My First 100 Days in Office as Mayor of California City, CA

My First 100 Days in Office as Mayor of California City, CA

Day 1-10: Laying the Foundation

- Ethics Training for All Employees: One of my first actions will be to introduce mandatory ethics training for all city employees, including the City Council. This will ensure that everyone in government is held to the highest standards of accountability, integrity, and transparency. Ethics will be a cornerstone of how we operate in the public’s trust.

- Fixing the Budget: I will immediately address the city's financial crisis by thoroughly reviewing the current budget, identifying unnecessary expenditures, and reallocating resources. Working closely with the finance team, I’ll craft a revised budget that reflects fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. Every dollar spent will be accounted for with clear justification.

Day 11-30: Restoring Fiscal Accountability and Engagement

- Fiscal Accountability Measures: I will create a more transparent budgeting process, ensuring regular audits and establishing an oversight committee to monitor the city's finances. These measures will prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Additionally, I will work to ensure that revenue projections and expenses align with actual numbers, avoiding the shortcomings we have seen in the past.

- Introducing a Tax Measure: I will begin exploring the introduction of a new tax measure to generate necessary revenue without overburdening residents. This could include exploring fair taxation policies and potential special tax districts for underdeveloped areas, making sure all new revenues go directly to critical public services.

- Changing Meeting Times: To increase accessibility, I will propose adjusting the times of council meetings to allow more working residents to attend. Public engagement is critical, and ensuring more people can participate will strengthen our decision-making process.

- Bringing Back the Planning Commission: I will work to reinstate the Planning Commission, which will be critical in managing California City’s growth and development. The commission will provide much-needed oversight on development projects and land use, ensuring that growth is responsible, sustainable, and in line with the needs of the community.

Day 31-60: Improving Services, Infrastructure, and Engagement

- Town Hall Meetings: I will hold regular town hall meetings to engage directly with residents. These forums will allow the public to voice concerns, offer suggestions, and hold the local government accountable. I believe in listening to the people and working collaboratively to solve problems.

- Grand Jury Report Compliance: Ensuring the city is in compliance with any outstanding grand jury reports will be a priority. I will work closely with the City Council and city attorney to address any recommendations that have been delayed or ignored. This will build trust with the public and ensure transparency in government operations.

- Cleaning Up Contract Language: I will initiate a review of all city contracts to clean up vague or problematic language. This will ensure that all agreements are clear, enforceable, and in the best interest of the public, preventing future legal challenges or misunderstandings that drain city resources.

- Addressing Road Repairs and Infrastructure: One of the most immediate needs in our city is the state of our roads. Potholes and damaged streets are a hazard for everyone, and fixing them will be a priority. I will work with the Public Works Department to assess and prioritize the most damaged roads and ensure that we secure the necessary funding to begin repairs. Additionally, I will seek state and federal infrastructure grants to ensure long-term improvement of our streets.

- Launching a Volunteer Army for Cleanup: California City deserves to be beautiful. I will lead the effort to raise a volunteer army to clean up trash and overgrowth throughout the city. Working with civic organizations, schools, and businesses, we will organize regular clean-up days to restore pride in our community and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Day 61-80: Tackling Key Issues

- Standby Water Fees: I will address the ongoing issue with standby water fees, ensuring that the system is both fair and transparent. Many residents have voiced concerns about these fees, and my administration will work toward a solution that balances water infrastructure needs with fair billing practices for all.

- Resolving SDI Fund Misunderstandings: I will clarify misunderstandings surrounding the SDI Fund and ensure that the city is fully transparent with how these funds are managed and utilized. Miscommunications around these funds have caused confusion, and I intend to clear up any inconsistencies, providing clear, public reports on their status.

- Codifying Proper Procedures: I will push for the codification of proper procedures for how the City Council and government interact with the public. This will include guidelines for respectful and transparent communication and decision-making processes, ensuring that the council remains accountable and approachable.

Day 81-100: Long-Term Vision, Accountability, and Continued Progress

- Strengthening City Staff and Governance: I will create a more supportive, ethical, and collaborative work environment in city government. I will focus on building a culture of respect, transparency, and performance, with clear goals and benchmarks for each department.

- Finalizing and Communicating the New Budget: By this time, a revised and balanced budget will be ready for public presentation. I will make the budget easily accessible and understandable to all residents, hosting informational sessions and explaining how every decision supports the long-term financial health of California City.

- Launching a Forensic Audit: To ensure that the city’s finances are in order and that there is no further misuse of funds, I will call for a forensic audit. This will not only uncover any past discrepancies but also provide a clear path to rebuilding trust in how the city’s money is managed.

- Continued Focus on Roads and Infrastructure: I will continue to work on addressing our city’s damaged streets and ensure that pothole repair and road maintenance remain a priority. My administration will provide regular updates on the progress of road repairs and actively seek additional resources to keep improving our infrastructure.

Conclusion:

My first 100 days as mayor will be marked by action, accountability, and a commitment to restoring fiscal health and integrity in our city. From ethics training and fixing the budget to addressing damaged roads, launching a volunteer cleanup army, and improving the services our residents rely on, I will work tirelessly to make our city a better place for everyone. By prioritizing transparency, ethical governance, and citizen engagement, we will set a strong foundation for the future of California City.

Together, we will move California City forward—tackling our most pressing issues head-on and rebuilding our city’s reputation and prosperity.