Temecula Vows To Fight State, Feds For Local Control

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula City Council wants to "take back local control" from the state and federal governments, so a local committee has been formed to get the ball rolling.

Mayor Matt Rahn and Council Member Maryann Edwards were unanimously appointed by their colleagues Tuesday night to lead the effort.

The idea was pushed by Rahn, who during the Dec. 14 Temecula City Council meeting requested that the issue of state and federal mandates be discussed at a future council meeting.

"Over the last several years, rules and regulations imposed upon local government have become unduly burdensome," according to background information prepared by city staff for Tuesday night's meeting. "More specifically, onerous state legislation related to housing and transportation, as well as other topics, is being mandated upon cities at an increasing rate without proper consideration of impacts to communities."

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According to the city, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to big issues is not working. The city does engage on the legislative front through its state and federal lobbyists and professional associations, but council members want more action.

Any efforts must be "meaningful, actionable and sustainable," Mayor Pro Tem Zak Schwank said, noting that change will take years.

Edwards said Temecula can lead the way for many California cities fighting for local control.

A plan on how to move forward wasn't laid out Tuesday night, but Rahn said "we need to have a strong voice."

The city is not looking to make headlines by passing toothless resolutions that Sacramento won't notice, the mayor continued.

"We're not looking for soundbites," he said. "We're looking to get something done."