City of Perris
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
Michael Vargas
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 have been a public servant for the past 40 years as a police officer, public safety commissioner, school board member, and currently Mayor. I love my city of Perris and I want to continue making Perris a great place to Live, Work, and Play.
​
A2: Fiscal solvency, economic growth.
80% In Alignment with PAC
80% In Alignment with PAC
Rita Rogers
Candidate for District 2
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 re election to continue the progress I have made over the last 25years I have served on the Council. my top
priorities are public safety, economic development, community engagement and fiscal solvency. I have brought 100s of businesses
and thousands of jobs to Perris, established a reserve policy and helped achieve National Awards.
A2: More retail stores and additional housing units
72% In Alignment with PAC
Elizabeth Vallejo
Candidate for District 2
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 reasons for running rest on wanting to see a brighter future for my city. I feel ready and confident enough to take a proactive
approach in making sure we have an engaged and involved mindset as a council to better create a more thriving community. I was
encouraged by many people I serve with and colleagues in the community to run and believe that if elected I would be able to
represent the best interests of my community.
A2: If I could start to diversify our local economy beyond being depending on only one sector and help build a full service hospital in
the city, I will consider my 1st term a success.
68% 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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
B
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
B
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
B
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
B
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
Michael
M. Vargas
B
Rita Rogers
B
Elizabeth Vallejo
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo
A
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
M. Vargas
A
Rita Rogers
A
Elizabeth Vallejo