Candidate Profile: Brian Goodell For Mission Viejo City Council
MISSION VIEJO, 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 Mission Viejo City Council: Mission Viejo City Council - At LargeBrian Goodell
Age (as of Election Day)
61
Town/City of Residence
Mission Viejo
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.
Mission Viejo City Council - At Large
Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices)Family
Vicki Goodell (spouse), three sons, all MVHS graduates and all married, three grand children with one more on the way.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Geography, UCLA. Mission Viejo High School Class of 1977.
Occupation
Real Estate Development Consulting and Sales since 1984 (36 years).
Campaign website
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Mission Viejo City Council 2016. Mission Viejo Community Services Commission 2014.
The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic shut-down is the most pressing issue facing our city and I intend to keep our people safe and acquire the resources to support our small businesses within the city so they can open safely and quickly, recover completely and thrive.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am pro-business and pro-development of new community facilities and redevelopment of tired old retail centers in our city. We must improve or die, and we must compete with the cities around us to create a vibrant inviting community environment for our residents and the next generation. Other candidates only see problems with the way things are in the city, or the way things are done. I see nothing but a wonderful community with room for improvement.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
I am an incumbent.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
Completing the vision/master-plan of the Casta del Sol Golf Course (recently renamed Oso Creek Golf Course) and the surrounding city environs is a top priority of mine. I am excited to see what comes out of the community engagement process. Likewise, I am actively involved in our economic development efforts to bring modern high-energy food & beverage, retail and entertainment to the community core area. I will also continue support for our first responders to keep our city one of the safest cities in America.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Serving on city council for the past four years, the last year as Mayor, has been a wonderful experience. We have balanced the budgets every year, approved many great new projects for housing, senior services, commercial developments and community facilities. My favorite accomplishment was the acquisition of the Casta del Sol Golf Course and the potential for exciting improvements to the overall area associated with that property. I look forward to completing the plan.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
The successful completion of the new design and implementation for the "MV-200" (the 200-acres encompassing the Oso Creek G.C., the Marguerite Aquatics Center, the Marguerite Tennis Center, and the Oso Creek Trail).
Why should voters trust you?
I am a proven leader, I'm fiscally conservative and enjoy doing community service. I grew up here and have built terrific relationships within our community.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
I am am results oriented, fiscally conservative and responsible. It is imperative that we have balanced budgets and strong financial position each year. We have been creative in ways to invest in our future pension and health obligations for our city employees by investing in in our community. I enjoy working closely with the talented staff managing our resources to maximize results for the city.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No, there is no reason I would not serve my full term of office.
The best advice ever shared with me was ...
"Easier is better." The second-best advice ever shared with me was, "Never give up!"
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have been in Mission Viejo since 1968 and I love this city and the people. I enjoy being in the community, I am a positive person with a can-do attitude, and I like to have fun. I was an age-group, high school, college and Olympic swimming champion, and I will be a champion for Mission Viejo!
Do you have any questions you would like to ask this candidate? Do so in comments, or email to your Patch Editor.
This article originally appeared on the Mission Viejo Patch
