Candidate for
Council Member; City of Fullerton

Refocus the City Budget

"Our city budget need to prioritize our community's needs based on our core services such as police, fire, streets, parks, and libraries."

To accomplish this, I will fight to implement zero-based budgeting, assess activity-based departmental costs, and explore regional and local partnerships that will help use reduce or eliminate ongoing city expenditures and improve services.

Create Transparence in Government

"I believe government should make it easy for citizens to gather information, understand issues and engage in the decision-making process."

If elected, I will strive to explore and implement strategies that maximize public participation in the City's decision-making process. This will include ensuring the public's access to information as well as proactive efforts to ensure appropriate was for the public to engage with its leadership.

A Call for Pension Reform

"We have to address the weight of our $500 million excessive and unsustainable public employee pension liability debt before Fullerton becomes the next casualty of municipal bankruptcy."

Cities like Stockton and San Bernardino have already buckled under the weight of unsustainable pension plans. Recent concessions by the City's public employee unions are a step in the right direction, but more must be done. As a Councilmember, I will be a strong advocate for reforms that include:

• 401(k)-style defined contribution plans for public employees.
• Appropriate cost-sharing between the City of Fullerton and its employees.
• An end, within the current system, to:
• "Spiking" of base compensation levels through short-term "promotions", inclusion of vacation, sick day cash-out, and unnecessary overtime.
• "Double-dipping" through contracting back the position from which the employee retired.

"I feel that the protection of our children, families and loved ones should be government's top priority."

My husband and I have chosen Fullerton as our home and as a place to raise our two boys. I can think of no greater responsibility to our children than assuring they grow up in a safe community.

As a Councilmember, I will support the community policing model advanced by Acting Chief Dan Hughes. I will also advocate for the establishment of a Citizens' Police Advisory Committee, leading to more accountability and fostering positive police-community relations.

Bring Jobs to Fullerton

"Unemployment in Fullerton is at a remarkably high 8.9% as of July 2012. If elected, I will work to increase employment, advocating on behalf of Fullerton small businesses and bringing more job opportunities to Fullerton locals."

As a Fullerton business owner myself, I know first-hand the challenges of growing a business in today's economic climate. As a Past President of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, I also respect the role that the private sector plays in growing our local economy. As a Councilmember, I will ensure that government focuses on creating a jobs-friendly environment, while harnessing the power of our local business community to attract new jobs, and grow existing companies.