Welcome to Anderson4YL.Com
Message from the Mayor
Thank you Yorba Linda for your trust in me in electing me to the City Council. It is my honor to serve as your
Mayor for 2010.
I have decided to run for re-election to the City Council in 2010 and would appreciate your help. Please see the
Contract with Yorba Linda page on my site for a complete and specific discussion of my platform.
Please also sign up on my Facebook fan page for daily updates on my campaign and Yorba Linda related topics.
The link is:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Anderson-Mayor-City-of-Yorba-Linda/127569417271339?ref=ts
Please check back periodically for updates. Welcome to the Anderson4YL.com website. This website is
designed to help keep you informed on community events, issues and City Council decisions. The site is not paid
for with taxpayer funds. As a result I can communicate directly with you and you with me on all issues. I will
update the site periodically with new topics listed in the Upcoming Events and Council Meeting Recaps
sections.
MEASURE Y - THE YORBA LINDA ETHICS POLICY
Please take a look at Yorba Linda's new Ethics Policy. I am very pleased to have been part of making this a reality
on the Council level. Unfortunately it passed by only a 3 to 2 vote. As a mere ordinance it can likewise be
overturned by a 3 to 2 vote assuming those who opposed the adoption of the policy (designed to ensure that the
highest level of ethics are practiced in Yorba Linda) ever gain a majority on the Council. Council Members Nancy
Rikel and Mark Schwing joined me in supporting the Yorba Linda Ethics Ordinance. Council Members Jan Horton
and Jim Winder voted against it.
This November the voters have the opportunity to tell the politicians that the time for a meaningful ethics policy is
now. Vote YES on Measure Y - the Yorba Linda Ethics Policy. Don't let the politicians repeal this ordinance.
The ordinance makes it illegal to:
A. Solicit campaign contributions from city contractors;
B. Vote on a project of someone who contributed $250.00 or more for a period of 12 months
following the contribution or to accept such a contribution from a person who came before the
council for a license, permit, contract, or land use entitlement for a period of one year;
C. Solicit the endorsement of city commissioners and contractors in election campaigns;
D. Hold a closed door ad hoc committee meeting;
E. Engage staff in political campaign activities.
The new ordinance also requires that all closed session Council meetings be tape recorded, yearly ethics training
be given for all Council Members, Commissioners, and city executive staff, and formalizes the Council’s intent to
enact a Whistle Blowers’s protection statute and a code of conduct for Council members, Commissioners, and city
staff.
BUILDING CONSENSUS AND RECENT ANTICS ON THE CITY COUNCIL
I believe it is healthy for the Council members to disagree and have thorough debate on issues. Council members
come from all walks of life and have diverse viewpoints. Spirited discussion can bring about consensus. However,
healthy discussion should remain on point and be factual. As your mayor I will do my best to ensure this happens.
As I have said repeatedly it is alright and even good for council members to disagree. It is not alright though to
behave unprofessionally and resort to inappropriate name calling.
Statement of Governmental Beliefs
I believe elected representatives and government employees work for and are responsible to the People. Since
elected as your representative, I have always tried to remember to put the People’s interest before my own desires
and ambitions, as I believe government is of, by and for the People. I am available to all the People. I try to answer
all phone calls, letters and e-mails that request a response and participate in periodic Town Hall meetings. I will
never forget tax and fee monies belong to the People and not the City Council members and will be a good steward
of the People’s money.
I believe the residents of Yorba Linda deserve Council members who are willing to comprehensively set forth their
plans and promises and not simply advance catchy, but hollow slogans. Our community deserves more than
politicians who merely promise to be "change", "an independent voice", or a "consensus builder." Yorba Linda
residents have a right to know specifically where the council members stand on the issues and what they will strive
to do in the future. Council members must be held accountable for willfully failing to follow through on campaign
promises.
My Specific Positions on the Issues
* I was the initiator of Measure BB on the November 4, 2008 ballot which prohibits the use of eminent domain for
economic gain throughout all of Yorba Linda. I overcame substantial initial opposition from two of my current
fellow council members in getting the necessary votes to place it on the ballot.
*I fully support the development of the Yorba Linda Town Center in a manner consistent with the nature, and
character of our City. During my term in office, we have moved forward in an expeditious and financially
responsible manner and are considering the recommendations of our residents and the Town Center Blue Ribbon
Committee.
*I strongly believe in a semi-rural, “low-density” Yorba Linda. I carefully examine all residential and commercial
development decisions in light of my strong adherence to our zoning and General Plan and I will remain true to our
Yorba Linda motto, “The Land of Gracious Living.”
*I believe in, support and try to advance a public safety agenda, which promotes the highest level of security and
public safety within Yorba Linda. I will work closely with our contracted police department to obtain and maintain
the best affordable law enforcement service available and will seek to expand further services, procedures and
programs that are consistent with our City’s growth to prevent further increases in crime. I look to work
collaboratively with our Orange County Fire Authority fire fighters in ensuring the greatest level of fire safety.
