Name: Richard Bunck
Age: 69
Occupation: Electrical contractor
Elected/appointed positions: None
Why you should vote for me: “Tired of the same old crowd running Apple Valley like they own it? Find out who really owns Apple Valley. Go to richardbunck.com.”
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Name: Curt Emick
Age: 58
Occupation: Pharmacist
Elected/appointed positions: Apple Valley Town Council (incumbent), Board of Directors San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), Victor Valley Economic Development Authority (VVEDA) Commissioner.
Why you should vote for me: “It’s been an honor to serve you as mayor and councilman of Apple Valley. Since 2010, we’ve been able to accomplish many great things together including balancing the budget and making our community safer. In the next four years, our highest priorities should include controlling the water rate increases, completing the Yucca Loma Bridge and maintaining our rainy day fund.”
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Name: Scott Nassif
Age: 58
Occupation: Small business owner
Elected/appointed positions: Apple Valley Town Council 2002-present, Apple Valley Fire Protection District, 1997-2002
Why you should vote for me: “I have been a resident of Apple Valley since my family moved here in 1959. My wife Susan and I raised our family in Apple Valley and have been local business owners for the past 38 years. I will continue to exercise fiscal responsibility, be your voice at Town Hall and provide stability with common sense and traditional values.”
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Name: Rick Roelle
Age: 55
Occupation: Retired county sheriff’s lieutenant
Elected/appointed positions: Apple Valley Town Council(2004-2012)
Why you should vote for me: “Maintain Apple Valley’s high development standards. Maintain public safety without raising property taxes. Fight the large increases in water rates from the private water company which does business in the town. Fight special interests who want to rezone land to higher density. Provide a safe and secure community, which in turn will lead to new growth and jobs for residents.”
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Name: Salvador Ortiz-Lopez
Age: 57
Occupation: Mechanic
Elected/appointed positions: None
Why you should vote for me: “Because I want to serve God and people. Stop the abuse of power and lies of the authorities and politicians toward citizens and businesses with their multiple ways, like (an emerging) tyranny. With a clear, strong and concrete message. They are public servants, not the owners of the town.”
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Name: Thomas Piper
Age: 66
Occupation: Composite engineer
Elected/appointed positions: None
Why you should vote for me: “Water — dedicate 10 percent of $100 million town budget to acquire; human and constitutional rights; close the Apple Valley Golf Course — it’s a financial loss and too large; better relations with the Sheriff’s Department and the community; I’m pro pot.”
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Name: Barbara “Barb” Stanton
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired radio broadcaster
Elected/appointed positions: Council member, town of Apple Valley
Why you should vote for me: “It’s an honor to serve you. We’ve reduced staff and cut pension costs. Always working to provide senior and family safe communities. Wind and solar projects not suited for our neighborhoods — I’m not against them, just locations. Water destiny — we must cap costs. Bringing businesses/jobs, securing the Hilltop House, it’s our legacy. I humbly ask for your vote.”
Q&A
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Q: What’s the biggest challenge in the next four years, and the major opportunity?
Richard Bunck: “Lawmakers in California are 180 degrees off course and they’re going to try to impose their will on Apple Valley. Cities universally cave in to the bribe of money.”
Curt Emick: “I think the biggest challenge will be getting the funding to complete the Yucca Loma Bridge project. The bridge will provide an east/west corridor that Apple Valley residents need. The town of Apple Valley is working diligently together with SANBAG and the staff of Victorville and other organizations to get a swift resolution. I believe one of our major opportunities is the reclaimed water facility and its infrastructure. Water is extremely high-priced and takes its toll on everyone’s budget. The pipes are already installed leading to the golf course and Brewster Park is close by.”
Scott Nassif: “Water is the biggest challenge. Our other challenge is alternative energy — wind and solar and how we deal with that. Our opportunity is working with coalitions throughout the Victor Valley. Opportunity High Desert, marketing the Victor Valley as a whole, at least exploring joint powers authorities for public safety. Any improvement within the Victor Valley helps us all.”
Rick Roelle: “Quality of life. People want to live in Apple Valley for a reason. We touched on the water issue 2 1/2 to 3 years ago. Even if our town bought the water company, rates aren’t going to go down. Who’s going to pay the half a billion dollars they say it’s worth? There is no voice on the council questioning things. It’s always a 5-0 vote.”
Salvador Ortiz-Lopez: “I’d like to return to the basic service for the public. Rather than be a politician, be a public servant and serve the interests of the people. Lately we are losing the confidence of the people and abusing their power.”
Thomas Piper: “It’s a tale of two towns — the golf course side and the rest of us. They talk about putting rocks in our lawns, but not the golf course. If we give the town $100 million, they should use some of it for water. Cameras on cops. I really like it. It would (foster) better relationships between the community and law enforcement. Taxes, fees and fines? The incumbents have been raising them for the last five years.”
Barbara “Barb” Stanton: “The biggest challenge is water. As we look toward the future I believe water is going to deter people from coming to our communities. That’s No. 1 on my plate, for our biggest opportunity, is if we take control over our water. Water in and out is going to be the magic pill for our town.”
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Q: Should the town try to buy Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co.?
Richard Bunck: “Consumer-owned utilities nationwide have the lowest rates. Is that possible in Apple Valley? I don’t know. City-owned utilities tend to have high rates.”
Curt Emick: “According to a recent survey, the citizens of Apple Valley have spoken. After given the facts, the people have stated they would be best served by the town purchasing the water company. The elimination of (Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co.) and their guaranteed of 9 percent profit combined with the town of Apple Valley not having to pay local, state or federal taxes, seems to indicate, that this is the better solution.”
Scott Nassif: “It is complicated with a lot of moving parts. The $450 million value came from Park Water’s general manager. The fact is (Caryle Group) only paid a little over $100 million for it. Rates go up 10 percent a year. They’ve applied for 30 percent for the next three years. Can we lower the rates (if the town owns the company)? Maybe, maybe not. Can we stabilize them? I think so.”
Rick Roelle: “I’m sick and tired of the rate increases too. I’m hoping it’s not just campaign rhetoric. The big issue for me is: How are we going to pay for it? People are going to have to be behind it.”
Salvador Ortiz-Lopez: “My impression is (the issue) is being exaggerated. I’m against government involvement in private enterprise. For me, it’s a completely exaggerated problem.”
Thomas Piper: “Two years ago I ran for Town Council and said we’ve got to take $10 million out of our budget and put it to water. I still say that. The key to this is the golf course. Shut it down. Let it go fallow.”
Barbara “Barb” Stanton: “We don’t know the true number (worth of the company). The report we did a few years ago (looking into buying the company), we found out was very flawed. We are working. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see if it’s doable. We have to explore every option.”