Tuesday, November 4, is Election Day. Canyon Lake polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are located at the Lodge on Canyon Club Dr. and in the City Multi-purpose Room/Council Chamber, downstairs from City Hall in the Towne Center.
If you are resident voting by mail, your ballot must be received – not just postmarked – by Election Day, November 4. Haven't mailed it yet? Vote-by-mail ballots may also be returned to polling locations on Election Day or to a secure drop-off box located at City Hall Monday and Tuesday, November 3 and 4.
Tuesday will be the day of reckoning for those who have sought to persuade fellow voters to vote "Yes" or "No" on Measure DD, the "Temporary Canyon Lake 911 Emergency Response, Local Control/Fiscal Accountability Measure" that seeks to enact a 3.95 percent tax on every utility used by Canyon Lake residents and businesses.
From the beginning, the Utility User Tax has stirred controversy among community leaders and citizens alike. Even the City Council was in disagreement in August over whether to put this third tax measure on the ballot, with two Councilmen, Tim Brown and Jordan Ehrenkranz, initially opposed.
With four votes needed to put Measure DD on the ballot, Jordan later concluded the Utility User Tax was a matter for the voters to decide; so he added his "aye" to those of Randy Bonner, Mary Craton and Nancy Horton to put it on the ballot.
Since then, City Manager Keith Breskin has held two Town Hall meetings to provide what he believed to be unbiased information about what the tax would entail, and what decisions the City Council will have to consider if the tax does or does not pass.
Many residents have been privy to e-mail blasts from citizen groups supporting and opposing the measure. Some took the opportunity to discuss Measure DD on a Facebook page specifically set up for that purpose: "Canyon Lake Utility Tax." Conversation also flowed on other Facebook pages serving Canyon Lake residents, revealing strong, but usually respectful, opinions on both sides.
Those who are still undecided can read about Measure DD at www.cityofcanyonlake.com.
Voters also will be deciding who to elect for two seats on the Canyon Lake City Council. Running are incumbent Randy Bonner, along with Dawn Haggerty, John Zaitz and Vicki Warren.
The candidates have answered several questions posed by The Friday Flyer over the past couple of months. To make it easy for readers to review their answers, all their answers will be attached to this article at www.fridayflyer.com.
For a complete list of all state and local measures and elected offices Canyon Lake residents will be considering November 4, visit the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at www.election.co.riverside.ca.us.
THE FRIDAY FLYER QUESTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
AUGUST 22
Question
In 300 words or less, please provide your background and why you wish to serve on the City Council. This is a good time to mention other personal information such as spouses, kids, and community involvements.
Randy Bonner
Currently I serve as your City Mayor and am in the 4th year as a City Council member.
I moved to Canyon Lake in June 14, 1996. I have been a past Treasurer and President of the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (CLPOA).
Since being a Council member, I was for two years the City representative on the Riverside Conservation Agency (RCA) and now, for the last two years, on the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). I’ve also been the alternate on the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
I was on the City Finance Committee for three years, including serving as chair. The past two years I have been the chair of the City Public Safety Committee.
I have been an active member of the League of California Cities (LOCC) and have been selected to be voted as the alternate on the LOCC Riverside Division Executive Board if I am re-elected as a City Council member.
Of my many satisfactions as a City Council member, a highlight was the establishment of the first monthly Roundtable, which provides communication between the City, CLPOA and City Police. The purpose is to find common interests to increase our overall operational efficiencies.
A new Roundtable is underway with the Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants Owners Association, prominent Towne Center owners, CLPOA and the City leadership. Our mission is to raise the exposure level of our community. We want our citizens and neighboring communities to have a positive shopping experience in Canyon Lake.
My wife and I are active in several clubs in the community. Sue is a member of the Woman’s Club and I am a member of the Men's Golf Club. Sue and I also are members of the Travel Club, the Yacht Club and the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Dawn Haggerty
Reason for Running: I have become very frustrated over past years by the lack of action by City Councils regarding the City’s financial problems. They have been aware of the City’s financial problems for more than six to eight years, yet have done nothing to resolve the problem except propose two prior tax measures, and now a third.
The Council doesn’t know the total revenue to be generated or if it’s sufficient to cover costs. They’ve provided no public information regarding alternatives to the tax. How can we intelligently determine our future if the only choice given is a tax burden? There have been veiled threats of poor fire/police protection – another scare tactic. We are guaranteed protection by the State, regardless of where it comes from, and I believe there are better and less costly solutions.
