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Sacramento County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter

Position and Philosophy as a candidate if re-elected

By Manuel M. "Manie" Meraz

Candidate for Director; Orangevale Recreation and Park District

This information is provided by the candidate
Recreation is a business held at a public level that does not follow the usual practices one would find in the business community. It is a field that is full of special interests, whether that be individuals, swim,soccer, baseball, football or equestrian clubs. All compete for the same support from their Park District with requests for space, time, funds or facilities, and all expect full attention from their Board and park staff.
It is my intention to again provide the leadership that was expected of me when I was first elected to the OrangeVale Recreation and Park District. People expect and demand much of Park Districts and many simply assume park districts just happen as a matter of course in a community. Part of the Board of Directors job is to not only assist in what ever way possible the community expects, but to also help educate our constituency in ways recreation functions. The Board's responsibility is limited to fiduciary and setting policy to facilitate daily operation of our Park District. It really is a tremendous responsibility. Our job is to make recreational opportunities happen and to provide the taxpayer with the best facilities available and still keep them affordable. It takes a competent Board and even a better staff to make this all happen. Many times people have called me saying nothing is going on at their neighborhood park. Perhaps not realizing the park or portion of that facility may have been reserved by another party or the particular portion viewed may have been recently fertilized and to protect users is currently not available. Regular park users and recreational sport teams all know behind scene detailed work that occurs. It is also important to mention that parks could not function in today's world without the great number of volunteers or vendors that give freely their time and money to make parks work so that our community can enjoy our open space. I have repeatedly called upon our sister parks districts and other elected officials for assistance in particular situtations; they have all responded with curteousy and assistence when and where they could and likewise we have assisted them when called upon. It takes leadership and and forethought to make this all work for the betterment of the Orangevale community. Parks make our world a better place and help maintain and increase our property value.

I pledge to you, I will:

  • Continue to make recreational programs affordable and where feasible available
  • Continue to have our facilities utilized to their maximum extent and create revenue to promote other recreational programs for all age groups
  • Promote club and team sport programs,especially youth programs
  • Work to see if lighted ball fields are feasible
  • Complete our master trail plan and continue to work with Sacramento County Parks to fulfill their obligation to complete the County Trail along the Sacramento/Placer county line to Folsom Lake
  • Protect equestrian and bike trails and promote their continued use
  • Promote open space and urban forest acquisition
  • Work with interested parties to bring Orangevale it's first permanent library, adjacent to the Community Center (directly north-we own the land)
  • Assist Sacramento Transportion Plan and RT by creating two Park and Rides at the South end of the Community Center and develop associated services at little or no cost to the District ( we're already working on it )
  • Assisting County Dept. of Transportation and RT to locate a Stop Light at the mouth and main entrance of the Community Center (we're working on it now)
  • Pooling needed County Services and helping local government agencies serve the need of the Orangevale community for less travel and quicker assistence ( in the discussion stage now )

As you can see, I have not merely let time go by, I have tried to make life and needed services more friendly for the Orangevale community and North East section of the County. It's taken a lot of work and help from others but it was leadership that directed the process. I will continue to protect Orangevale rural, semi-rural and residential lifestyles. These just didn't happen-I've been a proven leader in the community for 28 years and with your help will continue. Orangevale is a very special place and it is my home and yours. Lets enjoy life and recreation. Thank you and respectfully in advance thank you for your consideration and maybe even your vote. Adios...

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ca/sac Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 12, 2002 17:31
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