The first official step in running for office is picking up the paperwork from city hall or the county clerk's office. Paul picked up his paperwork and has until August to turn it in. If you know someone running tell them to email me and I will start posting information about their biography and platform.
I spoke with Paul Moomjean about why he is running for Mayor by phone and he agreed to answer questions from my readers. So, ask away!
Paul will have limited access to the internet over the next 10 days or so but he said he will answer questions from time to time.
Remember, you do not need to register to leave comments and you do not need to use your full or proper name. I delete comments from time to time that violate the comments policy. As always send me an email to delete a comment.
So what questions do you have for Paul?
Click on continue reading for three basic questions that I asked him and to see a bonus video.
What could be said? He is a man of his word.
Here are the questions that I asked:
1. What do you like most about Simi Valley?
I truly enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and general hospitality of the people in this city. I came to Simi Valley in the summer of 1993 and attended Valley View Middle School and Simi Valley High School (class of 1999). I believe that the city is made up of hardworking, decent people who want what is best for their community. I also like the easy access into Los Angeles and other surrounding Ventura County areas as well, and hope to work with other cities to make Simi Valley even more successful.
2. What would you change about Simi Valley?
I believe that we need to look into bringing "living-wage" jobs into the city of Simi Valley. With gas prices going higher and higher, why not encourage large businesses to build offices in Simi Valley to help the burden on middle class families driving thirty plus miles to work everyday? My hope is to also work with city council to stop wasteful spending on things like the "Shop Simi" campaign and to make sure we take care of our city's needs.
3. How do you think you'll work with the current council?
I believe that working on the current council will be a rewarding experience to help bring more economic growth and continue our public safety in the city. I hope that the current council would be willing to work with a possible new mayor, as I plan to be very willing to work with them.
Paul,
Could you give us an example one specific idea supported by Mayor Miller on which you have an opposing point of view?
Paul,
You mean another issue? He said he was against the city spending money on the Shop Simi First campaign.
Paul,
Is there anyway we might be able to persuade you to move to Taylor,PA. The politicians here...never keep thier word. I'm impressed you ate your hat.
I would just need to know your view on Waste Management and landfill expansions before you would have my vote for sure.
Bob Folger
Taylor,PA
Bob,
Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog.
Same to you too JimmyM.
While I disagree with a $100,000 Shop Simi First campaign, I also believe we need to balance our budget in both spending and priority. I believe that the police department has over 50% of the budget, and while a strong police force is a top priority, it isn't our only priority.
I feel that a five percent cutback on police spending can be done without hurting the city, and that money can go into helping our community and be used for "rainy day" needs in the future.
Paul, you are on the right track. How about the dump expansion to take LA's garbage into Simi Valley?
Paul,
Do you attend or plan to attend city council meetings before the election?
" I believe that the city is made up of hardworking, decent people who want what is best for their community. I also like the easy access into Los Angeles and other surrounding Ventura County areas as well, and hope to work with other cities to make Simi Valley even more successful"
I think what people really want, these days, is not to give away their money in taxes and fees....
How about banning property taxes in the state of california, as well as eliminating the state income tax??
All these taxes are fine if the government owns you....but if the government doesn't own you, they aren't that good....
RE:I believe that the police department has over 50% of the budget, and while a strong police force is a top priority, it isn't our only priority.
The city of vallejo was just bankrupted by excessive pay, perks and pesnions to police and fire...
see:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2021356/Californian-city-of-Vallejo-declared-bankrupt.html
RE: I feel that a five percent cutback on police spending can be done without hurting the city, and that money can go into helping our community and be used for "rainy day" needs in the future.
Police/police unions will never let that happen...they expect increases every year....
Do the police do much in local elections? I don't remember them out walking precincts or donating much money. But of course the campaign statements haven't been online in the past.
It just isn't pay that could be cut but overall size of the dept. that could be cut.
Where in the police budget do you want to cut?
Mr. Moomjean,
Does the Simi Valley City council understand the costs involved when it comes time to pay the pensions of these officers? Is this just another one of the problems they are sweeping under the carpet like Waste Management and the Rocketdyne nuclear accident site?
I know the police unions get heavily involved in campaigns, in regards to endorsing and funding candidates.
They've got to protect those wage and benefit increases, don't you know.
What does Council candidate Moonbeam have to say about this?
What's your plan to eliminate all of the green and brown on our hillsides so that we can put it more homes/condo's/apartments? Do you have any programs that will enable us to keep growing and maybe be as big as LA? Thanks
Miss Lane,
I don't know what candidate Moomjean has to say about your comment, but I can tell you your statement regarding the POA is not factual, at least not in the city of Simi Valley. The only thing I have seen the POA do is endorse. For all the years I have been elected and support the PD, I have never received one dime from the Union, nor have I received a donation from an individual officer. I have, however recieved their endorsement. Thank you for allowing me to clear up this misunderstanding.
Barbra,
I might have said it a few times before but thanks for being so accessible to my readers. I look forward to campaign financing being online so that when I see a comment about who gave money I can link directly to the city's website.
Mr. Paul Moomjean,
You said "and that money can go into helping our community and be used for "rainy day" needs in the future."
Just thought you should know, if the government has a surplus they have a responsibility to return it to the citizens in the form of tax rebates. There is no such principle as saving for a rainy day. That's illegal.
Please describe your experience that qualifies you to hold the position of city council person?
Thank you
Jill,
I didn't know it was illegal. Can you provide us with a link explaining the law in regards to local government?
