Candidate Profile: Louise Robertson For Lake Forest City Council

LAKE FOREST, CA — The 2020 election is heating up in Orange County, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats.

Closer to home, Patch has asked candidates for city council races to discuss their campaigns, publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Running for Lake Forest City Council: District 1

Louise Robertson

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Town/City of Residence

Foothill Ranch

Office Sought

Municipal office

Where appropriate, add specifics about office sought: i.e., State Senate District 1, State Assembly District 2, Temecula City Council District 1, etc.

Lake Forest City Council District 1

Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices)

Family

Married 30 years with 3 boys ages 16-23

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Masters of Accountancy - Brigham Young University

Occupation

Finance leader for over 30 years
• Auditor/CPA Ernst & Young LLP 1989-1995
• Accounting Instructor CSU Fullerton 1995-2004
• Foothill Ranch Elementary PTA Treasurer -2004-2005
• Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate PTSO Tax Consultant - 2019
• Trabuco Hills High School PTSA Auditor and Treasurer - 2012-2014, 2020
• Foothill Ranch Maintenance HOA Treasurer 2018-2020

Campaign website

www.lrobertsonlakeforest.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing is the number one issue in our city. There are competing needs: We love being on the hillside away from the traffic in most of the city; however, with the housing shortage the state is requiring all cities to rezone to allow more housing. I recognize and support growth. However, I will review any developments that are brought to me as a city council member in an effort to maintain the look and feel of our community.

In addition, we need affordable housing. As my children get older and think about starting families of their own, I want them to be able to return to Lake Forest. I am a supporter of affordable housing and believe it is best implemented when each new development allocates a portion as affordable housing. When developments are brought to the table, I will make sure that affordable housing is part of any successful proposal.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Over 20 years record of serving this community through volunteering with our PTAs, schools, HOA and church. I am solely motivated to run because I love Lake Forest and want to make it the best place for my family and all families.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Public Safety
Crime in Lake Forest has remained fairly stable these past few years, but as the city population grows, we must ensure the sheriffs in our city have adequate resources to protect everyone. The contract with the OC sheriffs constitutes over 30% of our budget and is an essential service. As a city council member I will speak with the sheriffs, review the crime statistics and work closely to make sure Lake Forest has what is needed to keep us safe.
Firefighters are also critical. Having lived through two area fires, I know firsthand how important it is that our firefighters have the manpower and resources they need to keep us safe. I will review response time statistics to make sure residents receive the care needed in any emergency.

Traffic
A study presented at a recent city council meeting indicated that residents rank traffic as a top priority in our city. As a resident in Foothill Ranch, I know that the drive time to the 405/5 gets longer every year. In fact, many of my neighbors said they choose to shop in Mission Viejo, RSM and Irvine rather than drive down El Toro to shop. Clearly this hurts the economy of our city. I would like to work with the traffic commission and public works to study traffic flow on Portola Parkway as well as the intersections down Bake, Lake Forest and El Toro. It will only get worse as more development occurs. Furthermore, we receive reports from the OCTA that recommend changes to our intersections that are not always consistent with what we as residents recognize as issues. Reviewing this data closely will allow us to prioritize and solve the actual traffic problems in Lake Forest.
Community Services
When I research the best cities I can find, I uncover the same combination: safety, good schools and great amenities. Community services are key to moving a good city toward greatness. I have hiked, biked, and run on every trail in our city and I love them. I love our 4th of July parade. As a city council member, I would value community services as much as infrastructure. Especially in times like now, programs and activities that improve our mental health and wellness are essential.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Saddleback Valley PTA President from 2018-2020
Rancho Santa Margarita STPO President from 2017-2018
Trabuco Hills High PTSA President from 2014-2016
Foothill Ranch Maintenance Corporation HOA Board Member and Treasurer 2018-2020 representing over 2,700 homes
Public Affairs Leader for Community Events for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -Rancho Santa Margarita 2016-2018

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

For Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch to maintain the character that makes them a great place to raise a family:

• Protecting our neighborhoods quality of life as already approved developments are built
• Protecting our neighborhoods quality of life by seeing a decline in property crimes; and
• Seeing growth in locally owned businesses and Improvement in community programs and services.

Why should voters trust you?

Over 20 years record of serving this community through volunteering with our PTAs, schools, HOA and church. I am solely motivated to run because I love Lake Forest and want to make it the best place for my family and all families.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Governments should spend wisely - I am a trained CPA with over 30 years of financial experience and will use that knowledge to make your tax dollars work best for our community.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

no.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Find your passion. I have a passion for service and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in my community

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Lake Forest 23 years and have devoted most of this time volunteering at the schools, volunteering at church and the last 3 years volunteering with my HOA as a board member.

Why take the next step? Through these years of service, I have realized some important things about myself: I have a passion for service.

I am a no-nonsense leader that does not follow party lines but rather does what is best in each situation. This is essential in a non-partisan position like city council. Over the years I have watched politics destroy our community.

Rather than wait for someone else to do the job, I have decided to get involved and bring my voice to the table to ensure our city council has an impartial voice. I am your community advocate, I am independent and I am dedicated to doing what is best for Lake Forest

Is there anything you'd like to ask Louise Robertson? Do so in comments or send an email to your Patch Editor.