This is my Official Candidate Statement

By Bruce A. Broadwater

This information appears in your voter handbook

It amazes me how much Orange County has changed since we moved here. It has become a vibrant county with a broad economic base and dreams for the future. I will provide leadership to match those hopes and aspirations. Look at the City of Garden Grove where I've served on the Council for 11 years, nine of them as Mayor. During that time, the city improved in every area: new jobs, enhanced community policing, development of family resource centers, a new Higher Education Center, and a completely new image. I led the fight for all of these accomplishments, and they were achieved without raising taxes.

The current state budget crisis requires a leader who will stand up to the Sacramento politicians and bureaucrats who got us into this mess. Garden Grove was one of only two cities not to be caught in the county bankruptcy. We did it through strict financial management and an independent attitude. I'll bring that same financial responsibility to county government.

I will tackle the issues that matter to Central Orange County residents:

The 22-Garden Grove Freeway must be overhauled now. It's a mess. We need additional lanes and wider underpasses. Lets stop wasting millions of dollars on CenterLine planning while our residents suffer on an inadequate freeway!

Central Orange County loses out time and time again on the unfair way money is spent in Sacramento. For every dollar we send to Sacramento, we get back only 6 cents, and then most of that money goes to South Orange County. We need a strong advocate for our share of parks, roads and county services.

It's time our elected officials took control of how our county is governed. We need a county government that is driven by those who are elected and not by hired bureaucrats. We need citizen participation and the determination to provide effective, customer-oriented service to taxpayers and residents.

I'm no stranger to hard work. For twenty years I ran a small business and had to meet a payroll. I earned my bachelor's degree while working full time. I served my country for three years in the United States Army. I'm honored to be endorsed by our Firefighters Association. I have a positive vision for Orange County.

I need your vote on March 2. Thank you.