I moved to Irvine over 40 years ago and during that time, have served the community as former mayor, council member and now as the city’s new mayor.

As Mayor Don Wagner assumes his role on the O.C. Board of Supervisors; I want to thank him for his service and leadership.

Irvine is a city with a rich history: Honored and recognized for its cultural diversity, master-planned growth and a vibrant economy. Recently, we were named one of the happiest places to live in America, ranked number one in the latest fiscal strength survey, and received the Rose Award from the Orange County Taxpayers Association for our efforts to protect taxpayers.

My goals as mayor include continuing Irvine’s long record of excellence while finding solutions to the problems that face our growing city. We need to remain safe, secure and financially strong without imposing new taxes. It’s important to create ways to foster reasonable growth without imposing hardships on our residents. We also must strengthen our resolve to be an inclusive community.

Having served on the Irvine Community Land Trust, I understand the challenge that many of our residents have finding affordable housing opportunities in the city. I am committed to finding solutions to those challenges and understand the importance of working with the business community, community nonprofits and faith-based organizations to provide permanent affordable housing options.

In 2016, I introduced an organic pesticide public policy for our city properties. With council support and adoption, we maintain our open spaces, parks and playgrounds free of toxic chemicals. This essential step in providing a safer environment for children, our families, pets and wildlife, is a commitment I will continue.

Our residents are the heart of Irvine and must be thanked for their hard work in making Irvine the city it is today. They demonstrate daily their willingness to become involved and work side by side with city officials to find answers to problems that arise.

I am proud to call Irvine my home and even more proud to serve once again as its mayor. Whether Irvine is your home, your workplace or you are merely visiting, I hope you, too, enjoy this special place.

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