I sent Richard Wolfinger an email asking why residents should vote for him. Here is his response.
My Feelings
I understand and appreciate the importance of sustaining and protecting the wonderful quality of life and family I have enjoyed during my 29 years as a Yorba Linda resident. For this reason, I will see that our open spaces are rigorously protected, that all development, when proposed, is thoroughly scrutinized, subjected to citizen inquiry and input, and not allowed to proceed if it degrades or erodes our cherished community standards of gracious living.
I am a Republican, but will be bi-partisan as a Councilman. I am Pro-life, but will listen to both sides. I support the War against Terrorism. I am a Christian person and believe there is a Heaven and Hell. I believe we must uphold our Constitution above all costs. I believe the Pledge of Allegiance should be in every school.
GOD ~ FAMILY ~ COUNTRYTax Refund
The City has somewhere in the neighborhood of Forty One Million Dollars in reserves. This is almost 150% of it’s operating budget, which is probably 4 times the County/City average. The City has no present plans to spend the money on something enriching to its residents while they are still alive, or to even ask them what they want. So I will try to see that the continued funding of our City “reserve accounts” ends immediately and to seek the prompt return of such excess funds directly to the City’s resident property taxpayers. Where I believe it properly and rightfully belongs, while exempting some reasonable reserve amount. That all future excess amounts, if any, are pledged each year obtained for capital improvements or something that will benefit Yorba Linda residents now. An example of how the refund might be handled would be to give each eligible person a refund of ten percent of his latest property taxes, with a cap at One Thousand Dollars.
Schools
I will also endeavor to repair and improve our City’s relationship with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. I find it disturbing and unacceptable that this relationship has become overly adversarial and too often subject to threats and filings of litigation. Surely, the large sums spent on lawyers and courts, could be put to the better use of residents, students and teachers.
Neighbor Watch Program
I would seek to start a “Neighbor Watch Program” which hopefully will decrease the increase in crime.
City Contracts
I would ask the City to review increasing the threshold of prevailing wages from $10,000 to $100,000 or greater. This could, in itself fund the Neighbor Watch Program. An example: Instead of paying $45.00/hr for a Painter, and say it could be done for $25.00/hr and say the City had a Million Dollars or so a year in various Construction Contracts, it could possibly save One Hundred Thousand Dollars.
Old Town Center
I support the re-development of the Old Town Center. We must make decisions in 2009 and put our best efforts forward and hope we make the right choices. We cannot sit by any longer and do nothing, as the existing Council has. I know it’s hard, but no decision is followed by failure. The people that were forced to move are very upset and the people still there are confused and unhappy with Council decisions.
Performing Arts/Culture Center
I think it would be a good idea to open discussions with North Orange County Community College District about a Joint Venture in a Performing Arts/Culture Center. Possibly using their facility on Fairmont Blvd that is used for similar activities. This could be as good for the City as Black Gold Golf Course is, and a good combination, as both proximities are close to each other.
Equestrian
I am an equestrian person. In fact, I own two horses. I support continued equestrian uses. With regard to a new equestrian boarding and exercising facility I am undecided because I have not seen nor heard how this would be accomplished.
City Staff
I believe, as I do in my own business, in operating lean and mean, and so should our City do the same. Hire the best people, pay them well and expect a lot! A sort of R.O. I. (Return on Investment)
I oppose eminent domain under most circumstances.
I am NOT accepting contributions of any sort or kind nor am I seeking endorsements of any sort or kind.
I am beholding to no one.
This is how I feel and what I will do.
Very Truly Yours,
Richard J. Wolfinger
