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: Rick Loeffler
Current job title: Councilmember
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: San Clemente
Campaign website or social media: RickLoefflerforCouncil.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.)
The biggest challenge facing San Clemente in regard to affordable housing is the fact that we are built out with very little vacant land. We have been continually in contact with potential developers in hopes that an older development could be abated and a new project constructed. Any new development would include an affordable element.
Another option is promoting mixed-use projects with retail and more affordable residential properties sharing the same space.
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.)
Our San Clemente coastline has suffered numerous incidents of erosion and landslides over the past couple of years. It appears that the cause of this issue is the undermining of the bluffs due to the loss of sand on the beach which provides a buffer between the surf and the bluffs. While there are several factors responsible for this loss of sand. If seal level rise is one of the components then, of course, addressing climate change should certainly be a top priority.
Achieving zero carbon emissions is attainable but will take a collaborative effort from government and private stakeholders. San Clemente has an established Climate Action Plan which identifies city sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and contains goals and policies for the reduction of emissions over time.
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.)
San Clemente has adopted a policy for paying down our unfunded liability by making payments to not only pay the interest but payments to pay down the principal as well.
We have trimmed the budget substantially over the past several years. We do need new revenue sources. Since our city is built out, we will not see any discernible amount of development fees. We do have a few new boutique hotel projects in the planning stages that, if completed, will increase our transient occupancy tax revenue.
We have voted to put a measure to increase our sales tax by 0.5% on the ballot. This tax increase would be for the sole purpose of adding sand to our beaches which will not be possible without this increase in revenue. We will let the voters decide.
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 believe the biggest “need” for our city is to ensure that we have competent, responsible and motivated city staff in place and to elect competent, responsible and motivated city officials to set the policies that guide the staff as they carry out the operation of our city.
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 was born and raised in Los Angeles. The community I lived in was a melting pot of people from a multitude of ethnicities and religious beliefs. I grew up playing, going to school, socializing and eventually working with my fellow members of this diverse community.
As an LAPD officer, I patrolled various districts of the city which represented the same diverse population as the city as a whole. I carried out my duties as a police officer by treating all people with respect and dignity. I have continued this practice during my time as a city councilmember.
My experience and knowledge has provided me with tools necessary to be an effective leader. To be an effective leader, you must have the ability to listen, observe, assess, communicate and then execute and direct while treating those you contact with respect.
I also possess the ability to lead by example which has proved to be my most effective leadership quality both as an officer and a councilmember.
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