Background: I have served six years as a CLPOA Director (President, Treasurer and Secretary). During this time, I’ve met often with the City Manager, Police and City Council representatives to discuss many issues and concerns. I am familiar with City management.
My work background includes director of consulting for a Big 8 accounting firm, and later, private consulting for Fortune 500 companies such as Taco Bell, LA Times, Del Taco and SCE. These companies hired me to develop more efficiency at less cost.
I’ve lived In Canyon Lake 20 years; been active in numerous clubs, volunteer organizations, and have served on the Safety Committee, Green Committee, Youth Action, and more.
I am widowed, have four daughters (two live in Canyon Lake) and numerous grand/great-grandchildren. I want my family and all Canyon Lake residents to have good fire and police protection. There are solutions/options to resolve our financial problems without more taxes and without losing guaranteed protection.
Vicki Warren
I am married to a wonderful man and have two amazing sons (plus two dogs and two cats). And I deeply love Canyon Lake.
Our City is facing many issues – dwindling resources, the potential loss of our fire station, a tightening budget and deficient law enforcement. In 1990 Canyon Lake was formed (with an astounding 90 percent voter approval) while facing those same issues. Today, in response to climbing fees for services, some are calling for dissolution of our fair City via (1) disincorporation, (2) merger or (3) annexation – yet they fail to mention that:
• None of those options will relieve our debts; in fact, additional taxes will eventually be needed to pay them off.
• Merging with or annexing a surrounding city will raise our property taxes.
• Each option takes over two years just to start the process and at additional significant costs. ? More distressing is that those wishing to abandon Canyon Lake have never explained exactly how it would benefit us. If none of those things actually improve our situation, what is the point? Now is not the time to use this shotgun approach, without knowing (or even concern for) the true consequences. Facts, not conjecture, are needed. ? I love Canyon Lake and believe that now more than ever, our City needs leaders who look beyond personal agendas, leaders who will take the time to delve into details and objectively weigh all options. Only clear? thinking, unbiased leadership will get us through this. ? With over 14 years of State and Federal legislative experience I am capable and qualified to serve Canyon Lake at this time of crisis, to champion this City and her citizens through these difficult times and to help shape our changing future. I am in this race to fight for Canyon Lake! (www.VickiWarren.org; Facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake)
John Zaitz
I have lived in Canyon Lake full time since 1989. I retired from the Automobile Club of Southern California in 2008, after 45 years. I have a son John Edward and daughter Kristen Nicole. I served in the U.S. Army as an officer in the Infantry and Military Police.
I served on the CLPOA Board of Directors from 1993 to 2000, including one year as President. During my time on the Board, we did not raise the dues during those eight years, but were still able to complete such projects such as developing new parks (Outrigger, Steelhead, Indian Beach, East Port, Gault Field), and improving the Equestrian area and Holiday Harbor. We established the annual 4th of July fireworks show. We also built a new Lodge, Lodge Pool, and a new sea wall around the Lodge.
As to other community activities, I have assisted with the Marine Band Concert and Oktoberfest, the Play Day for Special Needs Kids and the Jr. Golf Clinic. I am also a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board and as president in 2011. I was the Chamber's Citizen of the Year in 2000.
I served on the Canyon Lake City Council from 2000 to 2008, including two years as Mayor. Projects that I was involved in include the purchase of the volunteer fire squad truck, the creation of the Explorers, establishment of the Farmers Market and service on the executive board of Public Agency Risk Sharing Association of California (PARSAC).
During my time on the Council, I also served as 2nd vice-president of the Western Region Council of Governments, was a founding member of the Regional Conservation Authority, and earned the state’s League of Cities Advanced Leadership and Leadership in Action certifications.
AUGUST 29
Based on your understanding of City finances, why did the City Council vote to put the Utility User's Tax (UUT) measure on the November ballot?
Dawn Haggerty
First to clarify, my goal on the Council would be to keep the City solvent if at all possible. This tax and the past two failed attempts come about four years too late. It is a quick fix that won’t sustain the City in the future; however, the Council chose to continue to kick the can down the road rather than figure out what can be done to permanently fix the problem.
The past two years, the City has spent approximately $750,000 more than taken in. It is out of money. There is only $1,500,000 left in the reserve account and we owe $1,000,000 to CalPers for unfunded pension liability.
According to Chapter 9 Federal Bankruptcy Law, Canyon Lake is legally bankrupt. These facts clearly indicated something needed to be done.
Four Council members chose the easy quick answer – request a tax burden – without considering any options nor drawing a long-range plan to really resolve the problem.
