MURRIETA, CA — With election day approaching, Murrieta 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 Murrieta City Council candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and we are publishing their responses.
Meet Ron Holliday, candidate for Murrieta City Council, District 2:
What is your campaign website?
hollidayformurrieta.org
What is your educational background?
Bachelor of Business Administration
What is your occupation?
Semi-retired Investment Advisor
Briefly tell us about your family.
Married to Karen Holliday for 35 years.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Age
69.
Do you have previous experience in public office, appointive or elective?
I am currently serving on Murrieta City Council representing District 2
Why are you seeking this office?
To continue serving the residents of Murrieta, making Murrieta the best it can be.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The most pressing issue is the lack of local control over housing, density, and land use decisions. I am currently working on a League of California Cities resolution to create a working group to create a path for cities to have a say in those decisions. The best path forward is not an adversarial one with the state but rather a collaberative one where cities have a say in how to accomplish California's housing goals. One-size-fits-all legislation doesn't actually fit anyone.
If applicable, what are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My unique qualifications include my 30 plus years as an investment advisor that provides Murrieta with my financial expertise. I recommended an investment change when I was first elected that increased revenue to the city by over $500,000. I have volunteered or have been elected in Murrieta since 1996. My institutional knowledge is invaluable on Council. For the last four years, I have shown up, I have been accessible, I have responded to my constituents, and applied my unique problem solving abilities to help them including those who reside outside my district as I choose to represent all of Murrieta.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
N/A
What more can the city do to support local businesses and increase tax revenue?
We have a very robust economic development. Each year I have attended the largest International Conference of Shopping Centers Convention and met with businesses and brought several to Murrieta.
What types of public safety issues can be better addressed in the city?
We also have an incredible public safety team. Our police and fire departments keep Murrieta one of the safest cities in the country year after year.
What could the city do to improve wildfire prevention?
We just received our ISO 2 rating for wildfire prevention and Murrieta has been designated a FireWise Community not only making us safer from wildfires, but decreasing homeowner's insurance rates the entire city.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Traffic. I have been fighting with Cal Trans to give us control over the signals at freeway intersections throughout Murrieta. With the help of Kate Sanchez and Kelly Seyarto we recently go new legislation passed that forces Cal Trans to make this happen.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I've increased revenue to the city, I brought back the beloved Santa Stops that were stopped in 2020, I have advocated for developers who had hit road blocks from agencies outside of Murrieta so that they can open their businesses here including two hotels which brings additional revenue to Murrieta. I am well respected by my colleagues who seek out my areas of expertise as they formulate their position on issues facing Murrieta.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
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