Candidate Statement

By Elizabeth "Beth" Swift

I am running for reelection to City Council because I want to continue the progress to make Buena Park a family-friendly, business-welcoming, education-oriented community.

This was said jokingly, but it actually is true. I have lived in Buena Park my whole life; it is where my husband Greg and I met and married; where we raised our four children; where we attend church; where I worked as a high school teacher; and where I volunteer in Rotary and at the California Welcome Center. Buena Park is also where I served as a school board member and for the past four years as your Buena Park City Councilmember.

I love my city and want the very best for it--the best schools, businesses, parks, public safety agencies, and resources. That is why:

• I continue to encourage fiscal responsibility and support measures to attract new businesses.

• I share the police department's commitment to provide effective law enforcement and continuous improvement.

• I proposed a list of values to be exemplified by City staff and representatives; we now have 6 values selected by employees and adopted by City Council: teamwork, commitment, communication, respect, integrity, excellence.

• I proposed establishment of an Education Commission. Our "Education Committee," meets quarterly, is composed of city officials, a police captain, and representatives from the education community, the Chamber of Commerce, BP Library, and others. The results are better communication and cooperation among varying city interests and schools.

• I represent Buena Park on the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors and on its Budget/Finance Committee.

• I continue to push for recreational uses of Edison right-of-way land to enhance open space opportunities for our residents.