Our financial situation was caused by fire/police protection costs almost doubling in recent years. The current Council wasn’t effective in negotiating concessions to keep the costs viable. When it became clear fire officials/sheriff's department officials were stonewalling, the Council should have begun legal proceedings requesting injunctive relief, or filing for bankruptcy. This would have allowed the courts to force good faith bargaining.
Even if public services costs could not be reduced, voters should have been informed of all the choices, between increased taxes, disincorporation, merger or bankruptcy. Unfortunately, tax increases, disincorporation, or merger can only be voted on during an election year. The Council denied Canyon Lake taxpayers any options by failing to put them on the ballot.
Please see my Facebook page under "Dawn Haggerty for Canyon Lake City Council – 2014."
Randy Bonner
The financial status of the City has been addressed in many City Council meetings, City Finance and Administration Committee meetings, and in several articles in The Friday Flyer. The approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget reflect the need to use approximately $760,000 from reserves to balance the budget (Station 60 not closing).
Cities get revenue from taxes, state and federal governments, fees (developments, licenses, etc.), fines, and with property taxes which make up the major share of our income. Most cities earn substantial revenue from sales taxes. Canyon Lake earns less than $200,000 a year.
It has been very consistent that new homeowners and businesses in California cities over the past decade have an annual fee to cover public safety services.
Ultimately, the decision to have a Utility User Tax (UUT) is a decision that should be made by the citizens of Canyon Lake – not by the City Council members. That came out loud and clear at the August 6, 2014 City Council meeting.
The City Council has hired a professional company to educate us on the UUT. I ask all citizens to listen, learn and come up with their own decisions.
The City Council had decided to go through this very important decision regarding a UUT before pursuing other options, which are complex, expensive and extremely lengthy.
As a team player, with almost unanimous voting, I will honor the wishes of the City Council. The editor of The Friday Flyer takes an unorthodox approach which is inconsistent with national newspaper reporters and editors. Therefore, I will not be responding to The Friday Flyer on further questions when they prefer to not interview the candidates running in the November 4, 2014 election, and then publish appropriate articles from that forum.
John Zaitz
Basically, the City Council voted to place a third tax on the ballot because they are unwilling to make the tough choices necessary to address the anemic financial condition of the City.
The City Council has been unwilling to provide long-term financial projections to determine if this tax would even take care of the immediate problem (pay for Station 60 fire department) much less determine how long until the next tax will be needed to cover ever increasing public safety costs.
This Council has not provided the necessary information to us, the tax payers, to make an informed decision. “We need the money” is not a reason. What alternatives are there to taxing? What actions have the Council taken to minimize costs? What has this Council done to solicit additional assistance from neighboring cities or the county to offset or eliminate public safety costs?
It is disingenuous to come to the people and ask for more money when the Council is not willing to explore all other alternatives. Plus, to state this tax is for road maintenance, local control and other non-essential items is a downright fabrication.
Every item that they said the money would be used for is covered in the budget except for one. The Council knows this and also knows that the only reason for the tax is to keep Station 60 open. But that is not what they are telling you in the measure. They are being less than truthful to get you to pass the tax.
I have the experience to work with the county and the surrounding cities to solve our problems. We do not need a tax – we need leaders that can lead. Experience matters.
Zaitz.john@verizon.net
Vicki Warren
The role of a City Council is to introduce/pass ordinances and oversee the daily operations and budget of the City. It is a team made up of (in our case) five citizens who must work together to pass laws, make general policies, supervise city government and allocate funds for various needs.
Their role, as a body, is to assist The Public using knowledge The Public may not have. For instance, when a measure comes up for discussion, they review it to decide if the measure is appropriate for a ballot. As an example, any measure about dissolving a city requires several steps before it can be legally placed on the ballot; if those prerequisites have not been met the Council cannot place it on the ballot.
It is not the Council’s job to decide whether the measure is worthy of The Public’s consideration. Personal opinions of the individual Council Members do not matter. If it can be legally placed on a ballot, the sole job for the Council is to get it to The People to decide. At that point it becomes a matter of procedure, nothing more and nothing less.
Canyon Lake has been using reserves to pay for necessary services and those reserves are dwindling fast. If something isn’t done soon we will be bankrupt by 2016. The UUT is a short-term band-aid that would provide the time we need to focus on long-term solutions.
The City Council gives a large body of people a voice in local government. But only if the Council listens. Our City Council, with one exception, listened and did the right thing by voting to put the UUT on the November ballot. By doing so, they left the future of Canyon Lake in the hands of the people of Canyon Lake. Well done! www.VickiWarren.org; www.facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake.
