Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Laguna Woods

Six years service as a director of the Golden Rain Foundation and the Third Mutual Board offered great insight into the problems facing a forty-year-old community. We must all recognize that our city government is restricted on how it deals with private property interests, whether they be Leisure World, Renaissance at the Regency, the Fountains and Palm Terrace. Nevertheless all avenues must be explored so that we continue to meet the needs of our citizens.

MONEY is the most important issue facing our city. As the result of an agreement with the governor there has been a decided shift in the source of funds available to the city. Some of the sales tax and motor vehicle license fee revenue has been replaced by property taxes. Last year property taxes were about 5% of the General Fund budget and in the current year they will represent 45% of that budget.

There are 16 California propositions on the November ballot. Two of them are very important to insure the viability of our young city: Proposition 1A approves a compromise agreement between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and cities and counties to protect local funding; Proposition 65 requires voter approval any time the state legislature wants to reduce funding to cities, counties and special districts. If approved by the voters, either of these measures will guarantee that our City will receive sufficient funds to maintain the level of safety and security necessary to maintain our quality of life.

I am an advocate of open meetings and during my term as president of GRF, we had a public meeting with the City Council to discuss problems of mutual interest. I endorse meetings of this type so that the City Council can learn the needs of the public. These meetings will become the basis for future decisions of the Council and help develop better relationships between the Council and the people who live and work in our city.

I will promote safe access to the entire city of Laguna Woods via golf carts. State and Federal law already provide this privilege to persons on motorized wheel chairs. It is critical that our residents maintain some feeling of independence and self reliance when they no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel of an automobile.

I will be the first to admit that I do not have all the answers that are necessary to run a viable city and provide support to its residents, but I am a quick learner. I am open and willing to meet with you and address your concerns.

Please give me the honor of your vote.