*I fully understand the direction given by Yorba Linda property owners in the Landscape and Lighting Special
Assessment District Election in early 2008. I will vigorously pursue extensive cost saving measures, seek various
landscape alternatives, and examine and demand competitive maintenance contracts. I pledge that no tax (or fee)
increase will be sought for ANY special district (landscape, lighting, sewer . . .) when adequate financial reserves
exist and before all cost saving measures have been examined, explored and exhausted. I disagree with the
direction of some on the council that the simple solution to fiscal inefficiency is to increase fees and taxes.
*I fully support fair yet reasonable City Manager and City Executive compensation. I will continue to fight against
runaway, excessive and irresponsible salary and benefit increases. I was part of the effort to hire our new City
Manager with a compensation package more in line with the expectations of our residents.
*I believe it is time the City investigate the economic feasibility of a Cultural Arts facility that would include much
needed theatrical, rehearsal and exhibit space at a cost Yorba Linda residents can afford. We should explore all
options of private and public funding to make such a facility a reality. I am not sure, however, that the city should
pay for such a study as opposed to one of the groups interested in developing such a facility.
*I support recreational facilities that benefit our entire community, including a Yorba Linda Equestrian Facility. The
addition of an equestrian facility is consistent with Yorba Linda’s semi-rural nature and character. It’s an avenue to
expand equestrian opportunities for our community’s residents, schools and organizations and an appropriate use
of Parks & Recreation funding. I will move forward by identifying appropriate locations and exploring the economic
feasibility of a public / private development and operating partnership.
*I support a General Plan update reflective of the low-density nature and character of our City.
*I believe in and fully support an open, transparent form of local city governance. I believe opening all forums to
the public to the extent permitted by law increases the confidence the electorate have in their elected officials. I do
not believe in, nor will I participate in “back room deals”. I will continue to vigorously oppose the efforts of some
council members to defeat these principles.
*I promise to continue my efforts toward establishing safeguards to prevent and prohibit City Council members,
City staff, and City contractors and developers working at the discretion of the City Council from engaging in
behavior which undermines or prevents our residents from participating in the political process in Yorba Linda,
which would include initiative, referendum and recall procedures.
*I proudly sponsored an ethics ordinance that will help eliminate conflicts of interest with City contractors and
developers. I overcame the dogged opposition of some council members to defeat such a necessary and vital
ordinance.
*I promise to fight against unreasonable, State mandated quotas for low-cost housing developments in Yorba Linda
inconsistent with our low-density character. I do not believe that the state should mandate that the City of Yorba
Linda educate its residents on the benefits of high density housing.
*I fully support and have insisted that the council defend Measure B - the Yorba Linda Right to Vote Amendment
and the protection from over development that it places in the hands of Yorba Linda voters.
*I was the sponsor of a new ordinance that requires closer cooperation between the Traffic and Planning
Commissions to ensure expedited project review and careful consideration of all potential impacts from new
development.
*I will support all reasonable measures and programs to enhance business opportunities in Yorba Linda including
new marketing efforts designed to attract new businesses to the city, "Shop in Yorba Linda" programs, a closer City
Council and Chamber of Commerce relationship, and facade improvement loans for the Main Street area.
Copyright © 2010 Friends of John Anderson for City Council 2010
All Rights Reserved
Paid for by Friends of John Anderson - FPPC ID 1290130
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
DEPENDABLE
HONESTY
COMMITMENT
LEADERSHIP
| JOHN ANDERSON people's Advocate mayor - City of Yorba Linda |
*****MEASURE Y UPDATE*****
The Orange County Register today (October 1, 2010) endorsed Measure Y - the Yorba Linda Ethics Policy and
is urging a YES vote.
Per the editorial:
"Especially after the scandals in Bell and other cities, an ethics code makes sense for city officials. Yorba
Linda adopted such a code in January as Ordinance No. 2010-940. Measure Y on the Nov. 2 ballot in Yorba Linda is
identical to the ordinance. The difference is that, while the ordinance can be changed by the council, Measure Y
could be changed only by a new vote of the people.
"Some of the 11 ethics regulations of Measure Y include: "No solicitation of campaign contributions from city
contractors. ... Prohibition against accepting campaign contributions for 12 months after approving a permit or
decision. ... Disqualification from acting upon a permit or decision if a campaign contribution was accepted within
a previous 12 month period. ... Prohibition against seeking endorsements from city employees, commissioners,
city contractors or labor associations affiliated with city contractors. ... Adoption of a code of conduct for elected
and appointed officials. ... Adoption of a 'whistleblower' procedure."
"We recommend a Yes vote on Measure Y"
Measure Y is an ordinance that is long overdue and that was resisted at every step of the way by Council
Members Jan Horton and Jim Winder. Should Measure Y be adopted by the voters future Councils will not be able
to overturn it absent a new vote by the people.
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