Orange County Register Candidate Questions

By Darren Wm Smith

Orange County Register Candidate Questions

Spouse's name (and last name if different): Annabelle

Number of children and grandchildren: 3 Children

Date of birth: March 29, 1964

Education: High School, Technical School, Currently enrolled at UCI

Political experience (including dates): This is the first time I have run for political office.

Role model and why:

I believe true role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people. They advocate for our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. My role model is my father in-law, Reginald Slaughter, who as a Navy veteran served his country for over 30 years. He was a decorated Pearl Harbor Survivor, and served his country during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Reginald was a Native American of the Wintun tribe of California. Reginald was a proud American, and he believed in giving back to his country. We lost Reginald in 2004. It was a privilege to know him.

What is one key issue that is driving you to run?

Public Safety. I feel the City of Orange should provide our community with superior protection and support with our public service providers and formulate communication and disaster planning strategies with community resources and other government entities.

How should the city regulate illegal boarding houses?

To ensure the safety of our citizens, the city should examine the number of these locations, and review state regulations related to the maximum occupancy of rooming houses. Regulations are based on a maximum number of dwelling rooms and a minimum floor space per person for sleeping accommodation. They should also review the maximum occupancy controlled through minimum floor areas.

How will the Irvine Co.'s project in East Orange transform the city and affect future development?

The Irvine Co.'s project proposes the building of 4,096 residential units east of Orange. This would add an estimated 16,000 new residents to our city. The new neighborhoods will need the services provided by the city, and we will need to assess the impact to provide those services.