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City of Murrieta

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

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Michael DeSena

Candidate for District 3

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 office in order to be a voice for less high density housing, mitigate traffic congestion, bring more medical professionals to Murrieta, and to help grow a thriving city.

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A2: 1. Increase jobs/businesses that come to Murrieta in innovative ways. 2. Keep physicians in the area.
 

56% In Alignment with PAC

80% In Alignment with PAC

Lisa DeForest Headshot.jpg

Dr. Lisa DeForest

Candidate for District 3

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: My husband and I love living in Murrieta. He is a deputy sheriff with the Riverside Sheriffs' Department, and I run a business here. Our two sons graduated from Murrieta schools and are now in college. We chose to move here over 12 years ago because we wanted to live in a safe, thriving city. I am dedicated to protecting our quality of life and ensuring Murrieta remains safe and prosperous.

I am an experienced leader and dedicated public servant. Before being elected to the City Council, I served two terms as a School Board Trustee. I have had the honor of serving as President of the Western Science Center, United Way Women’s Council, and Murrieta Valley High School Lacrosse Booster. I also served on the Executive Board for the Chamber of Commerce.

 

A2: To ensure Murrieta is one of the safest cities, to stimulate and promote economic development and advocate for small businesses. All with improving traffic flow.
 

80% In Alignment with PAC

Javier Rubacalba Headshot.jpg

Javier Rubalcaba

Candidate for District 4

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 served most of my life. At first in the military and now I want to serve my City. I believe in the natural freedoms that we have and the Constitution from which they are ratified therein. The freedom to do what you wish within the moral and ethical laws enshrined in writing and in our hearts by our creator. I wish to build upon our community, a greater quality of life and reassurance for our children future.

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A2: First, to promote Murrieta as the small business "Mecca" in Riverside County. Second, ensuring that the quality of life in our city is maintained and where needed. by improving public safety for everyone. also, by looking into and possibly thwarting state mandates in low income housing, which increases population density the has proven to increase crime.
 

56% 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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

A

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

A

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

A

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

B

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

Michael DeSena

B

Dr. Lisa Deforest

B

Javier Rubalcaba

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

Michael DeSena

A

Dr. Lisa Deforest

A

Javier Rubalcaba

A

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