Ray Schnell, Tustin City Council Candidate, District 3, 2022 Election Questionnaire – Orange County Register

Ahead of the November election, The Orange County Register has compiled a list of questions to ask the candidates you wish to represent. The full questionnaire is below, with answers edited for grammar and punctuation only.

MORE: Read all candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Surname: Ray Swift

Current job title: Global Private Equity Coverage Officer, ADP

Age: 53

Official: no

Other political offices held: None – I am not a professional politician

City where you live: Tustin

Campaign website or social media: www.rayfortustin.com and @rayfortustin

How can the city best meet the demand and mandate for more housing, including at lower prices, while maintaining the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents?

Tustin’s excellent quality of life and historic charm are the reasons why residents choose to raise their families here. It is important that the best of what we love about Tustin is preserved, and future planning decisions are a collaborative and transparent process that welcomes input from our residents and considers both short- and long-term impacts. I will oppose projects that do not reflect the unique character of our community and will support those that benefit our residents and appropriately mitigate the impact.

What better way can the city do to fund and address aging roads, water and sanitation systems and prepare for future infrastructure needs?

As a seasoned businessman, I believe that local governments should act like the private sector in the way they manage their budgets and resources. The best way to improve city services and infrastructure is to ensure that local governments live within their means and always have sufficient funds for necessary infrastructure maintenance/improvements. Additionally, it is critical that Tustin continues to be an attractive, affordable, business-friendly city for families and businesses so that there is a solid tax base to support the needs of the community.

How should the city balance paying down debt, such as pension liabilities, and building up reserves while meeting the needs of residents? Should a solution be finding new revenue, cutting the budget, or something else entirely?

I will always look for sensible ways to reduce wasteful spending. At the same time, Tustin can generate additional revenue, not by increasing taxes and fees, but by growing the local economy by attracting more families and businesses to our welcoming community. I do not support increasing fees and taxes, especially today when people are already struggling to keep up with inflation.

What do you think is your city’s greatest need and how would you address it?

One of Tustin’s greatest needs is a concrete plan and vision for the future. Things change quickly and instead of just reacting, we should always be prepared. Continuing to outline our vision and plans will help us accomplish the important task of preserving Tustin’s historic character as we prepare for all that comes next and the challenges that the city will inevitably face.

Why would you make a good leader and how would you represent your city’s diverse communities?

As a longtime resident of Tustin, I have dedicated my professional and personal life to creating successful outcomes and making a positive impact on the community. My career has included working as an executive for Fortune 500 companies and as an entrepreneur starting several small businesses. I know what it takes to lead a team, build support/consensus around a common goal and achieve materially beneficial outcomes. I pride myself on being result-oriented, accountable and honest. Local government should be the same. Most importantly, I am a proud husband and parent of two daughters who attended Tustin schools. Tustin is my home and I am committed to making it the best and safest place to raise a family.