Issues

• Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe
• Carefully Manage Growth
• Control Costs and Minimize Waste
• Focus Government on the People
• Plan for the Future

   The top priority of government should always be to keep its residents safe. This does not stop at just preventing violent crimes or theft. Whether it is protecting the elderly from abuse, women from domestic violence or keeping our children safe in our schools and parks, public safety must always be number one. Our police and fire departments must always have the resources they need to do the job, and citizens must take the steps they can to avoid situations that make them vulnerable. The city should continue to encourage neighborhood watch programs and fire prevention programs that give citizens the tools they need to help our police and fire departments protect us.

   Growth can be good. It is the way we bring new benefits and products to members of the community. While improving our city is always an admirable goal, uncontrolled growth can be the fastest way to overburden our roads and destroy the natural beauty created by the open space weaved throughout Laguna Niguel. New development, especially changes to the master plan, should be carefully considered to avoid upsetting the equilibrium of the surrounding community and account for future growth. We should not fear change, but make sure the benefits from the improvement are worth the costs for the project, remembering that sometimes costs are hidden and only appear after time. Identifying and accounting for those costs is the key to growth that will be appreciated, and not resented, in years to come.

   As the city continues to grow and improve services, we should never be afraid to confront and review the way we do things to improve efficiency and remove waste. What was once a necessary expenditure may now be adequately covered by other programs or budget allocations. In many cases, the passage of time brings about new areas that require attention or maintenance. That is why doing an annual top down review of all city programs and departments is so important. We need to eliminate wasteful spending to make sure we get the most from every tax dollar entrusted to us.

   Government programs sometimes take on a life of their own. Too often, a political establishment takes a foothold and prevents the will of the people from being accomplished. This is most obvious in Sacramento, where voters sent a message loud and clear that we are tired of politicians ignoring the will of the people. At the local level it is much easier to reach and influence your elected officials. Elected officials should always be approachable, and concerned for the well being of their constituents. We do not build for our own edification, but to improve the lives of residents in ways that are meaningful to them and appropriate for their health, safety and community.

   We have a large head start on this point, thanks to the master planned nature of our community. However, traffic congestion, soil erosion, water runoff issues and crime can slowly change the natural appeal of our city. Good planning and thought for the future can prevent creeping issues from taking us by surprise and ensure that this beautiful environment will be here for our grandchildren to enjoy.