I would like to thank all of the members of the Banning community that have supported my efforts over the last year to keep our city moving forward on redevelopment, economic development, better infrastructure and all things we are promoting to make Banning the best place to live and work. I would also like to thank the city staff and consultants that have given so much during these difficult economic times to keep our city running smoothly and safely. My approach has been to look at the projects needed to be done for the city at a 3,000 foot level, taking into consideration the entire city and the residents throughout.
A prime example of this was negotiating along with councilmember Machisic, an agreement with the City of Beaumont and Riverside County to maintain Fire Engine 20 located in Beaumont, that serves the West side of Banning, Beaumont and the surrounding County regions. Had that engine been pulled as planned, a response to the East end of Banning would be delayed greatly if Engine 89 was responding to a Sun Lakes medical aid call. So the benefit was to all of the City, not just the West end.
During my campaign I was strongly encouraged by people that wanted another business person on the council. I believe that since the Mayor and I have similar business backgrounds, we will most often vote similarily. This has allowed the council to make decisions and keep things moving in the city, when other cities around us have come to a stand still. All you need to do is look at all the recently completed projects or projects that are now started. I stand behind every vote I make and I am not swayed by any other councilmember or outside interest.
We must remember this is an election year and an incumbent or a new candidate for the 2 positions available in the November 2010 election will be taking shots at the current council and even decisions made by past councils. We have seen this already in the allegations made by Councilmember Franklin against the Mayor and myself. The Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem of Calimesa were very offended by Franklins remarks and looks forward to working with the City of Banning to explore possibilities of a transit system that includes Calimesa, if possible. They also look forward to other joint efforts including supporting Mount San Jacinto College.
Then there are the attacks of me personally now by supporters of Franklin. They bring forward my disagreement with my property tax bill for my business. Although I am still trying to resolve the issue, I have entered into a payment agreement with Riverside County and we are current on that agreement, as well as being up-to-date on the current year's tax payments for my home and business properties. I am now continuing the process of settling the previous years' issue with the Assessor's office. In this time of political turbulance, the community deserves to have the truth and not have half-truths or lies forced upon them through any form of media or personal action. I am always available should you have a question, comment or concern. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
Please take time to attend the City Council meetings. The meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, broadcast live on the City's Government Access Channel, and rebroadcast regularly throughout the month. The meetings can be found on FIOS Channel 29 and Satellite Channel 10.
Additionally, by watching the Government Access Channel, you may view other vital meetings of the Council, CRA, Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation, and School Board, as well as keep up-to-date on community activities.
Programming Schedule:
City Council meetings are broadcast live on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM
City Council meetings are re-broadcast at 12:00 PM on the Wednesday & Thursday following the regularly scheduled council meeting and Friday at 7:00pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am and 7:00pm
Special City Council Meetings (as scheduled)
Planning Commission Meetings are broadcast live (1st Tuesday of every month 6:30pm)
Community Redevelopment Agency Meetings are broadcast live (2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month 5:30 PM)
Parks and Recreation Committee Meetings are broadcast live (3rd Wednesday of every month 6:00 PM)
Banning Unified School District Board Meetings are broadcast live (3rd Thursday of every month 7:00 PM)