SEPTEMBER 5
In your estimation, what will be the future of Canyon Lake if the Utility User Tax passes? What difference will it make to the average citizen? How long will the benefits of the increased revenue last?
Dawn Haggerty
What is our future if the Utility User Tax passes? Not having a crystal ball, and not being privy to recent business/administrative dealings of the City it would be a guess on how long the tax will sustain the City. Even our City Council doesn’t know. I do believe it’s a “quick fix” – a four- to five-year max at sustaining the City. The City analysis seems fraught with assumptions so it's not a reliable estimate of potential revenue.
The County won’t provide extended cost estimates on safety services because of pension costs, so the Council should immediately look for options, as all options take time to develop. That’s why I’m running! If elected, I would focus on how to fix our current problem of excessive service contracts – $3 million for Cal Fire and police protection that isn’t even a 24/7 coverage, at a time when crime/vandalism is on the rise.
We must bring Cal Fire and the Police to the table and negotiate reasonable and fair contracts that will allow our city to stay in business. No negotiations have worked, but there are ways to force negotiations. Other cities with similar problems throughout California have, and are, doing this. We can too.
Tax is a burden on people. CLPOA members will have to pay for CLPOA added costs as well as their own. A tax may be the only way to buy time, at this point, but it certainly shouldn’t be a “6 Year Plan.” We need to deal with and begin fixing the problem now.
I have an idea that could save the City a lot of money. I hope to complete research in two weeks.
There will be a “question/answer/wine” discussion on Sunday September 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 22918 Canyon Lake Dr. South. Come ask your questions.
Randy Bonner
Measure DD Utility User Tax, if passed, can last as long as six years – but no longer. There has been considerable education of what Measure DD is about and further clarifications will be published and mailed to our citizens between now and November 4.
Measure DD is not the longterm solution to Canyon Lake. It should allow Canyon Lake to have budgets balanced over the next two to three years without using critical reserve dollars. It will preserve Canyon Lake as a viable, self-governing city that maintains effective emergency response services, and local control on land use issues.
Local control ensures the provision of public safety services, land use decisions, code enforcement and other services that contribute to our high quality of life being decided by accountable elected officials and not by the county.
The longterm solution is converting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) North Ski Area and the Ski Jump Lagoon area into beautiful homes. Homes will translate into new property taxes; and, if approved by the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, it could also provide new assessment fees to support our many amenities.
We have had initial positive discussions with the BLM, the Riverside Conservation Authority and the State Fish and Wildlife. The BLM is anxiously waiting for a new broad plan from Washington D.C. Getting approval from multiple agencies will be hard work and not accomplished quickly.
I ask our citizens to closely look at the platforms, priorities and anticipated accomplishments for those candidates that are running for Canyon Lake City Council in 2014. As a candidate, I want to preserve Canyon Lake as an independent, self-governing city providing effective 9-1-1, paramedic, police and firefighting services, as well as lake monitoring.
Don’t our citizens deserve that? Vote for Measure DD and for my re-election.
John Zaitz
If the Utility User Tax passes, the citizens will have enacted a tax whose need may never end, that may not even generate enough revenue to satisfy the financial needs.
The City will have more money; how much is only a guess. Do you really think if it’s not enough this Council will repeal the tax? Remember, it’s money that this Council can spend however they deem necessary. They can be the “tax and spend” government that you see in Washington D.C. You will have given them a blank check.
As I have stated over and over, we need leadership. If the Council had worked as hard on negotiating and cooperation with the county and our neighboring cities we wouldn’t be here.
The City fire contract is up for renewal July 1, 2015. Costs are going up; what then? The City will always have to figure a way to tax you, because the City cannot stand on its own. This tax is not a short term band aid; the tax will be needed forever.
If this tax is really for Station 60, it could be a "special tax;" therefore, the legitimacy of the tax may be challenged. Watch dog groups search for this type of tactic from government agencies. What then? Canyon Lake may be forced to return the money because the tax was called a “general tax” when it should have been called a "special tax." If that happens, the City could be forced into bankruptcy, property values may plummet and worse.
Some will say, “There goes John Zaitz again, the sky is falling!" Remember I have been warning of this for six years. A few years ago, our representatives said that everything was good. I don’t want to be right this time too, but facts are facts.
