Richard de la Rosa Runs for Mayor

I seek the office of mayor after talking with my family and current Colton elected officials who agree that my experience and ability to work with others will keep our city moving forward. There are several challenges I want to address: a $1.8 million structural deficit; the absence of a city manager; limited growth; business retention; engagement of a utility incentive program to stimulate economic growth; and the development of a regional sports complex for youth. As a former councilmember (1998-2010) and current planning commissioner, I am ready to enthusiastically provide leadership and accountability to residents. I have been a member of many regional agencies and worked with surrounding city officials on issues that benefit Colton. As a recently retired correctional peace officer I have the time and energy to dedicate to citizens and the business community. I am a Colton High School graduate (1982) and attended San Bernardino Valley College. If elected, my vision for Colton's future will be outlined and details advanced to the city council at the first meeting in December. I will create a financial control board consisting of the city manager, finance director, utility director, one councilmember and the mayor, to recommend tight spending controls and monitor budgets and city finances; offer wellness health programs for residents and city employees; improve the city's purchasing process; and implement an aggressive debt collection policy. I would strongly recommend that the city support and invest time and funding developing more senior and veteran programs. My focus would be to work as a team with the council, city manager, department heads, and public safety units to prioritize the needs of our community; build a solid financial base and healthy reserve fund; and be accountable and transparent to citizens and businesses. I would be a responsive mayor, spending much time in the neighborhoods, parks, and businesses, listening to the concerns of the people and business community. My hope is that as mayor working with council we can improve business attraction, expansion and retention to generate sales tax and development fees that will grow our economy for years to come.