Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Fred Jung
Current job title: Mayor Pro Tem
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Mayor of Fullerton (2022, 2023)
City where you reside: Fullerton
Campaign website or social media: fred4fullerton.com
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Maintaining and improving the quality of life of our residents is a significant purpose of local government. The balance between meeting state housing requirements and the demands on our infrastructure, as a result, is not only important but will dictate future quality of life. Housing is already incentivized by the state. Our duty as a local government is to streamline the permitting process, maintain proper zoning not to eliminate our businesses and improve and make more efficient the inspection process.
California is working toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? How, if at all, would you address this as a councilmember? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Fullerton is a founding member of the Orange County Power Authority, and I have been the chairman of the agency for the past two years. It has created a much-needed choice for our residents and businesses in a sector where the investor-owned utility has done little to invest in the grid update and expansion, as well as receiving competition in the marketplace to keep prices reasonable. Moreover, Fullerton has a public-private partnership with NORESCO to make energy use from our municipal building energy efficient, and cost savings are the result.
How should the city balance paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The state has not met its lofty estimates of returns from Calpers. As a result, more and more municipalities are struggling with making up the difference out of their general fund. All this while the costs of services continues to increase. International investment is something I have focused on to redevelop areas in Fullerton as well as balancing our budget by necessary budget adjustments based on government efficiencies. Business-friendly and open-for-business is an attitude I have kept vibrant amongst our city staff.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Fullerton is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, and as a result, upgrading its aging infrastructure is critical. I have voted to invest tens and millions of dollars in upgrading our streets and roads from our general fund for the first time in decades. Fullerton continues to face hiring challenges in public safety as more individuals are less inclined to go into careers of public service. We will continue to recruit and retain the best officers from around the county by offering an environment of accountability and support. I will continue to emphasize responsible economic development that encourages foreign investment in building facilities in Fullerton and provides incubator opportunities to grow small and medium-sized businesses so they can use Fullerton as a gateway into the U.S. marketplace.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
As the first Korean American elected city councilmember in the city of Fullerton, I continue to work to build bridges and expand the avenues of cooperation to represent the residents of Fullerton. I continue to defeat the dogmas of division and party to do what is in the best interest of the residents and future of Fullerton.
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