Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Rancho Santa Margarita

WHY AM I RUNNING FOR OFFICE? For the past 12 years I have been very active in the local community, serving on the homeowner's association board, the local water district board in addition to teaching religious education at one of our local churches. I took a very active role in local issues by fighting to have the Plano Trabuco communities of Dove Canyon, Rancho Cielo, Walden, Robinson Ranch and Trabuco Highlands included within the initial boundaries of our new city. In 1999, I ran for City Council in RSM because I felt I would bring the strong leadership and experience needed to successfully contribute to the formation of the new city. I have chosen to run this year so I can apply these skills as our city continues to mature and grow. I feel I have demonstrated the leadership, dedication, skills, experience and strong work ethic needed to fulfill this important role and I view serving on the City Council as a challenging and fulfilling continuation of my strong dedication to the community.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - I am also running to showcase and recognize the importance and value of community involvement and volunteerism within the community. While the City Council may act as the chief architects of the city, the local volunteers are the foundation that makes a community strong and vibrant. Whether it's volunteering with a local school, sports program, community association or local religious group, or actively participating in a local or national non-profit organization or business association, there are many local community members who give their time and talents to support our local community.

Community involvement can also include attendance at City Council meetings, taking an active interest in local, statewide and national issues, serving on the city council or planning commission, serving on city committees, political action committees, exercising one's right to vote or if not a voting community member, becoming one by registering to vote. Our city was fortunate to have a strong and dedicated group of volunteers (many who served on our first city council) who worked tirelessly to form our city. At the end of the day, it's the collective efforts of these volunteers and active community members that enhance the quality of life in our city and help it to continue to mature. My hope in running for office, whether I win or lose, is to recognize our volunteers and promote community involvement.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY - The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is fortunate to have been formed and led my many dedicated, hard working and responsible city council members. As a result, the city appears to be well managed and fiscally sound. Unfortunately, the State of California is in the middle of a financial crisis that will ultimately impact local counties, cities, special districts as well as all governmental agencies. With the passage of Senate Bill 1096 (taking tax revenues from cities and special districts over the next two years)its clear the State has the ability to exert way too much control over local tax revenues. The appearance of Propositions 1A and 65 on this November's ballot is a result of recent actions by the State and represents only a first step towards meaningful tax revenue reform. The punitive nature of SB1096 is a clear indication that state control of local taxes is not working, resulting in "donor" counties/cities in Southern California. I am a firm believer in local control and would continue to support state and local tax reform that provides fair, predictable, and equitable revenues for our cities.

INFRASTRUCTURE - The City of Rancho Santa Margarita enjoys being a fairly new, master planned community. Infrastructure issues within and surrounding the city could have a significant impact on our residents in the future. The southbound extension of the 241 Toll Road will be important to improve circulation patterns throughout South Orange County. Various proposals for a new route or "tunnel" connecting Riverside and Orange Counties will have to be carefully planned and thought out in order to mimimize impacts to our local communities. The re-development of the El Toro Marine Base will need to be monitored to ensure compatibility with neighboring cities and communities. Adequate water resources must continue to be available to serve our population. Additionally, in the aftermath of the California Energy Crisis, energy supply, conservation and new generation resources must be carefully studied and planned. Energy market restructuring must include provisions to re-establish rates that are equitable and fair for both residential and business customers. Health threats posed by the appearance of the red imported fire ants and the emergence of West Nile Virus carrying mosquitos needs to be closely monitored and controlled.

I believe I have a proven record and the skills and background needed to deal with these important local and statewide issues.