Councilmember Connor J Traut has moved to his birthplace of the City of Anaheim, and will not seek re-election for the Ladera Ranch Civic Council in 2014.

Anaheim:

Anaheim is a cultural diverse city in California with a population of over 340,000, making it the 10th most-populated city in California. The city is known for its destinations which include: Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Honda Center and Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast.

Anaheim operates under a council-manager government with five nonpartisan members, who hire a professional city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The City may be soon changing how they elect their Council – create district elections – and expand the Council size to either seven or nine total representatives – district councilmembers plus at-large mayor. I support district elections for the City of Anaheim.

Statement:

Leaders anchored in service – with vision & purpose – should have a value-driven goal to maximize the greater long-term good with integrity. A servant leader – what a politician ought to be – must put the needs and well-being of others first, be conscientious, and credit results.

I share a vested interest in the long-term success of our community by focusing on our schools and recreation assets to attract and retain current residents. Every community has issues. The key is how we work to solve them. My mission is to champion projects that strengthen our schools, safety, and improve quality of life, including our local economy and businesses by bringing innovative ideas that benefit the residents – not special interests. I will fight for the voice of every resident, every employee, every child for the future that Anaheim deserves. This is our community and I am ready to work hard for progress.

Groups and Organizations:
Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, American Economic Association, Anaheim Neighborhood Association, Anaheim Beautiful, Anaheim Historical Society, Orange County Young Democrats, Anaheim Police Officers Association, Los Amigos of Orange County, Friends of the Canyon Hills Library, Anaheim Arts Council, Canyon Hills Community Council, Anaheim Family YMCA, Anaheim Boys & Girls Club

Resume:
Eagle Scout, 2012-2014 Ladera Ranch Civic Councilmember and Treasurer, 2012 ROP Student of the Year, 2011 Ladera Ranch Volunteer of the Year, Founder of the Teen Leadership Council, Chairman of Gold Wood Surf, Chapman University Economics and Political Science

Personal:
Angels of Anaheim baseball fan, enjoys weekends at the Colorado River, mountain biking in Weir Canyon, has been dating Cheyenne Ochoa since 2011, and speaks on social justice issues including immigration reform and LGBT rights.

Track Record on the Ladera Ranch Civic Council:

• Effectively facilitated the donation of two OC Sheriff’s Department Bike Patrols to serve Ladera Ranch at no extra service cost to residents.
• Wrote the bylaw amendment policy on Councilmember attendance to hold Councilmembers accountable.
• Appointed a Democrat senior management analyst in the Lake Forest City Manager’s office to the Council.
• Cut Council communication costs by over 30% and created the position of “Webmaster”.
• Created a position of “Vice Chair of Civic Issues” for the Teen Leadership Council
• Approved innovative techniques with OC Public Works in order to legally lower the speed limit in residential streets.
• Worked with LAFCO and the OC Board of Supervisors to recommended that Ladera Ranch take initial steps towards becoming a city with the Rancho Mission Viejo development once phase three of development is complete. The steps include forming a County Service Area then establish an elected Municipal Advisory Council.