“Common sense leadership is vital in order to innovate and educate Ladera Ranch, while preserving our way of life. I see leadership as what a person or group can make for this community, which is what I will deem my goal if elected to the Ladera Ranch Civic Council. It is time for representation that does not have a self-interest as an elected official. Elect me to represent you and your community of Ladera Ranch in 2012.” – Connor James Traut
Local Economy & Businesses
- If elected, I, Connor Traut, will collaborate with the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce to effectively ensure local businesses a direct connection to the council while making sure that the Civic Council voices business and community concerns to Westar Associates, the company in charge of most land leasing to local small business within Ladera Ranch. The council should have a contact with Westar in order to effectively be the joint voice of the local businesses with the Chamber of Commerce. The local housing market is also of my concern, which the council should collaborate with people who specialize in the real estate industry to ensure residents the best plan in order to sell there house, and to represent Ladera Ranch as a strong family community with safety, education and values. The LRCC should continually get together with LARMAC in preserving the life of our community, which will strengthen housing values and the community’s reputation.
Council Community Involvement & Outreach
- I believe that the Civic Council should utilize online and social media effectively and efficiently by connecting to the public not only through Facebook and Twitter, but streaming meetings live through Google+ in order to connect as many residents to the council as possible. By uniting the community through technology, more residents will become more aware of community issues, be able to voice their concerns, and become more involved. If elected, I will make it my goal to see that the council’s amount of community members doubles by 2014.
Education
- Collaborative leadership with the CAPO USD will ensure that Ladera Ranch residents are represented. If elected to the Ladera Ranch Civic Council, I will see forth that the council builds a relationship with the local school district, as well as our local private schools.
Planning & Land Use
- A housing development called “Rancho Mission Viejo”, which is planned to be the size of Ladera Ranch once completed, is now under construction just south of our community. I believe that the residents whom are most effected by this development should have a strong representation and be educated about the development. I will also continue to support the La Pata gap closure because that road will give Ladera Ranch direct access to San Clemente and it is vital for future safety.
Public Safety
- Ladera Ranch is one of the safest communities in the county, therefore, having the sheriffs department speak about local crime at LRCC meetings and police blotters monthly in the Ladera Times are great sources to connect with the residents. The council should also stay in contact with the new fire station planned adjacent to Covenant Hills and report to Ladera residents about any issues at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
Community Youth
- Since 2010, I have been working with LARCS to give the youth of our family-driven community a voice through the Teen Leadership Council, which I co-founded and was president of from 2010-2011. I believe that when the youth consists of about half the population within a community, it is important that projects and programs are created for the youth, by the youth with the opportunity for leadership and service. When teens are exposed to local leadership at a young age and given the opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful programs, our community will become sociable in a world driven by a new anti-social, technology driven generation.
Public Works
- I will continue to see forth that SDGE, the SM Water District, LARMAC, and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station are held accountable and assume citizens of Ladera the right to have their voices be heard. If elected, I will also support any projects that will better the community of Ladera Ranch, including the La Pata gap closure and 241 extension. It is also important that the council be in direct contact with the county about any concerned resident’s issues.
Ladera Ranch Representation and Cityhood
- Ladera Ranch currently has no state senator and seeks representation. Since cityhood is currently not an option for Ladera Ranch due to financial and development purposes, the council should be in direct contact with OC Supervisor Bates, neighboring city councils, and the state government – which would be our assemblyman and include a state senator by 2014.
Register to vote for Connor at LRCivicCouncil.org/membership-registration