Taxing will not save the City. My experience and leadership will. zaitz.john@verizon.net
Vicki Warren
The money that comes from the UUT will allow us to stop using reserves to pay for our basic services and to avoid the threat of bankruptcy (and the harsher threat of dissolving the City altogether). This money is needed to give Canyon Lake the breathing room to concentrate on making the City more self-sustaining, and will allow Canyon Lake leaders and citizens to be proactive in shaping Canyon Lake’s future. It will literally buy the time Canyon Lake needs in order to even have a future.
Unfortunately, the average citizen may not be aware that, without the UUT, there is a dire threat to the quality of our basic services, including emergency and law enforcement, creating a danger to the average citizen while driving property values down. And that without that money, Canyon Lake faces disincorporating or combining cities through merging with or annexing to another city.
If that happens, Canyon Lake as a city will cease to exist. The citizens and our property, laws and basic needs will then be at the mercy of the county (if disincorporated) or another city (if we combine). Also, all of those options (including bankruptcy) are lengthy and expensive to our citizens. Clearly, having to choose any of those options would change the lives of the average citizen substantially. The UUT is the only path that will save Canyon Lake and protect her citizens.
How long will the benefits last? The brief but very real answer is “long enough to save Canyon Lake.” The increased revenue literally pulls our little piece of paradise from the brink of bankruptcy and the threat of dissolving the City.
I love Canyon Lake and our community and I eagerly offer my knowledge, experience and passion to help save our fair city and build a better future. www.VickiWarren.org; www.Facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake
SEPTEMBER 12
In your estimation, what will be the future of Canyon Lake if the Utility User Tax does NOT pass? For example, It has been stated that the City of Canyon Lake may go bankrupt if there isn't an increase in revenue. What happens when a city goes bankrupt? How would it impact the average citizen?
Dawn Haggerty
Your choices: Merger, Disincorporation, Bankruptcy or Tax.
In Merger or Disincorporation, city debt must be paid (requiring a special tax). Disincorporation makes us “county” with county services. We could then vote to merge. Both cities must agree, and lengthy negotiations are involved. Taxes could increase, depending on the other city’s finances. Menifee or Lake Elsinore? Menifee: In strong growth but higher tax potential. Lake Elsinore: More potential development, actively expanding and renewing older areas; could result in lower taxes than Menifee. In either case, we could possibly keep our Canyon Lake address.
Bankruptcy requires showing inability to pay debts. We qualify. Many cities are filing bankruptcy. There’s not enough income (including Property Tax funds) to cover next year’s Cal Fire and Police contracts. To simplify, the court orders debtors and city to negotiate terms to make the city solvent. Refusal to negotiate forces judge intervention to determine a "reasonable and fair" settlement. City and Debtors are obligated to comply.
Bad news: County recently announced an estimated 4 to 10 percent "services" increase (salary/ benefits/pension costs). Costs could possibly double in five years.
We must modify the fire contract; reducing number of responders on medical calls, and increase police service from approximate 2-1/2 to 3 days to more comprehensive coverage!
Tax approval would still mandate the Council immediately begin researching other options, as this tax probably won’t cover City needs past four to five years. We must become more creative and stronger negotiators. This tax would be a double tax on POA members and triple on business owners living inside the POA.
I have a plan where we could potentially save about $1.5 million between the City and POA. POA cost reduction could involve dues reduction.
Come meet on Sunday, September 21, 3 to 5 p.m., at 22918 Canyon Lake Dr. South to hear my plan and what I stand for.
John Zaitz
If the tax measure fails, the people will have spoken for the third time. It may be in large part because of confusing information being offered.
The Mayor stated in his answer last week that the tax will only balance the budget for two to three years! Then what? The Mayor also stated the City plans to develop 675 acres of BLM land. To add homes to offset the losses would require more than 5,000 homes, doubling the City. Requiring access that could double the boats on the lake, gate entries and road traffic?
Is that why they want you to vote for the tax to have local control over land use so they can give the land to developers? Are there developers that are working with the City? The unforeseen consequence of this is that our Little Bit of Paradise may become crowded and motto may be Paradise Lost, and who will pay for the additional police and fire?
There are three choices: first, tax the people, second, begin to work with our neighbors and county to provide adequate fire service and emergency services, and third, dis-incorporate as a city and merge with another city.
Working out a deal with our neighbors is preferable, but we have to explore all options. If the City does go through the process of dis-incorporation it could take 12 to 24 months. The City should have started the process already to ensure that, if the tax did not pass, the process will not take so long to force bankruptcy.
If dis-incorporated, the community would ALWAYS remain a gated community. Probably not under the county, but be consolidated into Menifee or Lake Elsinore.
