Election 2018: Stanton District 3 candidates share their priorities and thoughts on local issues

Voters in every city in Orange County will go to the polls Nov. 6 to pick who will represent them on the City Council and, in several cases, as mayor. Ahead of the election, all candidates were invited to share information about themselves and answer questions about their priorities and local concerns for this voter guide. In each city, all were asked the same questions and were limited to the same word count for their answers.

In Stanton, four challengers are vying for one seat on the City Council.

Candidates:

Loreen Berlin, photojournalist

Ramona Macias, 62, retired

James M Scott, 50, owner/manager (facebook.com/JMScott4stantoncouncilmember)

Gary Taylor, 66, planning commissioner

Question 1: What are your top two priorities if elected?

Loreen Berlin: Public safety is my number one priority. I support police and firefighters because they keep families and businesses safe. It’s an honor to currently serve on the Stanton Public Safety Committee. Affordable housing is important for citizens. I’ll work to bring more businesses to Stanton creating new jobs and economic growth plus develop affordable housing for residents. Stanton has a successful “model” homelessness program to help solve the problem that affects all of our community.

Ramona Macias: Fiscal responsibility of the city and the citizens’ needs.

James M Scott: My only priority is the safety and prosperity of the citizens through transparency and responsibility. Being elected to office is an honor, not a job.

Gary Taylor: Public safety and school safety

Question 2: How should the city balance paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves with meeting residents’ needs? Should it involve finding new revenue or trimming the budget?

Loreen Berlin: The City of Stanton cut back on staff in tough times, trimming salaries, thus being able to have a balanced budget and still meet services for its residents.

Ramona Macias: Trimming the budget first.

James M Scott: (Did not respond to this question)

Gary Taylor: Stanton has been able to balance the city budget. Long-term pension expense needs to include greater employee contributions toward their retirement benefits.

Question 3: What should the city’s role be in encouraging the development of low-income housing units? Would you support a mandate or an incentive of some kind?

Loreen Berlin: Cities receive State tax money that is set aside for low and moderate income housing; therefore having affordable housing.

Ramona Macias: City should have low-income housing so many units per in low-income population.

James M Scott: (Did not respond to this question)

Gary Taylor: Stanton is currently working on a low-income housing project in the Tina Pacific Neighborhood. It includes a partnership with a low income housing developer.

Question 4: Communities across the state are grappling with rising pension and other post-employment benefit costs. What do you think needs to be done to deal with this problem?

Loreen Berlin: Employees need to pay their own cost of retirement benefits, which some cities, including Stanton, are currently doing.

Ramona Macias: Fiscal responsibility a lot of employees are paying into their pension.

James M Scott: Did not answer

Gary Taylor: Both the employees and employer have to pay a larger share of the pension benefits.

Question 5: On the ballot this November, voters will be asked to decide on whether to repeal the recently enacted increase to the state gas tax. What is your position on the gas tax?

Loreen Berlin: The yearly gas tax and automotive registration increases should be eliminated.

Ramona Macias: Repeal the gas tax

James M Scott: I am against the Gas Tax. Not only does this raise the price of gas, but also the prices of day to day items that the people need, Food, electricity, work, rent, ect. This Tax is straight extortion and coercion of the California residents to undermine our economy.

Gary Taylor: The gas tax is too high and should be repealed.

Question 6: The high cost of housing in California has spurred increased interest in rent control. On the ballot this November is Proposition 10, which would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act. What are your thoughts on rent control?

Loreen Berlin: While being mindful of affordable housing, rental agreements should be between the rental person and the renter, not regulated by government.

Ramona Macias: Rent increases are part of the homeless issue should be controlled.

James M Scott: I am against Proposition 10.

Gary Taylor: I do not favor rent control because it reduces the amount of new housing.

Question 7: Proposition 64 authorizes the legalization of marijuana, while granting local jurisdictions the authority to approve or deny certain marijuana-related businesses. What are your thoughts on marijuana legalization to date and what do you think of your own community’s policies on marijuana?

Loreen Berlin: My concern is about the after-effects of marijuana’s second-hand smoke on all of the population; especially the lungs of children and teenagers whose bodies are still in the development stage. Stanton didn’t legalize marijuana and has worked to shut down illegal dispensaries that would cost the city additional money in police protection.

Ramona Macias: Marijuana should be controlled just as any other substance.

James M Scott: I am positive on Proposition 64. Although, The Legalization of Marijuana in the State of California has been completely mismanaged and regulated.

Gary Taylor: The Stanton City Council has decided not to allow marijuana distribution or production in the city. I support this position.

Question 8: Senate Bill 54 limits the role of state and local law enforcement in enforcing federal immigration laws. The law has drawn legal challenges from some localities which want the flexibility to work with the federal government. What do you think of SB54?

Loreen Berlin: Currently Stanton isn’t a Sanctuary City. I’m concerned about legal costs and the safety of our City.

Ramona Macias: Police are not immigration enforcers.

James M Scott: I am against SB54.

Gary Taylor: I believe that our legislators in Washington should work together to pass immigration reform. Immigration is really a national issue and not a state or local issue.