“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: Mario Alvarado
Current job title: City Commissioner, Business Owner
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: I have served on multiple city and county commissions since 2012, appointed by several elected officials.Currently, I serve as the chair of the city’s Environmental & Transportation Advisory Commission and as a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
City where you reside: Santa Ana
Campaign website or social media: MarioAlvarado2024.com
With the sundown of Measure X in a few years, the city is expected to lose millions in local sales tax revenue. Looking at the city’s budget, how would you address spending and where do you think cuts should be made? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
As a longtime resident and business owner in Santa Ana, I understand the tight budgets that many families and businesses face. With Measure X ending, we need to be smart about how we manage our city’s resources. My focus would be on prioritizing public safety and essential services while scrutinizing non-essential expenditures. We should look at streamlining city operations and cutting down on wasteful spending. Investing in technologies and efficiencies could help reduce long-term costs. Additionally, it’s crucial we protect programs that directly benefit our working families and youth. By being prudent and transparent in our budget decisions, we can ensure that our community’s core needs are met while preparing for future challenges. I also believe that it’s unacceptable that the incumbent voted for a large increase in their own pay when the city could be facing a future budget shortfall.
Some city leaders have pushed for more action to address public intoxication, and the state is encouraging the clearing out of encampments. As a leader, how do you see balancing the quality of life issues with addressing the needs of homelessness? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Balancing quality of life with addressing homelessness requires a compassionate yet pragmatic approach. We need to work closely with service providers to offer real solutions like addiction treatment and mental health support. Clearing encampments without providing alternatives only shifts the problem. Instead, I advocate for creating more supportive housing options and wrap-around services that help individuals transition out of homelessness while also working closely with our police officers, firefighters and paramedics to keep neighborhoods safe. It’s also vital to involve community stakeholders in these discussions to ensure our strategies address both the immediate needs of our residents and the long-term solutions for our homeless population.
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.)
To meet the demand for affordable housing while maintaining neighborhood quality, we need a balanced approach. First, I propose increasing the supply of housing by encouraging smart development that fits within our community’s character. This includes mixed-use projects and affordable housing near transit hubs. Additionally, we should incentivize developments that include affordable units and ensure that new projects adhere to high standards of design and infrastructure. Engaging with community members during the planning stages will help address concerns and integrate their feedback, ensuring that development enhances rather than disrupts our neighborhoods. Instead of stalling projects and not taking calls, I will be a councilmember who works toward and champions affordable housing opportunities.
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.)
The biggest need in our city is to tackle homelessness and improve public safety. The rise in gun violence and deaths of innocent teenagers in Ward 5 has made it clear that we need a councilmember who is more committed to working closely with our first responders to address these issues. My plan involves increasing support for our public safety departments, investing in community programs that foster opportunity and address the root causes of crime and strengthening neighborhood watch initiatives. We must improve trust and safety for all residents.
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.)
I bring a deep understanding of our community, having grown up here, attended local schools and built my business in Santa Ana.
A career of public service in Santa Ana started when I was a teenager working for the Parks and Recreation Department. When working at the city, I represented underserved part-time employees with SEIU Local 721 and have continued volunteering in the labor movement for my entire adult life. I have worked and volunteered with the city for nearly 30 years, including 10 years as a commissioner. This has equipped me with the experience and commitment needed to lead effectively. I am dedicated to listening to all voices in our community and ensuring that every group’s needs are represented. By actively engaging with residents and stakeholders, I will make sure that policies and decisions reflect the diverse perspectives and priorities of our city, working toward solutions that benefit everyone.
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