Council Election: Mayor Ray Madrigal seeks a second term in first-ever district matchups

The Leader emailed a series of questions and asked them to respond in writing. The responses are their own, and the only editing may be for typos, punctuation or minor mistakes. The Leader hopes that all this year's candidates - Stuart Lyons in District A, and Chad Billingsley and Tony Garcia in District C - respond to our invitation to express their views.

Why are you running for a seat on the Lemoore City Council? Was or is there a specific issue that angered you, that you questioned, or is it simply a desire to serve your community?

I have been on the council for 4 years and am seeking another term because we have accomplished much and there is still much work to be done.  I feel it is imperative that we remain true to our strategic initiatives because we are seeing the rewards they have produced and must stay on that course. 

In the past four years, I have been a passionate and engaged member of the city council in many ways.  It has been a very rewarding experience knowing that I have helped my community become a better place.  The leadership experience and knowledge of governmental affairs I brought to this position have been refined and enhanced through practical application over the past four years.  I am confident I can be an even more effective member of the council and have much to offer this community.  The reason I am running is simply to give back to my community.  During my 30 year career in the California Highway Patrol, serving the public became a part of me, I see my role on the council as an extension of my commitment to serve.     

As you know economic prosperity is always an issue for Lemoore. Based on its size and population and its proximity to Hanford, Visalia, and Fresno (and other cities), it has been difficult to attract retail business. How would you counter-act this disability? What would you do to improve Lemoore’s economic climate?

Lemoore is no longer the small community I grew up in yet we are considered too small in terms of big store and restaurant developers.  These developers have certain metrics they use when deciding where they can be profitable.  One of the primary factors is “rooftops” or relative population.  A consultant we have contracted with over the past few years has indicated the number most developers look for is approximately 40,000 population.  We don’t quite get there even when we factor in the population at Lemoore Naval Air Station.  What we have to do is brand ourselves by utilizing the resources at our disposal this includes continuing the partnerships already in place including the Kings County Economic Development Corporation, our consultant CrisCom, and the Chamber of Commerce.  Having them work together as partners will produce a synergistic effect that acts as a force multiplier to attract new businesses such as restaurants and commercial developments that bring jobs.  This will add new revenue and not just circulate or re-distribute the revenue we already have here. 

There are many factors that indicate a turning of the economic tide in Lemoore.  These include; recent new business starts, labor force characteristics show unemployment trending downward, land use and zoning with several new housing developments, a friendly business climate that is strongly against increased sales tax rates, a city staff with a “yes first” attitude to new project ideas, and West Hills College Lemoore which is a jewel of our city and attracts awareness by bringing statewide sporting events to the campus on a regular basis.  We can’t forget the cool new things that have been going on in town like the Kelly Slater Wave Ranch world class surfing events and filming of Top Gun sequel at Lemoore NAS.  These are all positive factors that show non-traditional metrics of an improving economy with great potential that we can capitalize on if we stay on course.     

Name what you feel is a challenging issue or issues that Lemoore may face in the near future: water, jobs, education, police, fire, taxes, etc.?

The need to expand and increase our revenue streams into the general fund.  That is why the economic development piece is so critical.  We must stay true to our 2015-2020 Strategic Initiatives created through multiple workshop sessions by the previous council, of which I was a part, and refined by the current council.  They are overarching objectives which provide a roadmap to accept coming changes and embrace growth but manage it in a way that we can retain our small town feel.

Our infrastructure is aging like much of our country’s infrastructure built 40 or 50 years ago.  Things wear out and will need to be expanded to accommodate any growth particularly any new industrial and commercial projects. Fortunately, our enterprise funds for utilities are in a strong financial position even though our user rates remain relatively low compared to surrounding cities. With this in mind, I believe it will be necessary for us to go out for a bond to buildout our aging wastewater facilities.  Bond financing ensures that any expansions are paid for “as we go” so residents currently using the system contribute only for their current usage and those who use the system in the future pay for their fair share.      

