Rusty's Candidate Statement

Public Service is in my blood. As the grandson of a Riverside Unified School District Administrator and the son of a Riverside County Judge, I’ve always been taught that people are more important than money. Campaigning for public office has been a goal of mine since my first election led me to become the Student Body President of Gage Middle School. Since then I have continued to lead in the various organizations I have been blessed to be a part of – Poly High School, West Point, the United States Army, Riverside County Economic Development Agency, UCLA, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Executive Office of the President and the Riverside Unified School District.

This campaign is about community leadership. I believe in sharing that leadership and including others in the decision-making process. Communication between City Hall and Ward 3 should be a two-way street where the local government listens to its residents, the policymaking should include critical citizen input, and decisions should be made after careful consideration and analysis. Riverside must inspire more people to enter the political arena. Thus, we must take the government to the people. We must bridge the divide between the people ”in the know“ and the people ”out there.“ All Riversiders must have access to the public policies that affect their daily lives.

As the quality of life continues to improve for the residents of Ward 3, we need a steward of the public trust who understands how historic preservation and economic development can coincide. The vision of the Riverside Renaissance requires an energetic implementation strategy, and an efficient and effective timetable. My background in community planning and development as well as being a Cultural Heritage Board Member will serve our entire ward toward satisfying the needs of all residents – whether it be parks, parking, business or transportation issues.

Developing future leaders remains my charge. Mentoring younger Riversiders toward becoming productive citizens and morally straight individuals will keep our youth out of jail and serving our community. Without entry-level jobs and affordable housing, we will continue to lose the sons and daughters of Riverside to other cities and states. We must pay attention to the next generation of potential teachers, lawyers, business leaders and health care professionals. We must listen to their ideas as they attempt to tell us what they need to inspire them to raise their children and our grandchildren within Riverside’s city limits. This should keep much needed social capital and institutional knowledge of the history and goals of Riverside’s founding fathers alive in our community.

I urge you to vote for a community leader who cares about the long-term future of this city. Someone who was born and raised in Riverside and is raising his children in the same community that nurtured him and sent him out to gain education, experience and leadership skills, in order to bring them back to the service of the city he loves.

Thank you for your time and interest. Should you wish to contact me regarding my statement or have other questions or comments please do so at the address/phone number listed below.