We also asked each candidate to provide background information as well. The candidates running for the Lemoore City Council are incumbent Eddie Neal, former Lemoore Recreation Director Joe Simonson, longtime Lemoore resident Ray Etchegoin, local educator Holly Blair, Navy Veteran Beverly Halliman, former City of Lemoore Planning Commissioner Dave Brown, and Kings County Administrative Assistant Angela Valenzuela.

Angela Valenzuela

Valenzuela, 45, is a Visalia native and arrived in Lemoore at the age of three.  She left Lemoore for Orange County briefly, but returned three years later. She currently works for the Kings County Administration Office as the secretary to the county administrative officer and has served in this capacity since 2007.

She says public service is her calling.  She states she is knowledgeable with budgeting, policy and procedures, resolutions and ordinances and has researched potential legislative actions for the Kings County Board of Supervisors’ approval and works well with all department heads and staff. Her job with the county requires her to meet with the public and help to resolve issues with sometimes irate citizens.

She states she’s a team player and works well with people.  She considers herself conservative in nature and will make fiscally responsible decisions as someone who is organized, thorough, and understands local government. 

She is a Lemoore High School grad and attended West Hills and COS for the Correctional Officer Academy.  She spends most of her free time with her husband, Joaquin; children, Lindsey 15 and Karli 10. The family has hosted three foreign exchange students in the last few years, and currently hosts an exchange student this year. Valenzuela’s family volunteers for several events throughout the year, such as the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Seniors in the Park, Operation Gobble and various outreach events and fundraisers.

What or who motivated you to run for a seat on the Lemoore City Council?

I have a vested interest in Lemoore.  It is where I grew up and where I raise my family.  I want to see our businesses thrive and tax dollars come in to help fund the needs of our city.  Measure K will help fund public safety if passed in November.  Once upon a time, our motto was: “There’s More in Lemoore.”  I don’t want us to lose sight of that. 

What in your opinion is the most important issue facing Lemoore today?

From a budget standpoint, we are facing some hard times unless we get some additional tax dollars.  The funding sources through state redevelopment funds are gone and the feds and state are imposing strict water and air standards which are virtually impossible to achieve.  Retail leakage into other cities is definitely putting a damper on our budget.  I have faith that our current city manager and department staff are on the right track to bring in revenue.  Residents need to understand that change doesn’t come overnight, it is a process and we will get there. 

In your opinion, is Lemoore in a positive place right now, or are there issues that need to be addressed that may or may not have an effect on the future of this city?

I would like to see Lemoore more fiscally sound.  We have had issues with litigation and changes in key positions that have caused Lemoore to pay out huge settlements.  Some of the services formerly provided by the city are now contracted out, and I think we need to revisit contracts to see if consulting is more cost effective for the city.  From a public service standpoint, I am hopeful that Measure K will pass because it will benefit every resident in Lemoore.  If it doesn’t pass, we are facing shortfalls and we will definitely feel the negative impacts. 

Proposition 64: Adult recreational use is a concern that I believe with greatly affect our city.  I will go on record saying I do not support marijuana or any drug use for that matter.  Although it may be state mandated in November, it will most likely cause more hospitalizations due to exposure to our youth, impact the drought further as it takes 10 times more water than most crops and will lead to public safety issues with additional honey oil explosions and fires.  We cannot change the fact that we will have plant cultivation in our city, but putting regulations in place will help monitor it. 

Water storage: We are an agricultural community and without rain, and if the state doesn’t allow the water into our area, we will see steeper water rates than what is already imposed with the upcoming state mandated infrastructure upgrades. Lack of water will cause greater unemployment.  We really need to work with other cities and Kings County to get water storage in place. 

What is the first thing you would seek to change, or improve upon, if elected?

Lemoore has smart, capable staff to bring business into Lemoore, but again we have retail leakage into other cities.  We have Lemoore Naval Air Station which has increased in personnel.  I would like to work more with base personnel and look into providing more housing and business to accommodate the growing needs as well as bring some variety to Lemoore.  I will work on bringing in the revenue.  If that takes incentives to new business prospects, then let’s do it.  I would like to bring in more results driven personnel in house to make this happen. 

I would like to see more transparency, cooperation and unity within city departments.  All departments should have an open door policy.  One of my best qualities is that I not only listen, but I take action to resolve issues. The best approach is to be proactive, accountable and approachable.  We have great department heads and staff; please take the time to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.    

How can Lemoore attract industrial and retail development? Identify, if you can, current efforts to attract retail, for example CrisCom and its contract with the city. Is this a good thing?

Currently the City of Lemoore is under contract with CrisCom to see if retail development is “feasible” to set up commercial retail in Lemoore.  The attractions will include fine dining, family entertainment and shops to capture residents and commuters.  We know from the upcoming Costco in Hanford that getting these big businesses can be costly to a city.  Roundabouts, roads, curbing, gutters, water, environmental impact studies, these are generally paid for by the city.  We need new business in Lemoore, but we must ensure that it is in our best interest.  I am in favor of CrisCom because they are responsive to the needs of the city and are innovative in business development. I would also like to see the area in front of West Hills College be developed.  It’s a prime location right off the 41, and it would be a prime location to be utilized by residents, students and commuters. I am hopeful that we will gain more interest in this property as we continue to promote it heavily. 

Do you feel Lemoore is a safe community? Why or why not?

Lemoore is absolutely safe.  Crime is kept to a minimum, officers are proactive and criminals are sought quickly, investigations are thorough.  Lemoore police officers do a fabulous job in keeping us safe; however, Lemoore has been a stepping stone for up and coming law enforcement recruits.  I would like to see us increase the pay to keep our talent local.  I also want to bring up our volunteer fire department as it keeps us safe and are also first responders.  I have great faith in our volunteers; they are effective, work well together with other agencies, and are a great resource to our community. 

What program or programs would you immediately seek to implement if elected?

I would like to see consolidated dispatch services implemented as soon as possible.  I believe all safety agencies within Kings County work well together and all agencies will be able to save money by going forward with this project.  Our fire department will really benefit from this, reducing fees will allow for more training equipment and updating fire trucks in the future. 

Any final thoughts that may not have been asked, but that you feel is an important issue, program, or need?

I am aware that there are some serious issues and litigation being addressed in closed session.  I look forward to assisting in the problem solving aspect and helping to bring resolution while being fiscally responsible.  I believe in accountability.  If elected, I will continue to be the conservative vote for the people of Lemoore.  I do not claim to know everything, but will definitely do my due diligence to make an informed decision each and every time.