Ahead of the November elections, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below, with responses only edited for grammar and punctuation.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Rachel Strong
Current Job Title: CEO, Strong Dance Studios / Strong Ballet Academy
Age: 47
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Commissioner, Cypress Senior Commission
City where you reside: Cypress
Campaign website or social media: www.strongcitycouncil.com
Do you support switching to by-district elections? Why or why not?
Yes. Districts will be mandated for Cypress, and I believe a hybrid system of at-large and district voting capability would give a clearer representation of our various neighborhoods without diluting overall voting power. By designing this system locally in collaboration with our constituents, we can serve the bests interests of all and fend off a costly and unnecessary legal threat.
Our city has been threatened with legal action. Cities around us have resisted districting and lost their suits resulting in paying legal fees for both sides. We need to move quickly to be able to control our districting decision locally and protect our budget surplus. A system to elect a council member by district but the mayor by an at-large election could be an option to consider. Systems can become outdated like the electoral college. We can and should be leading innovation for the best representation in Cypress.
What can the city do better to fund and address aging roads and water and sewer systems and prepare for future infrastructure needs?
With an amazing $180 million surplus, Cypress is an example of excellent maintenance and fiscal prudence. Our Public Works has effectively maintained our existing infrastructure as well as added beautification citywide. Our recent landscaping in our center medians and repaving have improved our streets and created a cohesive and beautiful backdrop without overspending.
Next, we should turn our attention to dealing with a significant gopher problem. Our school fields are primarily dirt, rather than turf, and riddled with gopher holes that our local kids playing sports can be injured by. Our school properties, in general, could also use updating and beautification. We might consider closing one property at a time to renovate and bring our schools up to the standard of excellence we see in the education going on inside them.
Water and sewer maintenance should also be addressed as an ongoing proactive measure. Maintenance now saves expensive repairs later.
How should the city balance paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, trimming the budget, or something else entirely?
A home to fiscal prudence, Cypress maintains almost no debt. Our budget is healthy with the police pension fund being our only significant liability. Our surplus would allow us to pay this to zero should we choose. I believe this is our most ethical choice as it honors those who have risked their lives in service to our community.
To maintain reserves and properly fund initiatives for parks and children’s and seniors’ programs we must build revenue streams. The white-collar workplace has changed: more people work remotely. Let’s reconsider our Katella corridor. Many of our headquarters buildings are vacant or low occupancy, potentially threatening safety. These areas can be repurposed as mixed-use, allowing for smaller office spaces and higher density and affordable housing with parking. This could attract new small businesses and families and the tax revenues that accompany both without burdening current residents with new taxes.
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents?
Cypress is only the 7th city in Orange County to be fully in compliance with Sacramento’s demanding housing mandate. Our plan has been certified so our next move is to move out of planning and into building. Our goal should be to maintain a balance of higher density and affordable housing and single-family homes with and without ADUs.
In addition, parks and green spaces should balance this development to lessen the potential for overcrowding and traffic. All high-density plans should include affordable housing, adequate parking, and a possible conjunction with retail. Newer homes and developments need to be consistent with our current look and feel and not detract from visual harmony and quality of life.
Cypress needs to stay beautiful, be affordable, and retain the small-town feel we all love, even as we grow and welcome new businesses and residents.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city?
I am the proud owner of a small business in Cypress that serves children and families. We innovated to endure the pandemic with great success. I am able to pivot quickly and address changing needs as well as incorporate the talents of others.
As a leader, my style is both collaborative and transformational, helping others to see the key role they play in our shared successes. I have become adept at working with different personalities, styles, and across generations. Everyone has something to contribute, and focusing on strengths brings out the best in all. Cypress is lucky to be a city that is rich in cultural diversity with many ethnicities and faiths. Even more important is the respect and understanding we see residents exemplify as they embrace that diversity. City Council members are a voice to represent and advocate for all constituents, and that is my highest goal.
