Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Angela Watts

Current job title: Business Owner; Account Director

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: San Clemente

Campaign website or social media: www.voteangelawatts.com

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The city can meet the demand for more housing, including affordable options, by pursuing a balanced approach that integrates smart growth principles while preserving the quality of life in existing neighborhoods. This can be achieved by:

– Encouraging mixed-use developments: Promote developments that combine residential, commercial and recreational spaces, which can create vibrant communities without sprawling into existing neighborhoods.

– Incentivizing affordable housing: Offer incentives to developers to include affordable housing units in new projects, ensuring that low- and middle-income families have access to quality housing.

– Preserving neighborhood character: Implement design guidelines and zoning regulations that ensure new developments are in harmony with the existing architectural style and scale of neighborhoods, maintaining their character and appeal.

– Investing in infrastructure: Improve infrastructure, such as transportation, schools and parks, to support the increased population while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

– Community involvement: Engage residents in the planning process to ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed, fostering a collaborative approach to growth.

By focusing on these strategies, the city can accommodate growth while preserving the unique qualities that make our neighborhoods desirable places to live.

California is working toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? How, if at all, would you address this as a councilmember? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Climate change is a top priority for me, and as a councilmember, I would actively support efforts to help San Clemente contribute to California’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Addressing climate change is not just about protecting our environment but also about safeguarding the health and well-being of our community for future generations.

As a councilmember, I would:

– Promote renewable energy: Encourage the adoption of solar panels, wind energy and other renewable energy sources in both residential and commercial developments, making it easier for residents to access sustainable energy options.

– Enhance public transportation: Support the expansion of public transportation options, such as the trolley system, to reduce reliance on cars, decrease traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

– Support green building standards: Advocate for green building practices in new developments, including energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and water conservation measures.

– Protect open spaces: Work to preserve and expand green spaces and coastal areas, which not only capture carbon but also provide critical habitats and recreational opportunities for residents.

By integrating these strategies, we can make meaningful progress toward reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.

How should the city balance paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Balancing the city’s financial obligations, such as paying off debts and pension liabilities, while building reserves and meeting residents’ needs, requires a strategic and multifaceted approach.

– Prioritize fiscal responsibility: The city should prioritize paying down high-interest debts and pension liabilities to reduce long-term costs, while also gradually building reserves to prepare for future uncertainties. This requires careful financial planning and disciplined budgeting.

– Explore new revenue streams: To avoid cutting essential services, the city should explore new revenue sources. This could include expanding tourism, attracting new businesses or implementing targeted fees or taxes that align with the community’s values and needs.

– Budget efficiency: While trimming the budget is important, it should focus on eliminating waste and improving efficiency rather than cutting essential services. Regular budget reviews can identify areas where cost savings can be achieved without compromising service quality.

– Public engagement: Engage residents in the budgeting process to ensure that their priorities are reflected in the city’s financial decisions. This can help build community support for necessary fiscal measures.

By combining these strategies, the city can responsibly manage its finances, meet its obligations and continue to provide the high-quality services that residents expect.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

One of San Clemente’s most pressing issues is the ongoing challenge of sand placement and retention along our beautiful coastline. The health of our beaches is vital not just for theenvironment but also for our local economy, tourism and community well-being. Unfortunately, the erosion of our beaches has reached a critical point, and immediate action is necessary to protect this invaluable resource.

The proposed tax on the November ballot is a positive step forward, and I strongly support it. However, it’s important to recognize that even if this measure passes, it will not be sufficient to cover the entire $10 million per year that we need for sand placement and retention efforts. More work will have to be done to address this funding gap working collaboratively with local stakeholders. To truly address this issue, we must take a multi-faceted approach that ensures consistent and adequate funding for these essential programs.

My recommendation is twofold:

– Accountability and transparency: I will hold our city accountable to ensure that every dollar raised from the proposed tax is directly invested in our sand placement and retention programs. Transparency in how these funds are used will be crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that we can continue these efforts in the long term.

– Securing additional funding: Recognizing that the proposed tax alone will not be enough, I will use my established connections with state and federal officials to secure additional grant funding. Through my experience in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices program, I have proven my ability to advocate effectively and secure support for critical initiatives. I will bring this same determination and strategic approach to securing the necessary funds for our sand replenishment projects.

By pursuing these actions, I am confident that we can protect and preserve our beaches for future generations, ensuring that San Clemente remains the vibrant coastal community we all cherish.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would make a good leader because I am committed to serving the entire community with integrity, openness and a collaborative spirit. My background as a business owner, community advocate and mother has given me the skills to listen, unite and take action on behalf of our residents.

I believe in leading by example, with transparency and accountability as my guiding principles. I am dedicated to making decisions that are informed by data, community input and a deep understanding of the issues we face. My leadership style is inclusive, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered, especially those from underrepresented or marginalized communities.

To represent the diverse communities of San Clemente, I would:

– Engage regularly with residents: Hold town halls, community forums and office hours to hear directly from residents and ensure their concerns are addressed.

– Advocate for equity: Focus on policies that promote fairness and access to resources for all community members, regardless of background or economic status.

– Build strong relationships: Work collaboratively with community leaders, local organizations and residents to create solutions that reflect the diverse needs of our city.

By prioritizing inclusivity and active engagement, I would ensure that every part of our community is represented and supported.

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