BEAUMONT, CA — With election day approaching, Beaumont voters are preparing to cast ballots in contests that could shape the future of their community, including City Council races.
City Council members approve local policies and municipal budgets, oversee public services and make decisions that affect residents, businesses and neighborhood development.
Patch asked all Beaumont City Council candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and we are publishing their responses.
Meet Mike Lara, candidate for Beaumont City Council at-large:
What is your campaign website?
On Instagram @ mikelaraforbeaumont
What is your educational background?
Beaumont High School Graduate, BA in Public Administration
What is your occupation?
Retired Riverside County Building Official
Briefly tell us about your family.
Married for 36 years, 2 kids and 3 grandkids
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My wife Susie is a current Beaumont Unified School District Board Member.
Age.
66.
Do you have previous experience in public office, appointive or elective?
One year with Beaumont Cherry Valley Recreation and Parks District and 12 years as a City of Beaumont Council Member.
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election because I care deeply about Beaumont and the people who call our city home. I have had the honor of serving on the Beaumont City Council for the past 12 years, and I believe my experience, knowledge, and commitment can continue to elevate our city.
I want to continue working collaboratively with my fellow Council Members, city staff, and the community to make responsible decisions, maintain fiscal discipline, plan for responsible growth, and ensure every part of Beaumont has a strong voice.
In short, I am seeking another term because I want to continue serving the community I have called home for my entire life.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Traffic congestion is one of the most pressing concerns I hear from Beaumont residents. I intend to continue working to improve traffic flow by prioritizing the completion of key roadways and intersections such as the Potrero interchange; investing in smarter traffic signal technology like the improvements we are beginning on Highland Springs Avenue; and coordinating with regional and state transportation agencies on projects that affect Beaumont.
We also need to make sure new development is planned responsibly and that necessary transportation improvements keep pace with growth. My goal is to reduce congestion, improve travel times and safety, and ensure Beaumont's transportation infrastructure meets the needs of our residents today and in the future.
If applicable, what are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I bring more than four decades of public service experience to this position, including 12 years as a Beaumont City Council Member and 35 years as a public servant with the County of Riverside where I gained experience in government operations, development, budgeting and the importance of working with people to get things done.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
(No response)
What more can the city do to support local businesses and increase tax revenue?
By focusing on public safety, reducing traffic congestion, and improving quality of life, we can create a stronger environment for businesses to invest, grow, and succeed in Beaumont. A safe accessible and well planned community benefits both residents and businesses and can help attract new economic opportunities for our city.
What types of infrastructure projects would you like to see the city invest in?
As part of our public safety infrastructure, I would like to see Beaumont continue investing in our police and fire facilities. For transportation infrastructure, I would like to see continued investment in the Pennsylvania Avenue underpass and the First Street widening project. And as part of our recreational infrastructure, I would like to see the Stewart Project completed, the new restroom facility added at Trevino Park along with improvements like new benches, tables and hydration stations across all city parks.
What can you do to address public trust following years of corruption scandals involving city officials?
Twelve years ago, I was one of two newly elected Council Members who helped lead efforts to address the corruption and restore public trust in Beaumont, I worked to increase transparency, ensure timely audits, and established a citizen oversight Financial and Audit Committee. I will continue to support strong financial oversight, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and clear accountability in city government.
I also supported my fellow Council Members in pursuing legal action involving the Beaumont City Treasure and worked cooperatively with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office to ensure that concerns involving city officials are properly addressed.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
As stated in my previous responses, my priorities remain public safety, reducing traffic congestion, and improving the quality of life for all Beaumont residents. This also includes preserving and continuing the longstanding traditions that bring our community together, such as the Cherry Festival, Fourth of July fireworks, Veterans Day Parade, and concerts in the park.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During my 12 years serving on the Beaumont City Council, I have had the honor of serving as Mayor three times. Prior to and during my service on the Council, I also dedicated 35 years to public service with the County of Riverside. This experience has provided me with a strong understanding of of local government, budgeting, city operations, and the importance of working collaboratively to serve our community.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice my dad gave me is simple: "When you borrow something or are entrusted with something, always return it in better condition than when you received it." I have carried that principle throughout my life and my career in public service. I believe we have a responsibility to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us and to leave our community better than we found it.
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