Election 2018: San Clemente 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 San Clemente, 11 challengers and one incumbent are vying for three seats on the City Council.

Candidates

Dan Bane, 37, partner (danbanesc.com)

Don Brown, 75, retired (donbrownforcitycouncil.com)

Wayne Eggleston, director (eggleston4council.com)

Laura Ferguson, 51, executive assistant. to the city (of Encinitas) manager (lauraferguson4sc.com)

Gene James, 63, adjunct faculty member (genewalkerjames.com)

Jackson Hinkle, 19, energy policy advisor (ocstudents4citycouncil.org/hinkle4sc)

Mikii Rathmann, 48, owner/event planner (facebook.com/mikiiforsc)

Jake Rybczyk, 18, director of budget (ocstudents4citycouncil.org/jake-rybczyk)

Ed Ward, 58, divisional vice president (edward4sanclemente.com)

Kathy Ward, 57, incumbent, city council member (kathywardforcitycouncil2018.com)

Tiffany Joy Robson Leet (did not respond by deadline)

Bernie Wohlfarth (did not respond by deadline)

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

Dan Bane: I will continue to fight to stop the toll road at Oso Parkway. I’ve actively led the fight to keep the toll road from bisecting San Clemente by litigating against the TCA’s proposals in court, helping draft AB279, and by testifying in support of AB382. Additionally, I will focus on providing more sheriff’s deputies, updating the San Clemente substation, reinvigorating our Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and partnering with surrounding cities and public agencies.

Don Brown: My top Priority is stopping the Toll Road connection to the I-5 through our City. My second Priority is to increase the number of Sheriff Deputies to handle the surge of Homeless and increased crime in San Clemente. This problem has increased since the clearing of the Santa Ana riverbed. With the recent 9th Circuit ruling on Homeless and crime Classifications from Propositions 47/57 maintaining order has become extremely difficult. Increased Sheriff Deputies are needed.

Wayne Eggleston: Putting TCA out of business, and getting the nuclear waste at San Onofre moved.

Laura Ferguson: Enhance law enforcement services for our community and address homelessness. As our city has grown, the number of deputies have not kept pace. We need adequate staff to effectively address issues affecting our quality of life such as drug use, property crimes, loitering, and homeless and homeless encampments. Homelessness takes a toll on the economy, environment, health care and criminal justice systems, and quality of life. Our city can do more to collaborate with others.

Gene James: 1. Treat all citizens, taxpayers and city employees with respect and dignity; 2. Create a safe and secure environment for our families.

Jackson Hinkle: When I briefed members of Congress on decommissioning the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, they were shocked to learn that the canisters storing radioactive waste cannot be repaired, transported, or monitored, and that safety protocols at the plant are not being met. I will fight to ensure the safe storage of nuclear waste, move the waste off our coastline, implement a real-time, independent radiation monitoring system, and create an emergency action plan for San Clemente.

Cities all across Orange County are joining together in formal agreements to negotiate low-cost, clean energy contracts for their residents. This process, known as Community Choice Energy (CCE), is a system for governments to collectively bargain energy contracts for their citizens. CCE also generates funds that cities can allocate toward sustainability projects. There is no reason why San Clemente shouldn’t join in a partnership with neighboring cities to ensure affordable energy contracts for our residents.

Mikii Rathmann: Maintaining San Clemente’s quality of life and village character. It’s critical to protect our community from a toll road splitting us in two. To work with local agencies to dramatically reduce homelessness. As well as fostering an environment for local business owners to get things done and thrive!

Jake Rybczyk: My top two priorities are to do campaign finance reform by creating an individual contribution limit towards a campaign, and second, I would work to push SoCal Edison to adopt real-time independent monitoring in thicker canisters at SONGS.

Ed Ward: As a Councilmember representing the residents of San Clemente, I will steadfastly oppose any Tollroad Development and diligently pursue essential Public Safety initiatives. My focus on Public Safety will include optimization of the city’s annual investment in Police and Fire protection while including residents to publicly define a desperately-needed Homeless strategy. Additionally, we must partner with advocacy groups to effectively address the 3.6M pounds of nuclear waste stored at the decommissioned plant at San Onofre.

Kathy Ward: Stop the unnecessary toll road extension that will destroy my city and protect my city by removing nuclear waste and bringing back a hospital and emergency room.

Question 2: What’s your stance on the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ efforts to extend the 241 tollway?