Through leadership and experience, not taxing the people, we can find solutions that are in the best interest of all of our community. Experience matters. Vote Zaitz. zaitz.john@verizon.net
Vicki Warren
Voters must first realize that voting no on the UUT to avoid new taxes won’t work; one way or another we still pay.
For a city to remain a city, it must provide certain services. If a city is unable to provide those services due to lack of money, decisions must be made. Which one would you choose?? Bankruptcy: Expensive and lengthy, this puts control of the city in the hands of attorneys and judges. Most bankrupt cities must reduce services AND raise taxes during the process; so if we are forced into bankruptcy we are looking at reduced services and increased taxes plus added attorney fees and costs (Detroit racked up $23 million in fees within four months of filing). How long does it take? Stockton filed in June 2012 and there is still no end in sight.
Disincorporation: Also expensive and lengthy, this would put Canyon Lake back where it was prior to becoming a city, with Riverside County in control. The City of Canyon Lake assets would be absorbed by the county but our citizens would still have to pay off existing debts PLUS the added costs involved with disincorporation (usually via a new tax or bond). All while relying on the county for land use decisions, emergency services, etc. How long does disincorporation take? At least two years and the debt keeps building.
Merging: Perhaps not as lengthy as disincorporation, but with the same carryover of debt and the process costs as much if not more due to additional requirements. Both governments must disband and be reformed and, again, our citizens lose governmental control. Historically, most attempts to merge failed when the cities discovered it actually meant higher taxes and increased spending.
These are our choices if the UUT does not pass. None are good and none will save money.
I will be at a Meet and Greet at Jimmy's Cafe in the Towne Center on Sunday, September 21. www.VickiWarren.org; www.Facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake
SEPTEMBER 26
What specific issue(s) do you plan to tackle when you are elected to the City Council? Do you have ideas for improving the City of Canyon Lake's financial status?
Dawn Haggerty
This is my plan to improve security and stabilize City finances:
Canyon Lake pays $1.5 million per year for police protection for one deputy each for two shifts – no 24/7 coverage, nor two officers at all times, which standard police safety requirements recommend.
The POA pays Securitas $1.85 million per year and they can’t detain, stop a fight or burglary. The annual cost of security for City and POA is $3.3+ million per year.
My Proposal: After many weeks, working with professionals, we determined Canyon Lake could have a police department for just under $2 million/yr. If the City and POA each paid $1 million, the City’s annual savings would be $500k and the POA $850k. (POA would have additional Marine Patrol and staffing gates costs, reducing the savings to about $500k. Dues could be reduced $100 next year.
I have backup information, startup costs, staffing etc., which I can provide to anyone interested.
Bear Valley and Tehachapi, similar city/gated communities, investigated and successfully established their own police department. I met with Bear Valley police chiefs who implemented the changeover from County Sheriff to City Police, reducing costs from $2 to $1.3 million with increased coverage.
They’ve now got 24/7 protection – two officers and a supervisor on duty around the clock. The city has more control of priorities, closer ties between police and community, and their crime rate has dropped.
I read a lengthy study conducted by the city of Tehachapi on conversion. They took the study recommendation, implementing their own police force, again very successfully and significant cost reduction with improved service. This study and others I’ve reviewed all conclude: smaller cities who form their own police department find both fiscal and operational benefits, while providing more control over fiscal costs, standard of expectation, closer relationship between police and community, and reduced crime rates.
Randy Bonner
I have been very consistent on the short and long-term financial solutions for Canyon Lake.
When passed, Measure DD will preserve Canyon Lake as a viable, self-governing city that maintains effective emergency response services, and local control on land use issues.
Local control ensures the provision of public safety services, land use decisions, code enforcement and other services that contribute to our high quality of life being decided by accountable elected officials and not by the county.
The long-term solution is converting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) North Ski Area and the Ski Jump Lagoon area into beautiful homes. Homes will translate into new property taxes; and, if approved by the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (POA), it could also provide new assessment fees to support our many amenities – a win, win!
We have had initial positive discussions with the BLM, the Riverside Conservation Authority and the State Fish and Wildlife. The BLM is anxiously waiting for a new broad plan from Washington D.C.
After the election and the passage of Measure DD, the City Council should also appoint an ad-hoc committee of citizens to look at other long-term solutions. It worked successfully when a citizen wanted to have our own fire department.
All possible solutions need deep, independent financial analysis of experts who have firsthand knowledge and experience.
