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John Park, Irvine City Council District 1 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

October 5, 2024

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: John Park

Current job title: Business Owner

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Irvine Transportation Commissioner, Past Irvine Finance Commission Chairman

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.johnparkforirvine.com

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

As a candidate, I am deeply committed to upholding and adhering to our city’s master plan. This plan is not just a document — it has served as a blueprint for our planned community, designed to promote vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods, accessible amenities and a high quality of life for all residents. It outlines a vision that encompasses unique villages, nearby shopping districts, top-notch schools, expansive open spaces and well-maintained parks, all of which are essential components of a thriving and dynamic city like Irvine. As we grow, we must fight to maintain this vision.

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.)

Irvine has built more affordable housing than all Orange County cities combined. I am for continuing this effort with a set aside of 15% of all new housing for affordable units. We also need to innovate in our building of new units, including smaller ownership-based condos, townhomes and single-family homes. I am also for continuing redevelopment of industrial areas to allow for more housing while doing our best to maintain the master plan of Irvine which requires localized schools, shopping, parks and other quality-of-life amenities.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I am committed to making sustainability an important aspect of our community’s future. To achieve this, we need to implement quantifiable initiatives that allow us to measure our progress and hold ourselves fiscally accountable. This includes setting clear targets for increasing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources. By tracking our achievements, we can ensure that our efforts are both effective and transparent, providing real environmental benefits while fostering a culture of responsibility and stewardship. We must also ensure that our sustainability programs are designed to benefit everyone without imposing undue burdens on our residents and businesses.

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.)

Public safety: Public safety is my top priority. I’ll collaborate with police to combat retail theft, home burglaries and fentanyl intrusion. I’ll ensure school safety and champion comprehensive e-bike safety standards.

Affordability: Everyday expenses have skyrocketed for everyone. I will fight for affordability, including keeping taxes low, fees down and stopping new expenses that burden residents.

District priorities include wildfire prevention, protection from environmental hazards, sustainable infrastructure, traffic mitigation, pedestrian and bike safety and developing Gateway Preserve with world-class amenities while preserving our open space.

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 am a 24 year resident of my District. I am a husband and a Dad to 3 wonderful kids. I am an immigrant. I am also the product of public schools and subsidized housing. I know first hand the experiences that make up our diverse communities. Also as an Irvine Transportation Commissioner and former Irvine Finance Commission Chairman, Orange County Food Bank board member, and as founder of an award-winning business, I am uniquely qualified to serve. I have executed multi-million dollar business plans, worked with partners worldwide, and created opportunities for thousands. In the community, I have served as HOA President, supported PTAs, and I am an active Rotarian where I currently serve as the foundation President.

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John Park, Irvine City Council District 1 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

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