City of Temecula
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
Matt Rahn
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: Even before I was elected to public office, I was a strong advocate for public safety, small businesses, and our quality of life. As an educator and researcher on topics from homeland security, wildfires, traffic/transportation, water, energy, law, and policy, I worked hard to improve our region and ensure a high quality of life. As an elected official, I continued this tradition for two terms, leading major successes in transportation funding, business development, public safety, homeless outreach, and higher education. My work is not done; Temecula is at a crossroads and needs experienced leadership to help keep us safe and prosperous.
A2: 1) Improve and streamline business development, recruitment, and retention in Temecula; 2) Ensure proper funding and
resources for public safety, with a focus on community resilience, preparedness planning, and emergency operations management.
60% In Alignment with PAC
80% In Alignment with PAC
George Rapciewicz Jr.
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 for city council because I believe in civic duty, as well as fair competition and transparency. What sets me apart in this race is my unique combination of military discipline and civilian expertise. My background in program management and project oversight equips me to handle complex issues with efficiency and precision. My unwavering commitment to transparency, support for local businesses, and focus on economic development positions me as a candidate dedicated to the betterment of our community.
A2: Decreasing homlessness, increasing our economic stature for our local businesses.
64% In Alignment with PAC
Sue Evans
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 have been a resident of Temecula for 26 years and recognize the need to be welcoming to businesses and supportive of the workforce. I am running for this position as I believe in representing the voice of all our community members and the incumbent has not demonstrated his willingness to do that over the last 8 years. Equity and inclusion is essential if we want our businesses and our community to grow and thrive. My experience and expertise as a non-profit leader and advocate, developing programs and funding will lend itself to helping our community become sustainable.
A2: Developing a local workforce through expanding educational opportunities to attract businesses to come into our City that provide well paying jobs.
Increasing the variety of affordable housing so that those who work in our city can afford to live in our city, improving quality of life.
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
B
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
​B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
B
B
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans
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
Matt Rahn
A
A
George Rapciewicz, Jr.
Sue Evans