Candidate Statement

By Michael R. "Mike" Merino

I subscribe to Ronald Reagan's perspective on the role of government which he described in his February 1986 State of the Union Address. He described government's role as, "Not to control, not to demand or command, not to contain us; but to help in times of need, and above all, to create a ladder of opportunity to full employment so that all Americans can climb toward economic power and justice on their own." In this regard, local government lead by an effective city councilmember like myself can assure a balanced budget without increased taxation, promote prosperity through reduced regulation, and protect the city's quality of life through vigilant support of public safety.

QUESTION: Do you support the use of eminent domain? If so, in what circumstances and why?

I do not support the use of eminent domain as it represents a failure of government to reach a balanced and fair accommodation with a private property owner. I believe that private property ownership is one of the key foundations of this country and must be protected.

QUESTION: What is your position on current public employee pensions? What policies would you advance or change? If elected, will you take a pension? Will you take insurance benefits? Stipends?

The current City of Orange budget appears overwhelmed by pension and benefit obligations for present/former public employees + only 20% is used for operating costs.. The only viable alternative to this structural problem is a change from a defined-benefit to a defined-contribution/401K-type model. Modification of sick, leave, holiday, and vacation compensation to align with private industry must also be considered. Lastly, an alternative plan for new hires must be developed.

I do not expect to receive pensions and benefits from being elected to public office as I do NOT expect this to become a "career" for me. I already have a career as a licensed architect and as a military officer with 22 years in the Navy Reserve. I will also NOT require insurance benefits from being elected as I already receive them elsewhere.

QUESTION: Why are you running for this office? What are your top three priorities if you take office? If successful, do you see yourself running for additional offices?

I believe in service, good leadership, and liberty. My father served in the US Air Force for 30 years and I was born in Berlin, West Germany. I grew up in the shadow of "the wall" and, as a child, saw how liberty could be suppressed. I am also a 22 year Navy officer and veteran myself - I still serve my country almost every day. I strongly believe that liberty begins at the local level and I wish to continue to protect it. With my background and experience, I can both serve my fellow citizens and provide leadership in what is really a critical juncture in our city and state. Hard decisions are ahead and I stand ready to serve.

QUESTION: What is the extent of regulation and taxation that is appropriate? Name two recent and relevant regulations that you thought were appropriate and two that were not.

Regulation that protects the health, welfare and safety of the public is acceptable. As an example, regulations which establish the minimum competency of architects, medical professionals, attorneys, etc. is appropriate. On the opposite hand, business licensing of home-based businesses at the local level is both inappropriate and unnecessary. At the state level, AB32 the Global Warming Solutions Act is a jobs, freedom, private property rights, and business killer. It's bad regulation at the worst possible time in California's history.

Taxation should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and, if levied, should only provide for those services deemed by the taxpayers themselves to be necessary to accommodate their needs. Taxation should NOT be a process to fund more government which, in turn, generates more taxation.