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: Mike Buley
Current job title: Attorney
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Costa Mesa
Campaign website or social media: http://www.buley4costamesa.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.)
This is a complex issue. Cities must consider compliance with Sacramento’s housing element mandate against overburdening already strained infrastructure. In Costa Mesa, which is already over 95% built out, any new development should prioritize ownership units over rentals and locate them in places that are best suited to minimize increases on traffic congestion and public services.
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.)
I, along with most people, have an interest in clean air, water and the environment in general. I have faith that new technologies being developed are the best answer to addressing these needs but that setting arbitrary deadlines to transition to currently available technologies can be counterproductive and negatively impact the quality of life without providing proportionate benefits. I’ll review each net zero-driven matter that comes before the council on its own merits item by item.
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.)
I’m opposed to living beyond our means, which means I will not support more taxes or bonds to pay for budget items. I will look to find ways for the city to generate additional revenue and to reduce the budget by cutting discretionary expenses and seeking to enter contracts that are bid at arm’s length and provide the city the best value for the services needed.
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.)
I do not see one single issue as the biggest facing the city. There are several.
I think the combined homelessness and crime issues need to be addressed by giving law enforcement clear direction and resources to enforce our laws against repetitive and habitual petty criminals engaged in drug possession, theft and vagrancy. Our homelessness policy should be more than simply building expensive housing. For those unwilling or unable to use the housing provided, our laws should be enforced to get them the help and services they need. It is not empathetic to leave people with mental or addictive challenges on the street.
In the realm of development, we need to be smart so that the city is vibrant and attracts development while at the same time protecting the residential and family-friendly character of Costa Mesa.
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’ve lived in Costa Mesa for over 20 years with my wife and three children. It has been an amazing place to raise our family and spend our free time. I’ve volunteered at my local church, youth basketball and baseball. I’ve watched rampant overdevelopment, an increase in the number of cannabis shops beyond what is reasonable and noticeable homelessness and crime shoot up to the point there is a sense the city is less safe.
Dealing with these problems is complex and requires the council to navigate local, state and federal mandates via regulations and court rulings. I’ve been a successful civil litigation trial attorney for over 30 years and know how to research and understand these types of things as well as negotiate with those who have different viewpoints and interests.
A brief comment on “representing diverse communities,” I think a lot of our national discord stems from focusing too much on identity. I met my wife while I was traveling/working in South America 25 years ago; my three children are bilingual. We focus on the character of the people we meet and less on how they identify. It seems to work for us in our home.
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