Safest City
For the tenth year in a row, Rancho Santa Margarita has been named one of the safest cities in the state by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2010 Uniform Crime Report for cities with a population greater than 20,000. This is a great credit to our predecessors on the council. Today, the City Council continues this legacy of making public safety a top priority.
Term Limits
At the September 14th meeting, in a 3-2 vote, the city council voted against allowing the residents to vote on term limits for the office of city council. Myself, along with Council Member Baric voted in favor of allowing the residents to vote on the issue, Council Members Beall, Gamble, & Holloway voted against. The issue can be placed on the ballot by either council action, or if a member of the public wishes to circulate a petition.
City Manager Retires
Our beloved City Manager Steve Hayman announced his retirement. The city council has retained an executive recruiter, and has begun the process of finding a new city manager. Steve’s dedication to our wonderful city is commendable, and he will be missed. I look forward to interviewing candidates for the position, and proceeding in the most fiscally conservative manner when it comes to negotiating the contract of our new hire in light of the current economy.
New Businesses
Several new restaurants are coming to RSM. In-N-Out Burger is set to break ground in the near future, and BJ’s restaurant will open its doors in two weeks. We are excited to see this economic growth, and encourage other outside businesses to consider making Rancho Santa Margarita their new home.