Letter to the Editor: Derek Reeve Explains Why He's Running for Re-Election

From San Juan Capistrano Councilman Derek Reeve

I am truly blessed to have served the residents of San Juan Capistrano on the city council for the past four years. I have developed a track record of fighting for taxpayers, everyday residents, and the constitutional rights of all. Unlike politicians, I view myself as your public servant. Consequently I have stood against the powerful political establishment to defend my constituents. I am a true independent constitutional conservative who has kept every single campaign promise. My word is trusted by friend and foe alike.

I am proud of a long list of accomplishments while serving the residents. These include the elimination of red light cameras; bringing the Hamilton Oaks Winery to the Swanner House; uniting the council in opposition to the SDG&E expansion; establishing a formal relationship between the city and Ark to rescue animals; making council meetings more transparent by broadcasting them via the internet; selling surplus city property; terminating one of the highest paid city managers in the nation; and resolving numerous lawsuits that previously plagued the city.

Mostly I have stood firm for fiscal conservatism and the liberty of residents. I voted against every tax and fee increase to come before the council; against incurring more debt; against millions of dollars of wasteful spending such as taxpayer-funded grants for unnecessary items like watering hillsides that had done naturally without for hundreds of years. I also supported the right of the public to mention the deity during invocations at council meetings; the right of Christian groups to hold bible studies in their homes; having our nation’s motto “In God We Trust” displayed at city hall; and fought for the preservation of freedom of speech and press on behalf of residents and against an overreaching city government.

Since the 2010 election, my life has changed dramatically. I was married in 2011 and I have become very involved with my two sons. I have thus taken on more personal and financial responsibility. It would be far easier and convenient to step aside than to participate in local politics, what Councilman Byrnes described as San Juan’s blood sport. It would be easier to not face the $100,000 war chest that has been pledged solely to defeat my candidacy. It would be far easier for my family not to be bombarded with the lies, smears, defamation and half-truths written by highly paid professional political operatives designed to destroy me personally. It would be far easier to hand over the council to the political elites, the good ole boys, and grant them free rein to mislead the people and abuse the taxpayers’ purse. If I did however, what example will I leave for my children, let alone your children and grandchildren? If everyone who believes as I in limited government and individual liberty just sat on the sideline we would end up with more of the government we presently have. After much thought and prayer we have decided to run for re-election to city council.

Residents must be our number one priority. Not bureaucrats, politicians and special interests from outside the city, but residents. I will fight to reduce debt, stop needless further burdens on traffic, and get the city out of the water business.

There are many positives to build upon in our community and I have no intention of speaking ill of my opponents. However I believe it is time for our residents to hold city hall accountable. This election is not just about winning; it is about not surrendering to tyranny in the face of overwhelming odds to fight for transparency in government and justice for all our residents. Our community is for everyone, not just the political elite fringe. If you are no longer willing to tolerate government abuse, unnecessary water rate increases, burdensome traffic, and overwhelming debt, please join other everyday residents and re-elect Derek Reeve.

Together, We Can Fight City Hall!

www.Reeve4SJC.com