What experience and skills do you bring to a position on the Woodcreek City Council?
I have a degree in Biology from UCI and have worked in healthcare for 15 years. I am currently a clinical director for a large private medical practice and am well-versed in business operations and administration. I oversee a staff of 90, while also managing budgets, implementing policies and procedures, and overseeing compliance with state and federal regulations. I can think strategically and make decisions that will benefit the practice as a whole, which translates into my work on City Council, working to implement policy and municipal projects that will benefit our residents as a whole. I have been serving the City of Woodcreek as a City Council member for the past two years and have learned so much from Mayor Jeff Rasco and my fellow council members.
As you see it, what are Woodcreek’s top priorities?
My top priorities are public safety and water conservation. I have supported our Safety Enhancement Plan and am eager to implement Phases 2 and 3, including constructing a pedestrian bridge at Creekside Park for safe passage. We have also started the process of procuring an emergency siren system to ensure every resident receives critical alerts. My dedication to water conservation stems from my service on the City’s Water Task Force committee, where we installed the city’s first three rainwater collection systems. I will continue this momentum by enacting policies that incentivize residential rainwater harvesting and expanding public education on conservation practices. My focus is on actionable, results-oriented leadership that protects our community and preserves our natural environment for the future.
Politics in Woodcreek have been divisive for many years. What do you think of that situation and what can you do that will allow residents to find a more unified vision of the city’s direction?
It is unfortunate that we have allowed politics in Woodcreek to become so polarizing. I believe our residents have far more similarities than differences. My campaign is built on a foundational promise: I never speak negatively of any opposing candidates or their supporters. I have remained steadfast to that promise and my record speaks for itself. I feel that social media heightens this divisiveness, and I encourage people to reach out directly to the city manager or council members to discover the truth behind projects rather than relying on speculation. I hope this provides clarity on the background of issues, allowing residents to make educated decisions and helping us find a more unified direction for our city.
Over the last several years, Woodcreek had added new pocket parks and other similar projects. In terms of long-term development, would you support those kinds of initiatives, and if not, why? What would you support?
I wholeheartedly support these initiatives. Woodcreek’s charm is rooted in its incredible oak trees and beautiful green spaces. Enhancing these with pocket parks ensures that land is preserved from development, allowing residents of all ages to enjoy our natural beauty. I have supported the instal- lation of city rainwater collection systems that have allowed the landscaping in our parks and community garden to flourish, as well as the beautiful new playground. Being outside is good for the soul, and I will always encourage initiatives that help our residents harmonize with nature and protect our unique environment for the long term.
The method of enforcing code violations in Woodcreek has changed multiple times over the years. What do you think is the appropriate way to handle this issue?
The first step is approaching residents collaboratively, showing we are on the same team to resolve issues together. Many violations occur from simply not knowing the rules, and most will act to remedy them once informed. I also feel there is a subset of our residents that would love to correct their code violations, but the correction is cost prohibitive, and they are on a fixed income. I think we should approach those situations with care and find creative solutions that will get them up to code, like finding organizations that can donate their time and skills to help the person in need. However, for those who choose to ignore their violations, we must enact escalated penalties, including administrative hearings and fines, to ensure compliance and fairness for all.
