City of Menifee
The Southwest Riverside County Biz PAC sent every candidate the following candidate questionnaire. The intent was to cover as many business issues as possible to get to know the candidate better. We recognize that some response choices may not fully reflect the candidate’s position, but we acknowledged that and asked them to submit the option that most closely reflects their view.
Meet the Candidates
Lesa Sobek
Candidate for Mayor
Q1. In 100 words or less, describe why you are running for office.
Q2. What are the 2 things, that if accomplished in the next 4 years, would make your term a success?
A1: I am running for Mayor of Menifee because I want to lead the city as it continues to grow, making sure it continues with a bright future. Where growth is balanced with community values. I aim to enhance public safety, improve infrastructure, and create opportunities for local businesses. With a deep commitment to transparency and responsiveness, I believe in listening to residents' concerns and working collaboratively to solve problems. My vision includes fostering a strong sense of community, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring that Menifee remains one of the safest cities in California and a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am driven by a passion for public service and a desire to make a positive impact.
A2: 1. Traffic Solutions: Successfully implement a comprehensive traffic management plan that reduces congestion, improves road safety, making daily commutes smoother and more efficient for residents.
2. Job Creation: Attract and support new businesses that bring quality jobs to Menifee, particularly in emerging industries, while also fostering local entrepreneurship. By doing this it would boost the Local economy, reduce out-of-town commuting, and provide residents with more employment opportunities close to home.
88% In Alignment with PAC
80% In Alignment with PAC
Dameon Greene Sr.
Candidate for Mayor
Q1. In 100 words or less, describe why you are running for office.
Q2. What are the 2 things, that if accomplished in the next 4 years, would make your term a success?
A1: Moving my family to Menifee was the best decision to improve our quality of life. We have been offered responsibility and opportunity here. Our new home provides a peace of mind and our business is necessary in this community. The constituents of Menifee and myself can change the trajectory for years to come. I want to serve my community during the greatest expansion of Menifee's history. I will bring new, bold and innovative ideas that suit the new growth. I will focus on the infrastructure needed to withstand our needs. I want to see all Menifeeans succeed. I want to restore the trustworthiness in the city council which has been lost to decisions that do not include the voice of our people. I want to improve the communication between us and those that run this city.
A2: The decrease in homelessness and the stability and growth of the middle class.
72% In Alignment with PAC
Ricky Estrada
Candidate for Mayor
Q1. In 100 words or less, describe why you are running for office.
Q2. What are the 2 things, that if accomplished in the next 4 years, would make your term a success?
A1: It has been my highest honor to serve our country, our future generations, and our city.
I currently serve in the Air Force Reserves, am a Teacher of U.S. History, and represent District 2 on the Menifee City Council.
I love Menifee. It has been my home for the past 12 years, and we share many of the same aspirations for our city. We want to appreciate our small town feel, see traffic improved, and enjoy more local restaurant and entertainment options.
Let's bring leadership to our city -- leadership which reflects the majority of our citizens. Let's bring a vision which puts family values and small town feel first. We should always act in the best interest of our Menifee citizens and their future. I work for you and only you, the constituents, the people, and the best future we can achieve.
A2: 1) As a current City Council member I was a strong advocate for adding "Unique Identity" to our city's "Strategic Vision Plan". Our city needs to create a unique identity which brings regional citizens to our city. We need to leverage this to stimulate economic growth and keep residents shopping, dining, and entertained in our own city. As of now many students travel to Temecula ,Murrieta, and Elsinore for these accommodations.
2) I am the ONLY candidate for Mayor who added "Lowering our Business License Fees to the Lowest in Riverside County" to the City Council agenda. I want to be business friendly and help all the businesses in our city.
60% In Alignment with PAC
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Mark Harkay
Candidate for District 1
Q1. In 100 words or less, describe why you are running for office.
Q2. What are the 2 things, that if accomplished in the next 4 years, would make your term a success?
A1: I am running to represent We The People of Menifee in district one. I want to be their voice and represent them on the city council so we can insure that needed infrastructure is addressed and completed in district 1, Menifee's oldest district.
Menifee needs smart growth. Not growth for growth’s sake.
A2: I’m going to push hard for the crumbling roads of district one to be addressed and completed. Also, the Bradley/Salt Creek bridge needs to be started and completed.
68% In Alignment with PAC
Gene Recor
Candidate for District 1
Q1. In 100 words or less, describe why you are running for office.
Q2. What are the 2 things, that if accomplished in the next 4 years, would make your term a success?
A1: To help represent the the of Menifee for better roads and moderate growth
Connect people to bring together a closer sense of community
A2: Meet people and help them in providing good governance
52% In Alignment with PAC
Questionairre Responses
01.
Real Estate Development
Considering the rapid growth in your city, how do you propose to balance real estate development with community needs?
-
A) I support real estate development to stimulate economic growth and meet the rising housing demands in the region.
-
B) We have enough housing being developed and it brings more challenges than benefit. We should focus our attention in other areas that need attention.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa
Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
02.
Affordable Housing
Knowing the requirements regarding RHNA goals for your city, how do you suggest implementing policies for affordable housing, considering the rising cost of living?
-
A) I support increasing affordable housing mandates for new developments to address the local housing crisis.
-
B) I believe the market should dictate housing prices without additional mandates, allowing for natural economic adjustments.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
03.
Commercial Property Taxes
Should commercial property taxes in your city be increased to fund public services and address local infrastructure needs?
-
A) Yes, increasing taxes on commercial properties will provide essential funding for public services and infrastructure.
-
B) No, higher taxes on commercial properties will burden businesses and potentially hinder economic growth.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
04.
Water Management
How should your city address its ongoing water scarcity issues?
