Our summaries. Full answers verbatim below each issue.
Question 1
Election reform and Measure E
Our summary
Cites incumbents losing seats in each of the previous four election cycles and offers a critical paraphrase about term limits; does not explicitly answer whether Laguna should study the Seal Beach model.
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“As demonstrated in the previous 4 election cycles, at least one incumbent was unseated in each election. I"ll paraphrase a quote I read recently: "Every discussion of term limits starts with a confession: We the voters can't figure out who to vote for so please put a fence around us".”
Written response · answer only
Question 2
Hospital and emergency care
Our summary
Anticipates retaining an ER with some rooms, legislation permitting an ER without a hospital, or another medical institution taking control; expresses confidence in Alex Rounaghi and Bob Whalen’s work.
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“I believe the hospital issue will eventually be resolved by (1) maintaining the E.R. Including a small number of rooms, (2) state law changes allowing E.R. Without a hospital or (3) another medical institution assumes control. I am not working on the subcommittee and I know Alex and Bob will find the best solution.”
Written response · answer only
Question 3
Forest Avenue Promenade
Our summary
Says all Promenade costs and increased sales-tax revenues are public records; does not explicitly commit to one consolidated accounting.
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“All of the costs pertaining to the promenade, including increased sales tax revenues are public record”
Written response · answer only
Question 4
Visitor-generated costs
Our summary
Opposes increases in TOT, sales and gross-receipts taxes; favors stewardship communication and increased enforcement.
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“I do not support increasing TOT, sales or gross receipts tax. Sales and gross receipts taxes will impact residents. TOT tax increase will not be supported by the hotels and hotel guests contribute significantly to our economy. The best way to manage the visitor impacts is to continue to communicate our stewardship platform and increased enforcement.”
Written response · answer only
Question 5
Emergency preparedness
Our summary
Describes live evacuation exercises as difficult to coordinate and simulate, citing discussions with Fire and Police; supports tabletop preparation and circumstance-specific directions.
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“It would be very difficult to conduct a live evacuation because of the problems with coordination (people trying to get home or out of town, etc,), managing traffic lights on the canyon and Coast Highway, etc. In an actual evacuation scenario, we would change the signaling on the major thoroughfares, depending on the direction of the fire. The reason we have table top exercises is to get people thinking about what they should do. The fire department and Police Department will give specific directions based on the circumstances in the event of a fire. I have asked both the FD and PD about live rehearsals and they view it as problematic and difficult to simulate.”
Written response · answer only
Question 6
Fiscal priorities
Our summary
Would improve investment returns, evaluate contracts by outcomes and review the capital plan before cutting services; identifies no specific reduction or savings amount.
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“I would continue to increase our investment portfolio returns as we have done with Meeder Investments, look at existing contracts and evaluate them based on outcomes vs. simply costs, review and scrub our capital plan each year before I would cut any services.”
Written response · answer only
Question 7
Laguna in 10 years
Our summary
Envisions wildfire safety, walkability, climate action, thriving businesses, Hotel Laguna restoration and a robust ER; fears SB 9 lot splits and greater density.
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“A city that has not experienced a major wildfire and has continued to take smart steps to address and respond to the ongoing threat. A more walkable town with less cars. Climate change impacts as lessened because all levels of government are working to together (I know this is unlikely but a girl can hope!). A thriving business community with a good balance of offerings. The hotel Laguna finally brought back to its glory days. We have a robust E.R. In town to serve our community in whatever configuration works for us.
Conversely, if you are not elected, what change—or loss—would you most fear seeing in Laguna, and why? Many single family lots split (SB 9) and the town becomes overly dense. Our population has remained stable for many years.”
Written response · answer only
