Joe Aguirre offers knowledge, solutions and commitment

By Joe Aguirre

Joe Aguirre has been at the forefront of the issues in Placentia and possesses the knowledge and commitment to address our city's challenges.

The project's after-effects, however, will continue to be felt by everyone in Placentia for years to come, due to the millions of the city's dollars that were diverted to the project and the millions borrowed to fund it when Placentia's funds were depleted.

City finances will remain a major issue and challenge for many years. Council's priority focus now should be on a concerted recovery effort that prioritizes the spending of our revenues, demands improved accounting practices and reduces our debt. The City cannot continue to accommodate council spending on favored projects that siphon off or indefinitely borrow funds from other city programs, or plunge us deeper in debt, as the trench project did.

Money is not plentiful, but we must do what we can to provide for the needs of our community. I will strive to reinstate youth programs that were cut, improve the quality of our parks, and take care of public works repairs that have been put off. As your city council representative, I will:

--Push for financial recovery and restore city services and programs
--Get public works projects moving and improve our parks
--Encourage new business development
--Silence the train whistles by completing the quiet zone project
--Work to ease traffic delays at rail crossings
--Expand the Backs Building into a senior/community center
--Fund public safety programs to fight crime
--Insist upon responsible spending of taxpayers' money and reduction of debt
--Advocate open government that respects and listens to citizens
--Support a Metrolink station for the downtown area

Another issue is the Transit Oriented Development (TOD), the proposed 100-acre redevelopment project in Old Town. Although the plan has been modified to better reflect the input of residents and business owners, the ultimate direction depends on the city council. Old Town holds a great deal of charm and potential to draw new businesses, visitors and much-needed revenue to our city.

I support market-driven economic activity and revitalization, but oppose the use of eminent domain to force people to sell their land to benefit private developers. I envision a cooperative direction that partners the city with businesses and residents, and respects property rights.

Besides the original downtown, I believe that Placentia in general must be more receptive to business opportunities throughout our entire city. I support an increased emphasis on bringing new retail businesses to Placentia wherever possible to conveniently serve our residents and help generate the tax revenues that pay for city services and programs.