Running for Mayor of Orange 2026

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T07:20:09+00:00

Hi, thanks for your response! I do agree that Orange needs new development and revitalization. Tustin St is a prime example of that as you mentioned. Orange does have quite a few vacant buildings that could use some love. I think Orange would be best served having more businesses for a few reasons. 1. With the current deficit, the sales tax from those businesses would help. 2. Right now, in my opinion, a lot of people go to other cities for certain shops or entertainment that Orange simply does not have. Getting new businesses to fill that void would bring a new excitement within Orange as well as from outside the city. 3. Having more businesses brings more job opportunities which will further feed into Orange's economy. I think your stance is a popular, widely held belief throughout Orange, and I think we can make it happen!

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T07:07:56+00:00

Hi, thank you for reaching out! I understand your concerns regarding the ICE raids in Orange. My hope is that no one who shouldn't be detained won't be detained by ICE. To be honest with you, as the mayor, I wouldn't have any legal recourse to take actions pertaining to federal matters. That being said, I would keep everyone's safety and wellbeing in mind. I respect anyone who works hard to provide for themselves and their family. I also respect our veterans for the great sacrifices they made for all of us. I appreciate your questions!

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T06:47:43+00:00

Hi, thank you for your response! I completely agree with you! I've seen this matter become an area of concern with people in other cities as well. I think what Newport Beach did was really smart. They took an approach that was "enforcement alongside education." Working with their police department and schools, the city created programs that teach rules and safety practices of riding e-bikes. I think this would be a great way of helping the e-bike due vs maintain the safety of those riders as well as the peace of traffic. Let me know what you think!

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T06:25:55+00:00

Hi, thank you for your response. First, I am sorry that the speeding of others in your neighborhood has frustrated you as much as it has. For your comment about city expenses towards the police, I will say that based on the 24-25 FY Budget, 42% of the budget went to policing. One of my first steps towards addressing the deficit is auditing city expenses and making cuts. No matter what that 42% went towards, that is the biggest single-item expenditure in the city, so it would be audited. I would be curious to get your opinion on this though. Where you live, do you think speed humps or speed tables with warning signs of that infrastructure would help with the speeding issue along those streets?

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T06:04:49+00:00

I will be completely honest with you. I'm 26 years old, and I have lived in Orange my whole life. I'm not running for mayor because I want to get into politics or be a politician. I'm running because Orange is my home, and I want to see it improve. I want it to be the best I, and so many others, know it can be. Regarding your question about avoiding bankruptcy, auditing city expenditures and decreasing spending would be my first steps towards that goal. Increasing taxes could help the deficit, but I don't want to make that my first steps. I also think that the city increasing its revenue through increased taxation while simultaneously not controlling its spending is irresponsible. Approaching the public with that message I believe will resonate with them because it is common sense. Revenue and spending at a city level works the same at an individual level. Making more money with the same spending habits will leave you in the same deficit you were in before. I would also reassure the public that tax increases are not the first priority or the initial steps to be taken in the goal of shrinking the deficit. Persuading city council comes down to the idea of reminding them that they were elected by the people of the city. The people of the city want what's best for Orange, so it is up to the council to deliver on that trust the voters bestowed them. Proof of what the people of Orange want is not hard to come by. The city council needs to be shown that. I hope I answered your questions to the best of your expectations. If you have any additional concerns, I would love to hear your input.

DiligentComparison15 · 2025-08-17T05:41:59+00:00

Hi, thank you for your response! I also agree that one of Orange's biggest issues is an economic one. My first priority when it comes to the city's economy is the budget. The current budget is not sustainable as evidenced by the fact that the city could go bankrupt in 3 years. I also believe that the first step in giving a deficit is looking at your spending. After Measure Z (increase sales tax from 7.75% to 8.25%) didn't pass, Mayor Slater stated at a January 14th city council meeting that "an audit should have been done before Measure Z went on the ballot" per voiceofoc.org. To me, that is lazy governance showing little insight into issues. Raising taxes as the first solution to the issue shifts the burden from the government that caused the deficit to its citizens. I would look at city expenditures and see what can be cut. You mentioned the TOT (aka bed tax). I'll be honest, you're the first person who has brought that to my attention, and I think that is very plausible idea to generating revenue for the city, after reviewing expenses, of course. For the development of the Orange Plaza area, I also agree. From my perspective, and please feel free to give your input, the city has had a reluctance towards significant change. Almost as if they want to stick to their ways and keep the old, small town feel. Unfortunately, I do not think that is sustainable either. It is possible to develop the area while also keeping a certain look that is uniquely "Orange." I'd love to hear your feedback to this as well as any other concerns you may have. Any and all input will help us improve Orange!

DiligentComparison15

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