As a candidate, I want to preserve Canyon Lake as an independent, self-governing city providing effective 9-1-1, paramedic, police, and firefighting services as well as lake monitoring.
Vote for Measure DD and for my re-election.
John Zaitz
Since this is a non-partisan election, voters need to know how I think in general before we can get down to specific actions. I am conservative and do not believe in the “Tax and Spend” concept like Measure DD. I also believe in protecting our “little bit of paradise” here in Canyon Lake.
Finally I believe, that during the campaign, a candidate must use the “I” word; after the election, it all becomes about “we.” All of my decisions on the Council will reflect those three core beliefs.
Another reason that talking specifics at this point is a bit difficult is that we don’t know the outcome of the tax initiative Measure DD (Utility User Tax).
If the tax passes, we will need to negotiate with the county to renew the fire contract starting in July 2015. We will need to mend fences and work to reinstate the integrity of our city, with the county and our neighboring cities. I will work to make sure the revenue from the Tax and Spend Measure DD will not be a wasted or misused. The Blank Check will be used for the fire station.
If the tax fails, we must immediately begin to investigate all options available to us that will serve the best interest of our community and our fellow citizens.
The Council should always listen to the people and explore every opportunity that exists. Having worked in the old style of re-engineering and learned to think outside the box, the right answers may not be the most obvious ones.
Change is always required to move ahead, but change should always have a common goal for Canyon Lake: that Canyon Lake will always remains gated and that our way of life be maintained and enhanced, insuring Canyon Lake remains our "little bit of paradise." Experience Matters. Zaitz.john@verizon.net.
Vicki Warren
Assuming the UUT passes, the specific issue I plan to tackle when I am elected is getting Canyon Lake back on her feet!
Revenue cuts, increased costs of services and a devastating recession have kept Canyon Lake’s leaders busy just fighting to keep us from drowning, unable to give proper focus to our future. With our finances so close to crisis mode, struggling to keep our collective heads above water has been all-consuming.
The UUT revenue will allow us to take a proactive role and will actually give Canyon Lake’s leaders the chance to fight for our City’s future. I am ready and eager for that fight.
Saving Canyon Lake isn’t going to be easy. The UUT only gives us a little breathing room and only for a short time; working to regain our footing to become a self-sustaining city must begin immediately. Our leaders will need to be open to new ideas and must be able let go of the past and focus on the future.
I am open to all suggestions and welcome your input. My plans for making us more financially viable include increasing our tax base through the addition of luxury homes on currently BLM-managed land, and increased focus on our retail centers to bring in more sales tax dollars.
Also, as a city we have the ability to receive grants from many county, state and federal programs; and I believe that, although we are taking advantage of some at this time, there is more out there for us to explore.
Recovery is going to take a lot of work and I am excited to be joining the Council during this turbulent period. I see a much brighter future for Canyon Lake and I am ready to hit the ground running to help make that happen.
www.VickiWarren.org; www.Facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake
OCTOBER 17
For their final question from The Friday Flyer, candidates were invited to respond to the following: Have any questions been asked during your campaign that you would like to answer with further clarification?
This week, candidates will be listed in reverse order from how their names appear on the ballot.
Vicki Warren
Why do you want to be on the City Council? I get that question a lot. The answer is because I love Canyon Lake and cannot sit idly by, waiting for someone else to maybe do a job I know I can do. I never imagined I would run for public office, but when I learned that there is a very real threat of dissolving a City that is in my heart and soul, I had to do something.
Canyon Lake is more than just fireworks and public parks. Being our own City allows us to decide our future by keeping local government control – including land use decisions and emergency services decisions – in the hands of the people who love Canyon Lake. Our City is worth fighting for and I want to be on the inside where I can do the most good.
How many times have you run for public office? This is my first time. The seats I have held on various councils have been appointed, meaning that someone has seen a vacancy and decided I would be perfect to fill it. This is my first time in the election process and what a wild ride it’s been!
Do you support Measure DD? I support Canyon Lake. I don’t want a tax any more than the next person but I do want what’s best for Canyon Lake. I am fighting to keep local control in the hands of our citizens and the UUT revenue will give us the time to make that happen.
I can’t just let our City fail without a fight, so I must support our best option at this moment. The UUT can also be suspended before it ends in six years. I will work very hard to eliminate that tax as soon as possible.
www.VickiWarren.org; www.Facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake
John Zaitz
The political action group promoting Measure DD has a yard sign with a statement “Save Money While Saving the City.” How can people spend an extra 3.95 percent of all their utility bills and save money, another clear example of misleading statements to push a tax?