Brian, not only is "Jill" correct, but you can not take dollars from one fund and give it to another...that to is illegal......in other words, transportation dollars have to stay with roads, police have to stay with poice, etc...but then I don't want to use this blog to educate our candidates...they should know this if they are running, don't you think?
Brian, not only is "Jill" correct, but you can not take dollars from one fund and give it to another...that to is illegal......in other words, transportation dollars have to stay with roads, police have to stay with poice, etc...but then I don't want to use this blog to educate our candidates...they should know this if they are running, don't you think?
Barbra,
The city isn't legally allowed to have a reserve fund? It spends every dollar it gets? Is that what you are saying? Or are you saying the money is all given to the city and must be spent on the priority is was assigned to by another level of government?
As I am on the road for a few weeks vacationing, answering every question is tough right now...but as for attending city council meetings...yes! I am looking forward to attending and seeing more of how Simi government works.
As for my "rainy day" comment...when I have a chance to look at the city's spending budget, I will then see how we can best use the city's money to make sure we take care of even the unforeseen needs.
As for Barbara's comment "you can not take dollars from one fund and give it to another" -- are you saying that the budget can NEVER be re-adjusted? That seems wrong...are you saying the city must always give the same amount or percentage of money every year and can never vote to change how spending works? Then what's the point of having a council to decide the incoming funds and other city needs?
Again, I'm not running against Barbara. But hopefully my little campaign can bring to light our city's spending habits to the public...then they can decide if they like the habits or want a new perspective.
As for my qualifications...I was a teacher for two years and coach for nine, I have worked on numerous sports committees handling schedules, funds, and paperwork, and I have lived in the city since 1993.
First, it's Simi Valley, not Simi.
The dollar amounts can be adjusted, but you can't take money from "Peter to pay Paul"......
Barbra,
Can you explain the difference between increasing money in one place and decreasing it in another with taking money from one place to pay for something else?
Sounds like the same thing but with your years on the council I am sure I am missing something.
No to quibble with those in the know, but I do believe the City Council can move funds from one fund to another as long as those funds come from the City's general fund; a place where most of the police budget comes from. Clearly the Council can not move Federal or State granted funds around if those funds were provided to the City for a particular use.
Guess I need to be more clear..When the State or the Federal Government gives the city $$$ lets say for roads we have to spend those dollars for that given project........roads, housing, etc. If, however, when a builder, for instance, give the city money for permits, or we get property tax from the county, yes, that goes to the general fund, and can be spent on various things for the city...like the police department, Public Works, etc.
Guess I need to be more clear..When the State or the Federal Government gives the city $$$ lets say for roads we have to spend those dollars for that given project........roads, housing, etc. If, however, when a builder, for instance, give the city money for permits, or we get property tax from the county,or sales tax from businesses yes, that goes to the general fund, and can be spent on various things for the city...like the police department, Public Works, etc.
I'm glad to hear that Moomjean and others are running for Mayor and Council here in Simi. I think it is always good to have many choices. Of course the Council voting to ban political signs in Simi will help the incumbents and hurt the challengers.
Thanks for clearing that up Barbara...
But Wyatt, when did the city vote to ban political signs? When I picked up my paperwork I was told signs were fine...
Did I miss something?
Moomjean....the city council did NOT ban political signs...
There is an ordinance in place the bans the placing of ANY signs in the public right of way.
By any I mean jst that, political, non-profit, business...everyone is treated equal. However, on Monday the 28th of July, the City Council will be addressing this very issue regarding political and non-profit signs.
Moomjean....the city council did NOT ban political signs...
There is an ordinance in place the bans the placing of ANY signs in the public right of way.
By "any" I mean just that, political, non-profit, business...everyone is treated equal. However, on Monday the 28th of July, the City Council will be addressing this very issue regarding political and non-profit signs in the public right of way
Barbra,
You could consider a 60 day window before an election where signs of different types are allowed, including nonprofit signs.
Perhaps I can clarify my post. I am not an expert on public finance but as a voter I think we should all have a basic understanding of how these things work, especially if one is running for office. Public finance does not work like our home budgets at all.
Governments pay for budgeted items (like police protection). If there is not enough money to cover necessities (a shortfall), the government can (generally) raise taxes or issue debt instruments. On the other hand, if after paying for budgeted items, the government has a surplus, that means they collected too much tax, and they then have an obligation to return that tax in the form of tax rebates. Otherwise they are making a profit - like a private company does, retaining earnings.
Paul states that he wants to cut police funding by 5% and place that money into a "rainy day fund". Paul did not specify what he plans to do with that "rainy day fund", so I can only assume he means non-earmarked funds. To me Paul's plan sounds like cut the budget, take the savings and set it aside for non-budgeted items in the future, but don't lower taxes or send rebates. If you reduce spending you should reduce taxes. That's how government should work.
Paul, By banning all signs in the public right of way including political signs they effectively banned political signs. People can put up signs in their yards, but unless you know a lot of people that does you little good. If you are the incumbent you can get businesses to put up your signs and get them to let you put up signs on their property. Paul if you and the Mayor both ask a business if you can put up a sign who do you think will get the sign up? If you are elected Paul will you continue the practice of having the City pay for SVPD officers PERS? Currently the City pays the PERS portion for the officers as well as the employer portion?
Does this city actually ENFORCE the ban on all signs or just political signs?
Regarding equal treatment under this law: How many individuals, companies or other legal entities have been cited for signs promoting real estate offerings or open houses? Yard or garage sales? Non-profit events? Missing pets? Weight loss programs, etc.? Have there been such ANY cases at all? If not, why not as there are plenty of such sign around town in places where they should not be?