Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Justin Jackson
Current job title: Press secretary
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Moreno Valley
Campaign website or social media: justinjacksonmorenovalley.com, @jackson4moval on TikTok; @justinjackson_morenovalley on Instagram; Justin Jackson for Moreno Valley District 3 on Facebook
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents?)
We need to introduce more competition in Moreno Valley’s housing market by partnering with diverse housing developers. This approach will not only help meet demand but also encourage affordability. Additionally, we should explore innovative ideas like working with our community college to advocate for state funding for on-campus dorms for young adults, again offering competition to our housing stock while providing this group a more affordable housing option. We can also have the city invest in buying housing assets for city employees, creating stability for our local workforce.
To preserve the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents, we will actively partner with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and work to establish memorandums of understanding. This will ensure that new developments align with community standards, and we maintain the character and livability of our neighborhoods while still addressing housing needs.
How should the city balance paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, trimming the budget, or something else entirely?
Moreno Valley has had a budget surplus, and my focus is on continuing to expand that surplus while ensuring our city maintains strong reserves for when hard times do come. This financial stability is key to meeting our financial liabilities and other debts without sacrificing the services our residents rely on.
However, we must also look to new and growing revenue streams to keep our city thriving. That’s why expanding our local economy is a key part of my plan. By demanding strong project labor agreements and community benefit agreements, we can ensure that new developments in Moreno Valley provide good-paying jobs for local residents and contribute directly to our community’s well-being. This balanced approach will allow us to meet our obligations, build reserves, and continue delivering for our residents.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it?
The biggest need in Moreno Valley is a clear vision for the future. I worry that our city is sleepwalking into stagnation because we lack leadership with the experience and foresight to leverage all levels of government effectively. I bring that experience, having worked at every level of government — from Washington, D.C. to Sacramento — and I’m committed to ensuring that development in Moreno Valley happens the right way.
Development will occur no matter what, but how we develop is crucial to the sustainability and livability of our city, especially here in the desert. Without strong leadership, we risk short-sighted growth that fails to meet long-term needs. My focus is on fostering smart, sustainable development that benefits residents, enhances livability, and ensures our city remains vibrant and forward-thinking for generations to come.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city?
I would be honored to be the first Black man elected to my city’s council since the 1990s because I know that representation matters. Moreno Valley is the fastest-growing city in the Inland Empire and has the largest Black population in the region, and I deeply understand the importance of leadership that reflects our community’s diversity.
I will make a strong and effective leader because I care deeply about the city that has shaped me and the residents who have supported me. I’ve spent my career gaining the necessary experience to credibly and confidently lead our city into a prosperous, safe, and dynamic future. My focus is on ensuring every voice in Moreno Valley is heard and represented, from our diverse communities to our working families. I will work to create opportunities, improve safety, and champion the kind of inclusive growth that benefits everyone.
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