Platform

By Sherri L Loveland

I will continue to support our police department. Public safety should be the number one priority of the city, which is why it represents more than half of the general fund.

I will work with my fellow City Council members to achieve a well-planned emergency evacuation plan in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The wild fires of 2007 caused a great deal of chaos in Tustin Ranch due to NO EVACUATION PLAN.

Education

My first priority will be to end the senseless battles between the City Council and the Tustin Unified School District. Why are the city and the district both paying lawyers to fight each other? In tough budget times, let's spend money on public safety and education - not lawyers. I will work in cooperation with the Tustin Unified School District, rather than filing expensive lawsuits against them at taxpayer's (and our children's) expense.

Recreation

My family frequently enjoys the community parks around Tustin, as do many families. I pledge to see that plans for new parks are implemented quickly and that existing parks are maintained to ensure the safety of all the Tustin parks' visitors.

Environment

I care passionately about the environment and will work with the city to ensure that Tustin moves forward with environmental stewardship practices. Contrary to what many people believe, "greening" the city can actually save the taxpayers' money.

Senior Services

Prior to moving to Tustin, I worked for a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Through my experience there, I came to realize how important it is for our seniors to have a warm, welcome, and vibrant community to call home. I will work closely with senior communities to address any concerns that our senior citizens have.

Traffic Solutions

In these economic times, it is more important than ever to provide public transportation options, as well as more bike lanes to the citizens of Tustin. I will work with OCTA and my colleagues on the City Council to provide more bus stops and to improve bikeability for our citizens who prefer a more economical and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Completing Tustin Ranch Road in order to alleviate traffic congestion on Jamboree, Red Hill and the 55 Fwy. for those who commute to Irvine or the beach cities, is another top priority.

Fiscal Responsibility

Coming from the non-profit sector, I know how to get the job done with very little funding. It's time to cut back on consultants, eliminate no-bid contracts, and focus our spending on delivering services.

Property Values

I am proud of the fact that Tustin homes have retained most of their value during these economic times and I will work closely with potential and existing business owners to ensure that Tustin remains a viable shopping district. Old Town Tustin must retain its historical value in order to ensure tourist traffic to local shops and restaurants.

Pro-Business

I will work with business owners to cut through the red tape during the permitting process, to ensure that Tustin remains a vibrant business community.

Government We Deserve

Tustin has warm, friendly people. Unfortunately, our City Council has developed a reputation for nastiness and vicious political campaigns. We are better than this, and we need to move beyond this meanness.