It is that time again. The time where we, members of our respective communities, take the time to carefully consider the people in whom we believe and trust in. The ones we feel will do their best to lead the city and make the difficult choices that will ultimately lead to making our city a better place.
With the November 6th election rapidly approaching we want everyone to understand and know who their candidates are. Knowing them is just the beginning. As the political season makes its way through the communities everyone will get the opportunity to hear and see how each candidate plans to make a difference in their community.
Candidates for City Council District 1:
•Denise Davis - Director of the Women’s Resource Center at the University of California Riverside
Davis says, “I have a vision for what a thriving Redlands looks like, and it involves making sure that all people can contribute and be a part of the conversation, that voices are being heard and more seats are being created at the table.”
• Andy Hoder - Currently a volunteer on the Redlands Street Tree Committee (2006–current). Retired Airline Pilot.
Hoder’s top 3 priorities: Public Safety and Help for the Homeless, Infrastructure Repair, Streets and Sidewalks, Sensible Water Rates.
• Priya Vedula - Health policy analyst at Loma Linda University’s Institute for Health Policy and Leadership.
Vedula says, “I am running for City Council because I am interested in representing your voice and your values at City Hall. As a health policy analyst, I have experience in understanding how to make those decisions that will provide the maximum benefit to the community in both the short and long term.”
• Eric Whedbee - Production Manager at REV share
Whedbee says, “We need to develop action plans together that directly improve the lives of our townspeople. Together we can do that. The basic needs of life—clean air, water, food, shelter, education and healthcare—should all be considered fundamental human rights, not an opportunity for someone to make a buck.” Eric Whedbee is running for Redlands city council representing District 1 in order to work towards a more equitable and just community. He follows in the tradition of putting people before profits.
• Renea Wickman - Public Relations Chair at Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches.
Wickman was a 2012 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 31st Congressional District of California. She previously was a Democratic candidate for District 63 of the California State Assembly in 2010.
Candidates for City Council District 3:
• Paul Barich - Currently serves the City Council as Mayor Pro Tem. Elected to his first term in 2014.
The lifelong Redlands resident currently serves the council as its Mayor Pro Tem. He is involved with the Cultural Arts Commission, Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board, the Street Tree Committee, Redlands Bowl Performing Arts, and the Optimist Club, and is on the Water Policy Task Force with the Southern California Association of Governments.
• Enrique Estrada
No information at time of publication.
• Joe Richardson - San Bernardino lawyer with Borton Petrini, LLP.
Joe Richardson is a proud Redlands resident, attorney, educator, University of Redlands alumnus, with nearly thirty years of involvement in serving the Redlands community. Joe is running for Redlands City Council to make sure that Redlands remains a desirable, safe and inclusive community to work and raise a family in. Joe is committed to making sure that every Redlands resident has a seat at the table and representation that is responsive to their concerns.
• Mike Saifie - Businessman
Saife says, “I have a proven leadership and experience building consensus in contract negotiations, business administration, public administration and public policy. Current council has taken right steps for better, sustainable and prosperous Redlands also current council has definitely made progress in increasing city government transparency. A Council member’s role should be about representing constituents. As a councilmember my role will be working in collaboration with city staff and with our council to make sustainable policies for our city.”
Candidates for City Council District 5:
• Paul Foster - Incumbent
Foster says, ”Our main goals then and now are ensuring financial stability, economic prosperity, public safety and a quality of life second to none in the Inland Empire. It is my belief that in the past decade the city’s leadership has worked diligently to place our city on a positive upward trajectory and I am phenomenally proud to have been a part of that effort.
• Ryan Johnson
Johnson stated, "Serving California residents is not only a career for me; it is my passion and has led me to volunteer within the City of Redlands. Since 2015, I am was appointed by the Redlands City Council as a Commissioner to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, where I have worked with the public and city staff on proposed improvement projects for city parks, open spaces and city community centers." He says he wants commit to, "Actively listen and respond to the comments and concerns of Redlands’ residents and ensure that the history, beauty and integrity of Redlands are considered in every decision that I make."
Candidates for At large 2-year term:
• Toni Momberger - Owner-Shoulder to Shoulder Communications. Owner-Tactical 360.
Momberger says, “commitment to serving this community is my defining trait. I was born and raised here. My mother, my children and even my grandparents spent their childhoods walking along the streets, playing in the parks, shopping in the buildings and attending the schools that anchor our environment. Redlands is my home and my history, and I care deeply about doing right by it. My priorities are the things that make Redlands special: the diversity of our residents, our street trees and orange groves, the library, unique independent businesses, our history, the arts, and public safety — which includes our access to safe, clean water, soil and air.
•Brian Seghers - Owner of Rendition Tattoo in Redlands.
Seghers says, “I am an advocate for the preservation of our town’s proud history, and desire to see the city use that heritage to move us forward. I believe that the best way to create change is to speak up and confront problems. My background gives me a unique perspective on many of the issues our community faces. As a member of the City Council, my goal will be to unify the community, continue to create environments where citizens and businesses thrive, and set a model that cities through San Bernardino County will work to emulate.”
• Michael Ten Eyck - MN Capital Home Mortgage Broker/Owner
Born and raised in Southern California, Michael Ten Eyck is a real estate broker with years of experience in the area not only in helping clients buy and sell their homes and businesses but also securing debt financing for developers and managing financial, administrative and resource-related concerns of area municipalities. Michael is also currently Finance and Administration Manager for the City of Corona.
Good luck to all of the candidates this election. Be sure to get to the polls and make your vote count.