Balancing Priorities to Build a Brighter Future

Having lived in Irvine for 15 years, there is so much about this community that I appreciate. As Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, I know that our success as a city reflects a long-held vision for how you plan, program and build a balanced community.

My children have had the benefit of great schools, wonderful parks and community activities and, perhaps most importantly, the privilege of growing up in a city where they are safe and where the health and well-being of all residents is a priority. Irvine must remain a community where children and families have a high quality of life.

Irvine has been recognized for five consecutive years as “America’s Safest Big City.” Our public safety success reflects a commitment by city leaders to invest in public safety — almost 40% of the budget is dedicated to preserving the peace and protecting the residents and businesses in Irvine. Irvine must continue to invest in the safety and well-being of the people who live, work and play here.

The planning principles which have defined the City of Irvine since it was incorporated in 1971 have helped us grow into the most successful planned community in America. As a major job center with a population of more than 200,000, Irvine is now in the top 1% of cities by population in America (#98). Building our economic base, while preserving the “sense of place” in our residential villages, is the planning vision I embrace. Irvine must balance jobs, housing and transportation to maintain its success as a city.

Innovative thinking has allowed Irvine to lead the way into the 21st century. In order to maintain our position as a leader, we must continually raise the bar. Whether in environmental stewardship and open space preservation, or economic development and innovative planning, Irvine’s reputation as a world-class city is something we must continually strive to maintain and enhance. Irvine must maintain forward-thinking vision to ensure that we remain America’s most successful planned community.

As a wife and mother of two, I have seen first-hand the benefits of raising a family in a city that offers excellent educational opportunities and world-class parks and community services to residents of all ages.

As Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, I have learned a great deal about local government and the value of building strong partnerships with local schools, non-profits and the business community.

As your City Councilmember, I will dedicate myself, every day, to engage the community and understand the major issues facing our city. I will take the time to evaluate both sides of an issue in order to make thoughtful and informed decisions. And I will always place public interest ahead of special interests.