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: Victor Barrios

Current job title: Special Education Educator

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: City of Stanton Community Services Commissioner

City where you reside: Stanton

Campaign website or social media: N/A

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.)

I believe we need to provide incentives for developers to build affordable housing, such as density bonuses, reduced fees or expedited permitting processes. The city can continue to promote mixed-use zoning that combines residential, commercial and recreational spaces, fostering vibrant communities and reducing the need for long commutes. Low-income housing should be supported by city low- and moderate-housing funds that are the set aside portion of local property taxes. It would help to partner with nonprofits such as Jamboree, National Core and others to assist in developing affordable dwelling units under HCD requirements.

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.)

To begin with, our city needs to ensure disadvantaged groups have access to resources like solar panels and energy-efficiency upgrades. Local buildings are responsible for CO2 emissions: heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances all contribute.

We need local incentives for developers and homeowners to replace gas-powered heating and hot water systems with high-efficiency electric heat pumps and high-efficiency appliances. Development standards should include higher-efficiency insulation and windows for new commercial construction and retrofits of existing commercial and city buildings. We need to help more low-income people obtain electric vehicles which reduces local air pollution. One of the easiest programs to help reduce carbon emissions is local carbon farming. Simply increase the number of trees, plants and vegetation throughout the city. Parks and other greenbelt areas. All of these local options, I believe, will help California in achieving its goal of net zero emissions by 2045. This will be a high priority for me when elected to the Stanton City Council.

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.)

The city should explore refinancing to lower interest rates to more favorable rates when possible. I would prioritize paying off high-interest-rate debts. It is important to collaborate as a team to continue to build up city reserves so that as a city, we are financially stable. I would encourage our team to explore business growth and stability that will generate increased revenue. In addition, the city should pay off UAL debts as soon as possible, including larger bi-yearly payments to save on the interest these liabilities have incurred. The city primarily should have a plan to take care of public safety pension costs.

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.)

I think the biggest need for our city is public safety. We need to clean up our streets so that our community does not have to see drug addicts openly use drugs. Our community does not need to see prostitutes at multiple corners on Beach Boulevard.

I would collaborate with law enforcement and community stakeholders to address the issues. We will develop and implement a comprehensive game plan that will allow our community to feel and be safe. I will encourage communities to engage with each other and create neighborhood watch groups so that crime will decrease. Building trust between law enforcement and communities will be promoted. I believe officers should engage with residents through community meetings, neighborhood patrols and outreach programs. It is especially important that we also provide services to the truly homeless individuals who suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction and mental illnesses.

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 be a great leader because I know how to listen. As a teacher, each year I have students from a diverse background, and I actively listen to what they have to say. I believe collaboration with all stakeholders is important when you are serving the people. When I was coaching baseball, I had to gather a team of 15 players and unite them to have one common goal. Active engagement is important because each community may have a different issue that needs to be addressed. Again, as a teacher and potential councilmember, I am committed to understanding the cultural, economic and social dynamics of different communities. This includes ongoing education about cultural competence and diversity. I will partner with community groups to develop and implement projects that reflect the interests and priorities of diverse populations. Building community trust will help strengthen relationships with residents from diverse backgrounds.

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