Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register 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: Michael Vo
Current Job Title: Small business owner
Political Party Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Mayor of Fountain Valley
City where you reside: Fountain Valley
Campaign website or social media: www.joinmichaelvo.com
What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job?
I bring a wealth of experience in economic development, fiscal responsibility and public safety, having demonstrated unwavering commitment in my role as a dedicated leader in Fountain Valley.
My prior leadership roles have taught me the importance of prudent budgeting, resulting in a surplus and fiscal stability. I’ve successfully advocated for increased law enforcement personnel and spearheaded initiatives for economic growth, job creation and community engagement. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public safety, fiscal management and community development, making me well-suited for the role of county supervisor in the First District. I am confident that my proven track record and commitment will contribute to a safer, more prosperous Orange County.
Where in the county are we effectively putting money toward solutions to tackle homelessness? Where are the gaps in care when it comes to the homelessness issue? Are all communities being served or doing their fair share?
In Orange County, funds are strategically allocated to combat homelessness, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing initiatives. A shift in spending priorities is noticeable, notably increasing support for housing programs. Last year’s financial commitment was substantial while this fiscal year anticipates a reduction due to changes in state and federal funding dynamics. A significant portion, totaling $58 million, is dedicated to housing programs, emphasizing the importance of stable living conditions for those facing homelessness.
Despite these efforts, nuanced challenges persist. Balancing available resources with the escalating homelessness issue is a complex predicament, underscored by an increase in the unhoused population between 2017 and 2019. Initiatives such as housing programs and innovative solutions, like repurposing motels, are pursued, but ensuring an equitable distribution of resources across all communities remains intricate.
The community exhibits robust support, with a significant majority expressing backing for measures addressing homelessness. Nevertheless, ongoing scrutiny and proactive engagement are necessary to comprehensively address the evolving needs of Orange County’s diverse population.
In summary, Orange County strategically allocates funds to address homelessness, particularly prioritizing housing initiatives. Despite commendable efforts, achieving equitable assistance distribution across all communities remains a complex task, requiring continuous diligence in meeting the dynamic needs of the county’s diverse populace.
Looking at the county’s yearly budget, is there a department or project that has not received the attention it needs? How would you make sure those needs are addressed?
While Orange County allocates significant funds for combating homelessness and emphasizes housing initiatives, there may be areas within the yearly budget that require more attention. The nuanced challenges in balancing resources with the escalating homelessness issue underscore the complexity of the situation.
It is essential to scrutinize whether specific departments or projects addressing related issues, such as mental health support or social services, have received adequate attention. Ongoing scrutiny and proactive engagement are necessary to ensure a comprehensive approach, addressing potential gaps and evolving needs within the county’s diverse population. Continuous diligence is key to identifying and rectifying any overlooked areas within the budgetary allocations.
The public expects full transparency from public leaders. How can this be achieved? How can the county do better in this area?
To ensure full transparency from public leaders, Orange County can implement robust disclosure mechanisms and ethical guidelines.
First, elected officials should be mandated to publicly disclose all familial and financial connections relevant to their official duties. This information should be easily accessible to the public, fostering accountability and trust. To achieve this, the county could establish an independent ethics commission responsible for reviewing and overseeing disclosure practices.
Furthermore, implementing regular training on ethical standards and conflict of interest for public officials can enhance awareness. Stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations is crucial, and the county should consider adopting a comprehensive code of conduct to govern the behavior of its leaders. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, Orange County can rebuild public trust and prevent instances of non-disclosure in the future.
The county oversees unincorporated territories where it can encourage housing, how else can it stimulate the development of affordable rent/housing in Orange County?
To stimulate affordable housing development in Orange County, implementing multifaceted strategies is crucial.
Firstly, incentivize the creation of long-term affordable rental housing by working with developers to increase the supply in high-opportunity communities. This could involve offering financial incentives or streamlined approval processes for projects focused on affordable housing. Preservation of existing affordable housing is crucial; advocating for policies that protect such housing from physical deterioration and prevent displacement is essential.
Additionally, exploring tax incentives for developers engaged in affordable housing projects can encourage their participation. Collaborative efforts with private and nonprofit sectors, coupled with strategic zoning policies, can create an environment conducive to the sustained development of affordable housing in Orange County. This comprehensive approach addresses both the supply and preservation aspects, fostering a more inclusive and accessible housing landscape.