The unfunded liability in our employee retirement account is something all public agencies in the state are facing universally.  Lemoore has not been impacted as much as some municipalities because of conservative benefit formulas, we have negotiated over time. Nevertheless, it must be directly addressed strategically from both sides of the equation to develop a long-term solution. 

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 affect the future of this city.

I believe it is in a very positive position.  The leadership of City Manager Nathan Olson has city staff in a very positive mindset.  You can see it every day throughout the city.  The staff has a can do, and customer service oriented attitude.  There are so many examples, but one, in particular, stands out.  Bistro 212 came into town as a new restaurant option.  Champions Recovery is the owner of this business and had a difficult time starting it in a neighboring city to the point they abandoned that effort.  When they came to Lemoore with the idea, Champions executive management staff commented on what a pleasure it was to get a business started in Lemoore. 

I can’t help but think that all indications are Lemoore is a vibrant city with so much potential given all the incremental indicators of a positive economic environment.  It is important to note that in the context of two-year political cycles of our city council, it may be tempting to deviate from the current strategy and only consider traditional methods of evaluation.  However, this would not be a full picture.   This is why it is so important to have an informed leadership presence on the council which provides consistent policy goals that are clearly communicated to staff.    

Lemoore recently entered into a development agreement, for one of the last city-owned properties in our inventory, with a major developer in the Fresno and Kings County area.  This has great potential for medium to large-scale commercial development in the area south of 198 and east of 41.  I look forward to pressing ahead with that project because it is going to bring much needed new revenue and jobs to the area. 

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

I think the most critical element we need to focus on is expanding general fund revenue streams.  Almost all policy considerations we make have a financial component to them.  Whether it be new programs or additional services that are necessary to make Lemoore a model medium-sized city.

For this reason, we must seek to improve our revenue streams and minimize costs while prioritizing critical services.  Last year, during the budget development for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the council required staff to cut $800,000 from the original budget proposal. That money represents services that are necessary and deserved by our residents, but we had to make those cuts and presented a very austere budget in order to stay within our means. 

Two years ago Councilmember Chedester and I sat on the budget committee.  We proposed a policy that requires the city to maintain at least 35% of the general fund in reserve.  Through my research, I found that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), nationally recognized for its practitioner focused consulting services to state and local governments, recommended a 25% reserve fund for municipalities.  We were able to implement a policy that was adopted by resolution to maintain our reserve fund at 35%, and we currently have a 43% reserve fund.  This is above and beyond what is considered a best practice yet still a reasonable and safe level for a “rainy day” fund.    

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

I believe we are a very safe city which is reflected in many ways besides just traditional metrics.  Our Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department is comprised of dedicated individuals who give of their time for the protection of our city.  Last year, this council implemented policies that has made them even stronger.  We recognized the need to add one full-time administrative support position to assist them with day to day administrative tasks which had become unreasonably cumbersome for an all-volunteer force.  We also purchased several new laptop computers and a software package to make their training more efficient and effective.  We purchased much needed new personal protective equipment to enhance their safety when they respond to calls. Lastly, we recently created and added a Fire Inspector position to their ranks to help them keep up with the increasing demand for fire inspections as the city grows. 

Despite the state level changes in criminal justice reform, the predicted increase in crime has not occurred in Lemoore.  In fact, our property crime rate has gone down which is the opposite of what has been seen in other cities.  This is a direct result of the team that Chief Smith and his leadership staff have put together at Lemoore Police Department.  I would put our PD against any other around as it relates to dedication and a culture of public service and safety.  What they do really well is utilizing a community-oriented policing philosophy which has engaged our community partners as a force multiplier.  They seek input and cooperation of the community in ways that increasingly make us safer.  The Police Activities League is but one example of how they engage our youth with officers who volunteer their time to mentor and coach youth who come to the Cinnamon Municipal Complex.  It is a way to keep kids off the street and provide them with a positive perspective of what our police officers do every day.  This program is almost fully funded through private donations that demonstrate the support, commitment, and understanding this community has for its role in making our city safe.