Dan Bane: I’ve actively led the fight to keep the toll road from bisecting San Clemente by litigating against the TCA’s proposals, helping draft legislation to stop the toll road at Oso Parkway (AB2796), and by testifying in support of AB382. I will continue to work tirelessly to hold the TCA to its promise to pay down its bond indebtedness, make the toll roads free, and go out of business as intended.

Don Brown: The TCA’s efforts to connect the 241 to the I-5 through San Clemente will devastate our City. The Routes under consideration are not feasible. More importantly, recent studies by OCTA show that the 241 connection to I-5 is not needed. Extending the current HOV lanes 3 miles to the County line will handle demand until 2050. $1 Billion Managed lanes for weekend travel as proposed are ludicrous.

Wayne Eggleston: The extensive of the toll road is a non-starter. It will divide San Clemente, destroy homes, open space and part of the SCHS. We can not allow that to happen. Any agreement or lawsuit also needs to take into account that the toll road cannot end at La Pata which will harm the Talega Community. Additionally, we can not have toll lanes for an extension of 5 from Pico to the county line which will destroy homes and businesses. Gone will be the Presbyterian Church, Ralphs, many homes and businesses.

Laura Ferguson: I oppose a toll road through San Clemente. The TCA states it has 8 ideas it is studying, but alternative 14 is the worst because it would have devastating effects on our quality of life, environment, open space, wildlife, parkland, home values, and poses dangers being close to numerous schools. No other piece of the toll constructed so far has taken homes, and this final leg must not involve eminent domain of our established neighborhoods.

Gene James: My stance is simple and straightforward; I am steadfastly opposed. The TCA should payoff its debt, drop the tolls on the current toll roads and go out of business. No further explanation is required.

Jackson Hinkle: The unnecessary $2-billion toll road would be devastating for San Clemente and would worsen traffic on the I-5. The TCA’s motivation is not to “[enhance] mobility in Orange County” as per its mission statement, but to milk taxpayers for every ounce of profit they can muster. I will not only fight to dissolve the TCA, but also work with the OCTA and our residents to find modern, de-privatized solutions to streamline mobility for our community.

Mikii Rathmann: I do not support a toll road through San Clemente. To help ease some of the traffic issues faced in South County I would encourage the build out of arterial streets to extend Crown Valley Parkway to connect to the current 241 toll road, and construct an East-West arterial to extend LaPata.

Jake Rybczyk: I do not support the TCA and any of their efforts to create any toll roads. They are highly untrustworthy, being $6 billion dollars in debt, spending thousands on lobbying and doing illegal actions have in my opinion dictated them unnecessary and in need of being dissolved.

Ed Ward: I am committed to no Tollroad through San Clemente. Independent analysis has concluded that this roadway is unnecessary, and that existing Orange County Transit Authority plans (MPAH/M2) are sufficient to address South County traffic needs. I support further study regarding extensions to Las Patrones and La Pata (as included in the IBI study) as potential traffic relief options. The Tollroad is not needed, and I will oppose any Tollroad proposals while I represent this city.

Kathy Ward: TCA way overestimated future traffic levels. TCA has no viable extension and has no authority to plan or build lanes on I-5. That is a fact TCA is avoiding by wasting millions of dollars to study lanes they cannot build. It is the duty of the cities and the county to honor the agreement to close the agency, pay off the bonds, and make the roads free.

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?

Dan Bane: By law, every general plan in California is required to designate areas of affordable housing. While I don’t think Cities can afford to be responsible for building affordable housing, incentives are a viable option and cities should comply with state law while cooperating with developers working towards providing low-income housing units.

Don Brown: The City has a State approved Housing Element to our General Plan. Within this Mandated document low income housing goals and targets are stated and are in work. Additional funding incentives would be very beneficial in achieving this effort. Additionally, more assistance and incentives for Affordable Housing is needed. No ‘one size fits all’ Mandates will help. A flexible/locally tailored approach works best.

Wayne Eggleston: San Clemente already has many affordable housing units throughout the city and is in compliance with the State on this issue. We should never be mandated further, but incentives are really the key to provide affordable housing.

Laura Ferguson: There is a fair amount of affordable housing stock in San Clemente due to past city decisions to ensure residential developments include low-income units along with state laws placing demands on cities for affordable housing and to have Housing Element in compliance. As a municipality, I would not support a mandate but I would prioritize fast-tracking of approvals and permitting as long as the projects conformed to the city’s local development planning and zoning laws.

