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Tim Shaw, OC Board of Supervisors District 4, 2026 primary election questionnaire

May 6, 2026

Ahead of the June primary 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.

Name: Tim Shaw

Current job title: Orange County Board of Education Trustee

Age: 49

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: La Habra City Council, Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, Orange County Sanitation Board of Directors

City where you reside: La Habra

Campaign website or social media: www.shaw4oc.com

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

Supporting public safety and improving quality of life, particularly as it relates to homelessness, crime, and mental health challenges. Residents should always feel safe in their community. As supervisor I would prioritize a coordinated approach between the county and cities. We need to ensure that homeless individuals receive appropriate mental health and substance abuse treatment, not just temporary solutions. I would also advocate for strong accountability in how programs are measured, ensuring taxpayer dollars lead to real outcomes. By focusing on prevention, enforcement, and compassionate care, we can create safer neighborhoods across the district.

Where do you think the county is effectively spending to address the needs of unhoused residents, and what would you change about where money spent on homelessness is prioritized? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I have advocated for homeownership professionally for the last 10 years. North Orange County cities have led the way in the county in addressing homelessness. While I was on the La Habra City Council, we partnered with neighboring cities to bring hundreds of shelter beds to our region. The navigation centers we built in Buena Park and Placentia are solving the immediate needs homeless people have by giving them somewhere to sleep and eat, while also helping them meet their long-term goals by getting them medical services, counseling, and job training. We should support programs like these that move people toward permanent housing. We should not simply throw money at problems but demand clear performance metrics so we know what is working. Funding should support partnerships with cities and local nonprofits that are closest to the issue on the ground. Every dollar should be tied to outcomes like reduced encampments, increased housing placements, and improved long-term stability.

Looking at the county’s annual budget, what would you like to change about how funds are allocated? Is there a department or project that has not received the funding it needs? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The budget must reflect our core priorities: public safety, infrastructure, and effective social services. I support efforts to eliminate fraud from programs that are being weakened by bad actors. Behavioral health services need targeted investment, as they intersect with homelessness, public safety, and emergency response systems. At the same time, we must ensure that resources are not tied up in duplicative or underperforming programs. I support directing funds toward initiatives that demonstrate clear outcomes and community benefit. Fiscal responsibility also means planning for long-term sustainability, avoiding waste, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently. While working within budget constraints, local government should maintain their infrastructure: streets, sidewalks, water mains, parks, etc.

The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the county do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Transparency starts with making information accessible, understandable, and timely. We should make budget information readily available online. Residents deserve to see where tax money is spent. I support having independent audits. Public meetings should be accessible, and the county has done an admirable job with that by having a terrific website that archives board meetings. By improving communication and accountability, we can rebuild trust and ensure that government decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the people we serve.

Social services providers say they expect to see a continued rise in food and housing insecurity this year. In addition, many low-income residents may lose health care as new eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal are implemented. What role do you think the county can play in supporting people who are falling through the cracks? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The county plays a critical role as a safety net for residents facing hunger, housing instability, and loss of healthcare. We must have strong partnerships with community-based organizations that deliver services directly to those in need. I would support expanding access to food assistance programs, housing programs, and healthcare navigation services to help residents maintain coverage during Medi-Cal changes. Early intervention is key — connecting people to resources before they fall into crisis reduces long-term costs and hardship. The county should coordinate across agencies to ensure no one falls through the cracks. By focusing on prevention, access, and collaboration, we can support vulnerable populations while promoting stability and self-sufficiency.

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

With 18 years of experience in elected office, I bring a track record of public service, accountability, and results-driven leadership. I have represented all seven cities of the 4th district in my capacity as a Trustee on the Orange County Board of Education or as a board member of the Orange County Transportation Authority. With a graduate degree in government and 20 years of experience teaching political science, I will bring a thoughtful approach to the job of county supervisor. Having served a two-year Spanish speaking mission for my church, I can effectively represent our Spanish-speaking constituents. My approach is grounded in listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making decisions based on data and community input. Our district is diverse, and effective representation means ensuring every voice is heard — regardless of background or neighborhood. I am committed to being accessible, transparent, and responsive to the people I serve. By focusing on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement, I will work to improve the quality of life for all residents. Leadership is about trust, and I am dedicated to earning and maintaining that trust every day.

Orange County Register

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Tim Shaw, OC Board of Supervisors District 4, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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