Accomplishments

By Steve Vargas

First Term Accomplishments

Fiscal Accountability: ·Reduced Redevelopment Debt through costs controls and re-financing for a 30% reduction in RDA Debt (96/97 debt = $641 Million, current debt < $450 Million.) ·For three years called for an audit of the "evergreen" Trash Contract to lower costs for residents and business users. Final Audit = 14 findings and $63,000 payable to city. ·Workers Compensation watchdog: Highlighted increasing W/C claims of employees to turn the escalating upward trend. Fire and Maintenance Departments have made significant improvements in safe work practices and have reduced reportable injuries.

Responsible Development: ·Pushed to get failed Olinda Heights project completed. Persistent voice to force all parties to the table to come to an equitable solution for our new residents. ·Continues to advocate for low-income seniors on housing, mobility and social issues. ·Voted For the Hillside Ordinance to reduce housing growth by 30% and required 70% Open Space. Put in writing his commitment to Open Space during the 1998 election.A staunch believer in local control by ensuring Sensible & Sensitive growth.

Unfinished Business: ·Implement Term Limits # voted down 3-2 by the current council majority ·Reduce Traffic by stopping Dump Extension # there are 2200 trucks per day (4,400 trips) that impact Brea because of the dump. We do not want to extend the use of the dump and keep 2200 trucks on Imperial Hwy. We shouldn't extend the dump contract. ·Sports Park # we currently have $10.8 million (not the $9.4 in reports) for a Sports Park. We must trade for land or we will have no funding to build a new Sports Park. ·Puente Center # This is an issue of greed over need. With three votes we can get this revitalized immediately. This area has been neglected long enough - We need action!