Gene James: I would not support a mandate to develop low-income housing in San Clemente. I am a committed capitalist who believes in an unregulated marketplace. Rather than meddling by government entities, it is my belief the private sector is vastly more equipped and qualified to solve the issue of low-income housing.

Jackson Hinkle: In a stable housing market, landlords and real estate investors nurse a healthy profit while tenants can expect rent increases that keep pace with inflation. This is not so in Orange County, where both sides of the equation are in a state of disequilibrium. I would encourage the expansion of affordable housing within our community, while holding the County accountable in providing our city with the resources we need to create incentives to do so.

Mikii Rathmann: Full, direct, and proactive communication from the city should be part of the process from the beginning in developing affordable housing, including permitting accessory dwelling units. The economic health of San Clemente would benefit from housing that is affordable to residents aging in place, and working families, close to their places of employment. Having a variety of housing opportunities makes a community dynamic, lively, and most importantly sustainable.

Jake Rybczyk: I think a city should encourage development of low-income housing through incentives and tax deductions. I believe low-income housing is needed to support a working democracy and economy and incentivizing that is the best way to ensure it happens successfully.

Ed Ward: As a business leader in the Senior Housing Industry, I would work to pursue Federal and State-available incentives to expand low-income housing capacity for qualified Seniors. Seniors represent roughly 15% of the population of San Clemente. These residents have built a life in this city, paid taxes, and those in need should have the opportunity to remain here despite income limitations.

Kathy Ward: Our city’s general plan and housing element requires the city to indicate parcels where affordable housing could be built. Our city already will consider higher density for projects that offer affordable housing units and I think where it is appropriate, higher density is reasonable to encourage development.

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?

Dan Bane: No response

Don Brown: No response

Wayne Eggleston: No response

Laura Ferguson: No response

Gene James: In 16 years, CALPERS has gone from 100% funded to two thirds. We have two million public sector employees who are promised pensions and the system is failing. CALPERS is requiring increased contributions from cities; Stockton and San Bernardino have gone into bankruptcy as a result. For non-public safety jobs, future beneficiaries need to be moved to 401k programs. The CALPERS board needs to have members with acumen and experience to manage a $350B fund.

Jackson Hinkle: No response

Mikii Rathmann: No response

Jake Rybczyk: I think cities should set aside money to be put in a trust to fund pensions and cities should create plans to fully fund pensions. Workers are not at fault for rising pensions, cities have to pick up the mess.

Ed Ward: The City of San Clemente projects a budget deficit in the 2019/2020 fiscal year for the first time in many years. This requires a high-level of fiscal pragmatism coupled with responsible revenue growth to ensure our city’s continued viability and enviable AAA Bond rating. The city will need to stay mindful of its current obligations while considering the impact of any incremental obligations in future year’s projected fiscal plans.

Kathy Ward: Public organizations have gone back to 2% for new hires from the increase of 3% given to employees before reality set in with the stock market crash of 2008. Giving 3% was unsustainable and modifying that benefit will help with future costs. When cities have windfalls, they should make payments towards their future pension obligations in order to reduce their future costs.

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?

Dan Bane: No response

Don Brown: No response

Wayne Eggleston: Taxes of this nature should always be on the ballot as they affect everyone who drives a car. The State representatives should not pass this without voter approval. Finally it is on the ballot. While maintenance of our roads is important, the voters need to approve or disapprove this measure.

Laura Ferguson: No response

Gene James: The gas tax increase does not go to fix roads and it will increase annually. The cost to a family will be an additional $800 annually. Shortly, we will be paying more than $2.00 a gallon in taxes. How is this money being is used? Certainly, not to repair roads; the additional tax will be used to fund the latest folly from Sacramento. I am in favor of Repealing the Gas Tax.

Jackson Hinkle: No response

Mikii Rathmann: No response

Jake Rybczyk: I believe the gas tax has not been administrated long enough for the entire effect of it to be measured. I do support the initiative to repeal it though, as I think this is, the peoples’ way to use their voice and opposition to legislation they don’t feel represented on.

Ed Ward: San Clemente City Council, obviously, has no jurisdiction/oversight in this area. As a citizen, while I don’t enjoy paying more for fuel than residents in neighboring states, I do recognize the urgent need to repair our ailing roads, bridges and fund further expansion of Public Transportation.

