Candidate for
Council Member; City of Lake Forest

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY: I have made this commitment to run for Lake Forest City Council because I have always been concerned about how our government represents the People. Quite often when elected officials hold the same office for extended periods they become complacent and out of touch with their constituents. Even at the local level, those involved in the "system" for extended periods become entrenched and are not open to individuals with fresh ideas. I believe that this is the situation we have in Lake Forest and I ask that you disrupt the status quo of the multiple term incumbents and vote for me so that I may represent the community with sound logical decision making.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Providing police protection for a safe community is a, if not the, top priority for government. I commend the Orange County sheriff's department for the protection they have provided. It is the responsibility of the city to provide the resources for this protection. In 2000 I received criticism for contending that Lake Forest had a 25% decrease in police services for failing to add additional deputies after the annexation of both Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch. Although I have heard several discreet references to my contention since the last election, I stand by my remarks! It wasn't logical to add 33% more size and 25% more population to the city without increasing law enforcement to any degree. Prior to the annexation, Lake Forest had one patrol officer for every 1650 residents; after the annexation, we had one patrol officer for every 2200 residents. I felt vindicated when on the city budget for 2001/2002 there were allotments for additional deputies. Although those additions didn't materialize as a result of not receiving a grant, additions were again budgeted for 2002/2003.

FIRE DEPARTMENT: As with law enforcement, fire protection is yet another vital community safety issue which should always be a priority. The eastern section of the city is served by the newer Station 42 in Portola Hills and Station 54 in Foothill Ranch. Then there's Station 19. Although discussed each and every election, the condition of Station 19 at El Toro Road and Jeronimo still needs to be resolved. As with many issues involving multiple government entities (in this case, the city of Lake Forest and the Orange County Fire Authority), a resolution becomes complicated. However, Station 19 has been a 'priority' now for years, involving discussions considering upgrade, expansion, remodel and possible relocation. In a recent news article it was stated that a dialogue between the Fire Authority and the city is needed. I would have expected this dialogue to have started many years ago culminating in a decision before now. I would further expect the Lake Forest representative on the Fire Authority make mention of this issue each and every meeting. Decisions need to be made regarding Station 19 so that the residents of Lake Forest can be assured that our emergency response system will be able to respond when needed.

EL TORO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT: As we all know, the ongoing El Toro Redevelopment Project had been moving at a snails pace for many years. The obvious goal of this project is to enhance the area around El Toro Road (mainly from the freeway to Muirlands). After being basically stagnant since the city assumed responsibility for the redevelopment plan from the county in 1998, the process seems to finally be in motion. I have attended nearly all redevelopment meetings, therefore, I will immediately be able to help maintain this momentum.

However, one "tool" added to the redevelopment plan in May 2002 should be watched carefully. In a split vote, the city council added eminent domain powers ("tool" as they like to call it) to the plan. Both the U.S. and California Constitutions allow for the taking of private property without owner consent once the owner is paid market value and if the land is for "public use". What must be monitored is the taking of property from one private entity and giving it to another private entity. Redevelopment must progress expeditiously because it has taken far too long. An open and honest dialogue with property owners, businesses and residents is the best "tool". Eminent domain abuses are well documented and, when elected, I will help assure that this power is not abused, without jeopardizing redevelopment progress.

EL TORO AIRPORT: I am adamantly and passionately against aviation use at the former Marine Corp Air Station El Toro. I was an active volunteer for the "Yes on Measure W" campaign that put the lid on the coffin of any airport at El Toro. We now have to hammer the nails into the coffin. Once elected, I will support the city of Irvine's annexation of the former base and work for alternative uses that will benefit the county as a whole and maintain our quality of life.

MUSICK JAIL: Although Musick jail serves a useful purpose for our society, it must never be allowed to become a maximum-security prison. Because of its location so near the backyards where our children play, it must continue to only house inmates who do not present a direct threat to the community.

The county must act more quickly to locate an alternate location for any needed maximum-security location in an area that will not threaten our children. Available space in Orange County is disappearing quickly.