Supporters and candidates for Measure DD have said that, if the City disincorporates, there will be a higher tax than DD. That is simply untrue. If the City disincorporated there can be no additional tax unless you vote for it. That’s the law.
Measure DD is a blank check for the City to spend the money any way they want. When asked how much the City will use for the fire station they said they don’t know. Why a new tax if not for the fire station?
Candidates want to tax you $5 million over six years; however, they’ve stated publicly they can’t balance the budget beyond the first two years.
Then some candidates are touting building 1,000 homes on the BLM land as a solution to the financial crisis. I asked the City for the financial analysis to determine the amount of tax dollars the City would receive; I was told there isn’t one. In other words, this is all a dream – no plan, no financial documentation – it’s just political fodder.
But let’s say it happened. Do you really want another 1,000 boats on the lake? Hundreds of dump truck driving through the community daily? The grading you see on Railroad Canyon Rd. will be in your back yards. Thousands of more people at the gates, parks, beaches and other amenities.
The last thing Canyon Lake needs at this point is more smoke and mirrors from politicians who make misleading statements designed to pass a tax. Measure DD is wrong for Canyon Lake.
Randy Bonner
Monday, the “Meet the Candidates” was a frank, candid and timely communications by the four candidates who are running for City Council 2014.
Thank you to the Home Owners Club and La Rue McNamara, president, to have this opportunity to discuss candidate positions and their priorities for the City. I want to particularly recognized Paul Chenette, the moderator, for clearly stating the questions submitted from the audience and assisting so that the responses answered the questions asked.
The “Meet the Candidates” was taped. This will be played over the next several days on Channel 29 (AT&T) and Channel 39 (Verizon). Contact the City Hall, 951-244-2955, to learn about the dates and times.
Also, I appreciate Sharon Rice and The Friday Flyer for restating the question to be answered today. The future of Canyon Lake as a City is the most important issue before us.
I have had the honor of being your Council member the last four years, including mayor in 2014. If elected, I will lead an effort to have an ad-hoc committee of citizens to closely look at any and all alternatives to increase revenues and stop using reserve dollars to balance the budget.
I believe the passing of Measure DD and the development of the BLM is the foundation of saving Canyon Lake.
There are no “silver bullets.” We need people with the right experience who want the future of Canyon Lake to be bright. Smoke and mirrors are not the solution. My results speak for themselves. Communications with the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (CLPOA), the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Owners Association have never been better and more productive. We need to have these Roundtables continue for the next four years.
Approve Measure DD and my re-election.
Dawn Haggerty
My completed study, converting to a City Police Department, confirmed costs at just under $2 million annually. (Currently $3.3 million POA/City) The POA cost savings was below my estimate (however some savings). What’s important is having 24/7 protection. We have less than standard protection now.
Response to questions/concerns (responses from 25 years police experience):
Staffing – 1 chief, 2 supervisors, 8 police officers, 1 detective, 2 non-academy graduates for admin/processing = 14 people, with 24/7 protection (emergency backup available). We currently have one day and one night deputy, not always in Canyon Lake – cost $1.5 million.
Tickets – Traffic violations fall under California Vehicle and/or City Municipal Codes; criminal violations under California Penal Code. Any POA rules not covered under municipal code could be added to city codes. Fines remain with the City (increasing City revenue since most tickets are POA). POA CC&R violations fall under existing planning/compliance staff. POA inspectors issue violations
Drastic Events – All cities rely on nearby law enforcement (including CHP/Sheriff) if a major incident occurs. Mutual aid requests normally aren’t billed.
Jail Costs – If arrested and taken to county jail, booking fees are minimal and recoverable from arrested person upon sentencing.
Dispatch Costs – Could be contracted out or in-house. We have a dispatch center. The minimal cost, per Bear Valley Police Chief, should still fall under the $2 million a year operation estimate.
Insurance Concerns – Per Bear Valley CFO, insurance costs were minimal. The City already has liability insurance in place. Additional cost would be insuring vehicles.
Extra State Funding Available – Assembly Bill 1913 provides funding of $100K-plus annually to cities with their own police department. Also extra state funds are available for overseeing any “early release” individuals in the city.
This idea provides more protection/security, cost and job expectation controls, and reduced crime.
Let's stop the latest rumor being spread which is completely false. The rumor is, if elected, and the City Council converted to a city police department, I planned to make Larry Neigel police chief. I have not even vaguely considered that. The job would go out to bid, with the Council selecting the best person for the job.