Joe Aguirre offers knowledge, solutions and commitment

By Joseph V. 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

Our City has partnered with the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) and secured funding to move forward with constructing new rail crossings to alleviate traffic delays and build a new Metrolink train station that will help revitalize downtown. We're also working on plans to enhance downtown to help draw new businesses, visitors and additional sources of revenue. The economy remains a factor, but we're continuing to do what we can now to prepare for the future.

We have also silenced the train whistles by completing the Quiet Zones; partnered with the Angels Baseball Foundation to build the new Torii Hunter Softball Field for our youth; and achieved a resolution of the major Caltrans claim against our City that was related to the now-closed OnTrac effort. Our Police Department has continued to actively fight crime in general and target gang activity and, as a result of their efforts, we have seen an overall decline in crime rates throughout our City.

In addition, we negotiated a favorable settlement with waste-hauler Republic Services that saw over $2.5 million come to the City's general fund during these tough financial times. We also completed the Bradford Pedestrian Bridge to facilitate foot traffic and eventually serve the future train boarding area; and introduced a new weekly Farmer's Market as an ongoing community event. Among my ongoing priorities on City Council, I will:

• Fund programs that fight crime and promote public safety in our community
• Prioritize essential City services within the realities of our budget limitations
• Encourage new business development throughout our City
• Insist on conservative and responsible use of the taxpayers' money
• Advocate open government that respects and listens to citizens
• Protect citizens' property rights and oppose eminent domain for redevelopment
• Continue supporting a Metrolink station funded by non-City sources

Still on the table is the Transit Oriented Development (TOD), the proposed 100-acre redevelopment project south of Old Town. Its timing is affected by the current economic climate, but this area still holds a great potential to generate new revenue. I support a cooperative effort that partners the City with businesses and residents, and respects property rights.

Throughout all of Placentia, I have encouraged City staff to place an increased emphasis on bringing new retail businesses to Placentia wherever possible to serve our residents and help generate the tax revenues that pay for public services.

We have also been studying concepts to renovate and upgrade Tri-City Park, which is jointly administered by Placentia, Fullerton and Brea. We will continue to refine these plans and will seek out potential grants and other funding to conduct the work in phases over several years.