Glenn Bleiweis

I am against it.

City officials must rely on expert research and community, resident, and business owner needs when zoning for additional housing. We are not mandated to rush to build, so we have time to investigate locations and various scenarios. It is important to respect the residents and business owners in our city, and we can do this by hearing their concerns and advocating for fair, minimally-invasive solutions. Aesthetic appeal and functionality, as well as residents’/business owners’ well-being and public safety, must be prioritized over government mandates. City officials must have an understanding of the Housing and Community Development’s enforcement process/authority to advocate for parity. Mandates deemed unfair should be undermined with RHNA reform support, including lawsuit drafts and exemption requests to challenge/protest SB 9 and opposition letters sent to fight against the State.

Ban them completely.

The majority of Fountain Valley residents oppose short-term rentals for valid reasons, which include: criminal activity, noise complaints, decreased quality of their beloved neighborhoods, reduction in property value, contribution to the housing shortage, parking issues, etc. I believe that property owners have the right to do with their property what they wish, and I do not support government control in this regard…unless what they do negatively affects others around them. Short-term rentals are illegal in Fountain Valley. Operating a business in a residential zone is illegal, as well. Anyone operating one in our city must be prepared to pay cumulative fines. Fountain Valley must be kept a “nice” place to live. It is a town where residents raise their kids generation after generation.

• Require street parking permits.
• Require more parking spaces for new developments.

Existing residents who live in a specific neighborhood should be given the opportunity to acquire a colored permit that would correspond with a specific area where they can park. Anyone who does not possess one of these permits must park in other designated areas. Residents would apply for permits through the city, and the number of permits would be allocated based on street parking availability, the percentage of occupants, and the number of vehicles registered at each address. I would collaborate with affected residents, code enforcement, police, and relevant city officials to forge an actual plan that fits each neighborhood. When acquiring building permits, new developers must allocate sufficient parking based on the maximum number of residents/guests per unit. In cases where builders max out the height limitations, underground parking must be part of their architectural plan. Public safety must remain the top priority any time parking may increase or become more congested.

• Bring more business into the city
• Other (please specify):

I have the experience, connections, and creative energy to work with business owners, vendors, organizations, residents, and the community-at-large to bring new events into the city and create signature venues so we can market our city to attract tourists and residents from outside the city. This will bring in external revenue while adding diverse businesses and events, thereby also enhancing the quality of life for Fountain Valley and its residents/business owners. Alternative revenue streams must also be developed or enhanced: adding a benefit to certain existing fees, using benchmarks to charge more on services within acceptable ranges, amping up surveillance of fine-driven violations to maximize profit, and auditing and optimizing the collection of past-due fees and fines through amnesty programs.

Yes (increase TOT tax)

TOT is not paid for by the residents of Fountain Valley. TOT is paid for by people staying in our hotels. The City of Fountain Valley receives 100% of this money. For example, with a 1% increase in the TOT, a room that books for $100 per night will only cost $1 more. If the total stay costs $500, the additional cost for that stay would be $5. These numbers add up. Using the adopted 2022-2023 city budget, the expected TOT is estimated to be $1.4 million. Based on this, we could project an additional $155,555 in revenue paid for by visitors. The 1% increase in the TOT from 9% to 10% actually represents an additional 11.1% in revenue.

I stand for a family-oriented community with a foundation of fun, safety, stability, and diversity. I will support measures that promote a wide variety of community activities for all residents and visitors. I respect law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders and will focus on community safety. I will direct my efforts at cultivating current and new businesses to ensure they thrive within our community, and I will commit to advocating for their growth and sustainability. My end-goal is to keep our city beautiful, productive, and safe. I believe in creative solutions, fair negotiation, and strong ethics. I am numbers-driven and hold myself and others accountable to be fiscally responsible. I am not afraid to discuss difficult topics, and I value open communication. I will bring efficiency, intelligence, and compassion to each personal, community, and business meeting. When I am your Councilman, I will ask about your concerns and listen to your issues. My goal is to hear all sides of an issue and filter the information through our greater community needs, values, and goals. I will subsequently advocate on your behalf to ensure all voices are heard. My goal is to facilitate a comprehensive discussion to aid in decision-making that will benefit everyone. I will strive to achieve what the community members want balanced with what the community needs. My goal is to make decisions at meetings for the advancement and growth of Fountain Valley as a whole, preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all. Most of all, I am willing to work hard for you and for this great city, because I feel passionate about Fountain Valley – my home, our home.