As a career law enforcement professional, retired as a Captain after 30 years in the California Highway Patrol, I believe I bring a unique set of skills that are particularly relevant to the issue of public safety in our city.  Because the majority of our general fund budget is dedicated to the police and fire department, it is important to have a member of the council who can provide executive-level experience and a background in decision making regarding public safety.  Moreover, my CHP career provided opportunities to work in places throughout the state including both major metropolitan and rural areas.  The lessons I learned through that experience have been invaluable to me over the last four years on the city council.                   

Were there any organizations or individuals that urged you to run for city council? Whom or what organizations are supporting your campaign?

There have been many individuals, business owners, and organizations that have urged me to run for re-election because of what I have been able to do for the city on this council.  My list of official endorsements speaks for itself with prominent individuals who are accomplished in their own right and care about this city.  They primarily speak about the leadership I have provided to this council over the past four years. 

I am particularly proud to say I have the endorsement of Chief Smith, Chief Shortnacy, Chief Stivers, Chief Sever, and Kings County Sheriff Dave Robinson.  These are the leaders of every police department in the county who have expressed their confidence in me because they know I have the experience and leadership ability to create policies that will put public safety first.      

During a recent Lemoore City Council meeting, the Council, by a 4-1 vote, censured a fellow councilmember, an action that no previous council had ever undertaken. In your opinion, did the Lemoore City Council act appropriately?

Without a doubt.  I intuitively knew that the actions of my fellow council member were not in keeping with the values of our community.  These actions were also a blatant violation of our Code of Ethics and Rules and Procedures for the council.  The outpouring of public comment against the behavior and not one person coming forward to support the behavior, during the two sessions we discussed the censure, confirmed that we had to take this unprecedented action to protect the city.    

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

I think it is important for the voters to know that being a member of the council is much more than just one issue or attending two meetings a month.  In order to be the advocate and representative the residents of this community deserve, you must be fully engaged and willing to sacrifice your time and energy in many ways.  The issues and policies we decide on are important to everyone.  Some are difficult, and the right decision may not be the most politically expedient.  Nevertheless, you must be able to put the community’s best interest first.  I have done that on many occasions and will continue to do it.  

During my term as mayor, I have taken that role to be an ambassador for this city and a platform to engage external partners and organizations in a way that will create business opportunities and a better quality of life for our residents.  As an example, because of my work in bringing the Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) program to Lemoore High School and Lemoore Elementary School, I was asked to be a member of the board of directors for BBBS of Central California.  This organization encompasses Kings, Tulare, Fresno and Madera County.  Up until my appointment to this board, Kings County had not been represented on that body.  My position on the board will allow me to bring much-needed youth programs to our community.  I see this as an extension of my role on the city council and the responsibility to be truly engaged and involved throughout our community.     

Just as a reminder, please provide The Leader with your age, educational background, work background, family information, local service club organization or affiliations, etc. Thank you.

• Age – 59. education – Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice Administration Columbia College and Associate of Science Administration of Justice West Hills Community College Lemoore
• Married to Tammi 33 years. Three grown children who all attended Lemoore schools and graduated from Lemoore High School.  I am a lifelong resident of Lemoore and graduated Lemoore High School class of 1977.
• 30-year career with the California Highway Patrol honorably retired at the rank of Captain.  My last assignment I served as the Area Commander in Mendocino County.  Currently employed by Adventist Health Central Valley Network as the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator.  In this capacity, I oversee all aspects of emergency preparedness for four hospitals – Hanford, Reedley, Selma, and Tulare, and approximately 40 rural health clinics. 
• Board of Directors Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central California
• Vice Chairman Kings County Association of Governments
• Charter member of the Kings Lions Club
• Steering Committee Adventist Health Communities of Excellence Project