Candidate for
Council Member; City of Dana Point

Strengthen Public Safety

Councilmembers need to ensure our police have all the tools necessary to protect us. Not enough is being done to keep us safe - two bank robberies, petty thefts and graffiti is unacceptable. As a basic City responsibility, I will examine how police services are purchased and either find dollars from waste or provide the necessary leadership to strengthen public safety. Dana Point cannot be a 5 Star community while public safety issues threaten us.

Real Water Quality Solutions - Not Rhetoric

Our coastal waters remain one of the city's most valuable resources. My family and I regularly visit our beaches, swim in the water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately, birds, inland runoff, seepage from San Juan Capistrano septic tanks and pollutants brought by a variety of sources continue to be a threat to our beach areas. We deserve better. Therefore, I will take immediate action to bring together federal, state and local stakeholders by holding a water summit here in Dana Point, where we will develop and put into place a plan to effectively resolve this issue.

Fiscal Responsibility

Trimming our budget should be standard operating procedure. In 2008, during this recession, the Council tried to double their pay and add healthcare benefits costing us over $54,000 annually. I will provide better judgement. Councilmembers are stewards of your money. I will fight to ensure the City engage itself only in matters of basic responsibility, such as police, fire and public works. I will work to remove every penny of waste from the city budget.

Permit Fee Reduction and Permit Holidays

I will be unwavering in my opposition to tax increases on residents and visitors, such as the council raising the transit occupancy tax on hotel rooms an additional $3. It is too expensive to do business in Dana Point. I will fight to reduce permit fees and advocate for permit holidays that will enhance our community, lure new businesses and start the local economy moving.

Improve City Communication with Residents

The city works for you. There have been a number of occasions on some very major initiatives where the city has been deaf to the concerns of residents. My pledge to you is that I will always be available, my door will always be open, and I will keep regular office hours so you can have your voice heard in city hall.