Kathy Ward: California has money to fix our roads but instead the money is diverted to pay for other things. Senate Republicans proffered a budget of $7.8 billion to fix our roads without raising taxes. The state should be paying to fix our roads instead of imposing a new tax to do so.

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?

Dan Bane: No response

Don Brown: No response

Wayne Eggleston: Market supply and demand is the over-riding issue here. Government putting controls on rents causes developers to think twice about building more housing supply. The main issue here is construction of affordable housing and giving incentives for builders to build so there is a market supply for the demand for affordable housing.

Laura Ferguson: No response

Gene James: Rent control does not work and in fact it creates a larger problem. Investors simply will not invest in the development of new properties nor will landlords be inclined to improve existing properties. The law of unintended consequences will occur with a shrinkage of housing just when we the need for an increase in housing units.

Jackson Hinkle: No response

Mikii Rathmann: No response

Jake Rybczyk: I believe rent control is essential to have in environments threatened by symptoms caused by gentrification. A middle-class family should be able to retain their money and home with promise for a future for where they live. I think rent control is best controlled by a board made up of community leaders.

Ed Ward: While I support greater local control on this issue, I do believe that a full repeal is not the solution required for this complex issue.

Kathy Ward: No public official can say they care about affordable housing if they haven’t done anything to control vacation rentals in their city. Monetizing housing put basic housing principles aside and caused rents to artificially increase to a point tenants could no longer afford it. If commercial lodging is limited in our neighborhoods, I would hope rents would stabilize as more units are available, but if not, I would consider studying options that stabilize rent.

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?

Dan Bane: No response

Don Brown: No response

Wayne Eggleston: San Clemente has very strict control on the distribution and sale of marijuana which is good. Residents have the ability to grow in their homes a maximum of six plants. We need to have more enlightened views when it comes for strictly medical uses that have proven to help in a variety of medical issues.

Laura Ferguson: No response

Gene James: Prop 64 is the law; I did not vote for it and only time will tell if it was the right call by the voters. It is much too early to measure the effects of the legalization of marijuana on San Clemente. With that said, I am not in favor of marijuana-related businesses in San Clemente.

Jackson Hinkle: No response

Mikii Rathmann: No response

Jake Rybczyk: I think Marijuana is settled in California as a legal and obtainable drug which one can have access to where ever in the state. Where ever medical or recreational marijuana is sold, massive profits are gained. I believe San Clemente should take advantage of the situation, by allowing and taxing medical marijuana businesses in the city. But I believe this should be on the ballot and brought forth to the people.

Ed Ward: In general I support legalization actions to date, however, I believe that continual monitoring of this issue is prudent and essential. Similarly, I support the City of San Clemente’s current positions on cultivation and cannabis dispensaries. That being said, this is an evolving social/political issue which requires ongoing review and openness to ensure that the city balances civil liberties with resident opinions and concerns.

Kathy Ward: I am very concerned that California has legalized marijuana without all policies and procedures in place. I chose not to allow these businesses in my city because I felt the legalization was too sudden and all impacts were not fully understood. I think this decision was prudent to protect the city’s discretionary rights and to minimize impacts to public safety.

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?

Dan Bane: No response

Don Brown: No response

Wayne Eggleston: Police departments need to work closely with Federal law enforcement for those who are not citizens and have serious criminal records. To me that is just basic common sense.

Laura Ferguson: No response

Gene James: SB 54 endangers our communities by not cooperating with the Federal government in the removal of the undocumented who have felony convictions. I could not disagree more with SB 54. As a City Council Member, I would do everything in my power to get SB 54 reversed. As someone who served his country in uniform for 20 years, I am offended our state refuses to recognize the strategic importance of our national borders and security.

Jackson Hinkle: No response

Mikii Rathmann: No response

Jake Rybczyk: I think SB54 protects Californians and our communities. I would work with the state as long as SB54 is considered legal and not join the Trump lawsuit against the state. I think a community works best when the law enforcement is trained well, knows the community and can be trusted. Any person living in my city should feel that from the police at all times.

Ed Ward: Given the current political climate and polarization on this issue, I support SB54.

Kathy Ward: I support following federal laws. Our city has no role in immigration enforcement whatsoever so it is purely symbolic or political to make a statement about sanctuary laws imposed by our state. The Department of Justice is suing California over SB54 and that is the proper venue for this issue to be heard.