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.
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Name: Susan M. Pritchard
Age: Not provided
Current job title: Retired STEM Teacher/Children’s Author for Charities
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Trustee, La Habra City School District School Board
City where you reside: La Habra
Campaign website or social media: electpritchard.com
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower price points, while also preserving local control and the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Our city can lead the way by NOT supporting those in our state legislature who impose impossible demands and mandates on local governments regarding the local control of zoning laws, building codes, landlord/property owners’ rights, etc. We can begin by NOT accepting campaign monies from members of the legislature who propose, support or impose such laws that limit local government control. Our city government can be forward thinking in problem solving for solutions to the housing shortage by working together with our businesses and residents, encouraging their ideas and input. Yes we have a Planning Commission that meets regularly. We also have business owners and residents who work multiple jobs and do not have the luxury of time for meetings. With improved, easier access to our city’s website and other communication formats, we can try to bring more people to “the table” where ideas can flourish. I believe in being educated on all aspects of housing and invite support to my campaign from all entities involved in the real estate and housing market. Insights, business perspectives, and knowledge of upcoming bills are all assets I can put to positive use for as our La Habra residents’ city council member.
How should the city balance rising costs, paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves, all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, economic development, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Lawsuits by developers using a California Law (Builders Remedy) which legally is unstoppable by our city, have cost $897,747.60 since 2021, and that is only for the Lennar lawsuits. Could these monies fund improvements in traffic control, street surfaces,etc.?
Our city sold its $72,000,000 Unfunded Pension Obligation Debt, promising this solves our debt problem. (Please ask the city, “How did we acquire such a huge Pension Debt … did we stop paying our debts to CalPERS? If yes, why? The answers are shocking.)
When the bond market BOUGHT our debt, we then gave over $72 million to CalPers … even though skeptics thought the timing was wrong in terms of the overall financial market. The debts continue. Bottom line, we are still paying off that HUGE debt, and CalPERS continues to send us Pension Fund bills.
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We were promised savings, it has been over 3 years since that bond transfer, and during that time we were told we needed … HAD TO HAVE TO FUND OUR POLICE … a permanent tax increase because La Habra was out of money.
The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the city do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I achieved it as a Trustee on the La Habra City School Board during my tenure from 2020-2024. First of all, read the agendas, ask questions BEFORE the council meetings, to those who created the agenda, and then ask those questions at the meetings. Yes, it is true that I often would add questions to make further clarifications, but I do not try to “catch people” off guard. It has been correctly said that within months of my first year of service as Trustee, if someone asked if there were questions, most eyes veered my way, because I DID have questions. With Freedom of Thought and Speech, transparency is alive and well when speaking the truth clearly and continuing the dialogue with questions and data. Our city has held Business Forums, but I would ask that we host business owners, potential business owners to meet with the city government and agencies and actually have time to delve into problems, solutions, ideas and concerns. Make it a forum open to the public where, like a Town Meeting or Work Session, people are heard, ideas are shared and potentially viable solutions are found.
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.)
Kudos to our LHPD and LA County Fire for their proactive safety programs and constant research for improvement. Many needs exist for our residents, with affordability of housing, groceries, and fuel prices at the top. First, let’s educate our residents of useful programs such as California Dream for All home ownership down payment assistance program, and let’s warn residents of programs such as PACE, a program the OC government does NOT authorize for home improvements and urges residents to know the risks. Our city can do a better job of informing, as a search on La Habra city website came up with ZERO on both programs. The Collaborative, headed by Scott Miller, provides friendly assistance six days a week with nutritious foods, available for free, and this program is a lifesaver for so many. A fabulous program can always increase its impact, and our city government can seek more ways to assist. Our city government can mimic what so many residents are doing … spend less, thus potentially reducing fees, and other costs to the residents.
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.)
A good leader listens, guides by example and works together to celebrate the wins, improve the needs and resolve the concerns as best as possible. I have lead when a large deficit was resolved under my guidance in a two year time period. I have kept my promises and do not make ones I cannot keep. I love to have collaboration, which I taught to my STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) students for the nearly 33 years I had the honor of teaching in La Habra. I worked with more than 5000 families, teaching more than 7000 of their students. I love La Habra, our families and our entire “small town” community with a BIG HEART. When others might choose to ignore, I walk over to them and welcome them with a hand shake and a smile. I ask questions, listen to all sides, and have been persuaded at times to change my stance when outstanding data and support is presented. I understand that people have different opinions, and I hope we all either are comfortable or return to a comfort level where all of us can share our differences and different ideas, respectfully.
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