-
A) I support implementing stricter water usage regulations and promoting water conservation to address the scarcity.
-
B) I believe in investing in new water infrastructure projects to increase supply rather than limiting usage.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
05.
Infrastructure Investment
What is your approach to infrastructure investment in your city?
-
A) I support increasing public investment in infrastructure to modernize and expand our facilities to meet growing demands.
-
B) I believe private investment should be encouraged to fund infrastructure projects instead of relying solely on public funds.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
06.
Economic Development Incentives
Do you support providing incentives for businesses in your city to stimulate economic development?
-
A) Yes, incentives are essential to attract new businesses and promote economic growth in the region.
-
B) No, incentives unfairly benefit certain businesses.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
A
07.
Traffic Congestion
Traffic concerns are one of the tip issues for your city. What measure would you favor more to address the traffic challenges?
-
A) I support expanding freeway capacity with additional lanes, including toll lanes.
-
B) I support investing in infrastructure to expand capacity on interior roadways with connections to freeways & state highways.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
08.
Public-Private Partnerships
Should your city increase the use of public-private partnerships for development projects?
-
A) Yes, public-private partnerships can leverage private investment for public benefit in the region.
-
B) No, public projects should be funded and managed by the government to ensure public accountability.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
B
09.
Small Business Support
How do you plan to support small businesses in your city?
-
A) I support providing grants and tax breaks specifically for small businesses to foster local entrepreneurship.
-
B) I believe in reducing overall business regulations and taxes to benefit all businesses, including small ones
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
10.
Utility Rates
How should utility agencies manage various fees?
-
A) The fees should be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually
-
B) Agencies should charge according to their estimated cost basis every few years.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
A
11.
Zoning Laws
How should zoning laws be adapted to meet current business and residential needs in your city?
-
A) I support more flexible zoning laws to accommodate mixed-use developments where appropriate.
-
B) I believe zoning laws should remain strict to maintain community structure and character.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
12.
Renewable Energy
What is your position on promoting renewable energy within your city?
-
A) I support strong incentives and mandates for renewable energy adoption to promote sustainability.
-
B) I believe renewable energy should be encouraged but not mandated, allowing market forces to guide adoption.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
13.
Business Regulations
Should your city reduce regulations on businesses to promote economic growth?
-
A) Yes, reducing regulations will make it easier for businesses to operate and expand.
-
B) No, maintaining regulations is essential to ensure safety, fairness, and environmental protection.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
B
14.
Workforce Development
How do you plan to address workforce development and job training in your city?
-
A) I support increased funding for vocational training and partnerships with local businesses to enhance workforce skills.
-
B) I plan to collaborate with local labor organizations to ensure that our workforce development and job training programs are both comprehensive and aligned with the needs of the community.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
A
15.
Collaboration with the City
How would you rate the current collaboration between the city government and the business community in your city?
-
A) would rate the collaboration as excellent, with the city government and business community working closely to foster economic growth and address local needs.
-
B) I would rate the collaboration as poor, with significant gaps in communication and support, leading to missed opportunities for economic development.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
16.
Business Licensing
Should the process for obtaining business licenses in your city be simplified?
-
A) Yes, simplifying the process will encourage more entrepreneurs to start businesses in the region.
-
B) No, the current process ensures that businesses meet necessary standards.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
B
17.
Downtown Revitalization
Do you feel it is important to revitalize the downtown areas in your city?
-
A) Yes, revitalizing downtown areas is crucial for boosting local businesses, tourism, and community engagement.
-
B) No, I believe resources should be allocated to other pressing issues rather than focusing on downtown revitalization.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
A
18.
Parking Solutions
How do you propose to address parking issues for businesses in your city?
-
A) I support the construction of more parking structures and the implementation of smart parking solutions.
-
B) I believe in promoting public transportation and reducing the need for extensive parking facilities.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
B
19.
Property Development Incentives
Should property owners in your city receive incentives for developing vacant or underutilized properties?
-
A) Yes, incentives will encourage development and make better use of available land.
-
B) No, the market should determine the best use of properties without government intervention.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
20.
Local Hiring Practices
Should businesses in your city be encouraged or required to hire locally?
-
A) Yes, local hiring supports the community and reduces unemployment.
-
B) No, businesses should hire the most qualified candidates regardless of their location.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
21.
Transportation Infrastructure
How do you plan to improve transportation infrastructure to support businesses in your city?
-
A) I believe that our current focus should be on freeway improvements.
-
B) I support expanding & modernizing public transit systems
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor
B
22.
Utility Infrastructure
Should your city invest more in upgrading utility infrastructure?
-
A) Yes, modern utility infrastructure is essential for business growth and sustainability.
-
B) No, private utility companies should be responsible for infrastructure upgrades.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
23.
Environmental Regulations
How do you balance environmental regulations with business interests in your city?
-
A) I support strong environmental regulations to protect the community and natural resources.
-
B) I support sensible regulations that don’t unnecessarily overburden businesses and hinder the local economy.
PAC
Preferred
Response
B
Lesa Sobek
B
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
B
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
A
24.
Housing Development
What is your stance on housing development in commercial areas within your city?
-
A) I support mixed-use developments that include housing in commercial areas.
-
B) I believe commercial areas should remain primarily for business purposes to maintain economic activity.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
A
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
B
Gene Recor
B
25.
Economic Development
What is your belief in how your city’s Economic Budget should be allocated?
-
A) I support prioritizing retention of local businesses, encouraging growth and diversity.
-
B) I believe the majority of the budget should be spent on attracting the next best sales tax generator for the city.
PAC
Preferred
Response
A
Lesa Sobek
A
Ricky Estrada
B
Dameon Greene Sr.
A
Mark Harkay
A
Gene Recor