Candidate for
Council Member; City of Yorba Linda

• SCHOOLS Our new high school is a top priority. We need to reduce our already seriously overcrowded schools. Currently we have almost 7000 students in 3 high schools. We expect over 8,000 students by 2005. The School Board needs cooperation and assistance, not obstruction from our City Council to move forward with their plans. The lawsuit with the School District MUST be settled without crippling our Redevelopment Agency. I am skilled at getting people to work together to achieve mutually acceptable goals and I intend to work with both sides to resolve their differences.

• BUILDING DEPARTMENT * Our City Manager has indicated that the Building Department is striving to become like "Nordstrom's" when it comes to customer service. I would like to encourage this and do whatever possible to help in achieving this goal. I think that the city's Staff needs to be supported in their efforts to serve the residents of our city by not only maintaining a high standard for quality, but also to be responsive to assisting people to complete their building projects in a timely fashion without adding costs which are unnecessary. I want consistent application of our high standards to be the norm not the exception.

• POLICE DEPARTMENT * I am very pleased by the outcome of the Brea Police contract vote. I think that the Brea Police Department does an excellent job of keeping our city safe. I am concerned that the recent contract negotiations have strained our relationship, although we made improvements to the contract from a financial standpoint and provided additional liability protection. This relationship should be one of mutual cooperation and benefit. We are both important to each other.

• COUNCIL * City Council meetings have often turned into childish exchanges of demeaning comments between council members, as well as members of the public. To the credit of a few, meetings have started to improve. I want to make them more professional and raise the standard. I'm sure that the public would appreciate the change.

• DEVELOPMENT * Many people have suggested that our semi-rural way of life here in Yorba Linda is in jeopardy. I take this concern very seriously and would work hard to preserve open space while adhering to our General Plan. Progress should enhance the lifestyle that all of us moved to Yorba Linda for. Because I believe that it is necessary for our elected officials to be independent of pressure from special interests, I have not been soliciting nor will I accept donations from developers. I am determined to keep the needs and wishes of the people of Yorba Linda paramount. I am depending on the people and small businesses of Yorba Linda for MY campaign support.

• RECREATION * Our City has done a great job of developing baseball, soccer and basketball venues. Our parks are a model for other cities. I do feel the equestrians in our city need representation also. Stables throughout Orange County are closing at an alarming rate. We have only one private stable left in Yorba Linda. I would encourage our Parks and Recreation Director to pursue plans to build an equestrian center in one of our new building projects.

• NEGOTIATE NOT LITIGATE * It is apparent that in the past we have been more inclined to begin a lawsuit rather than put in extra effort at reaching an agreement. This has had a negative financial impact on our city. I would work as your councilman to mediate disagreements and keep on track. Litigation is costly for everyone but the lawyers.I want to make sure the taxpayer's money is spent wisely. I want the taxpayers to benefit, not special interests. Careful, thoughtful spending will ensure that our city has the funds available for important projects to benefit us all.