense and logic, and most recently and most importantly, voter directive, while spending an exorbitant amount of OUR tax dollars to continue the charade.

MUSICK JAIL: Also indicated by a directive of the voters, we have told our county officials that we do not want a maximum security prison near the backyards where our children play. If the county does not act more quickly, there may be no available space remaining to build the prison needed. It is time for them to act on other locations which will not threaten our children.

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ca/or Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 26, 2000 09:32
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