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: Javier L. Rubalcaba
Current job title: U.S. Navy (retired)
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Murrieta
Campaign website or social media: javier4district4.org, javier4district4 on Facebook and Instagram
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?
The answer is for the city itself to answer. Not from a distant politician who is isolated from the community, its culture and worries. I believe in letting the market play out. Then we, as an independent city can decide what is the best course to take. If we decide to. I can hear it now. “Murrieta is not independent. It relies on the state for many things.” I ask: Does not the federal government provide funding and services to California? Even though the state of California, in my opinion, seems to stray away from the purpose of the Constitution and may defy the federal government at times? The federal government does not remove funding and services or monetarily penalize California with the intent of bankrupting it. Then why should California do the same to its cities?
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?
We should look into sizing down programs that are not important to the needs of the city in its most basic requirements. Serving my country for 20 years in an enlisted capacity, I received pay raises that never exceeded 3%. Pensions are capped at 75% of the member’s base pay. Mine is 50%. As is many of my brothers and sisters. I knew that I would have to work again once I retired. Not by choice, but out of necessity. I now must budget. So, it is my opinion that anyone who is a public servant should be willing to receive a cut in pay and/or pension. Feelings will be hurt. But, if you love your city and work as a public servant it should be expected if needed. With service comes sacrifice. I know. I live with the trauma of service daily and for the rest of my life. I never expected to be well off. If this is unsettling. Then all departments within the city structure should converse on pay and pensions. For the cities sake. I would not want anyone serving my city that didn’t care for it or its financial well-being.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it?
Murrieta being the “bedroom” community, it lacks the traffic in the form of tourism. I believe that Murrieta has a lot to offer anyone who passes through or decides to stop by for any period of time. Murrieta is pretty self-sufficient as far as I can tell. We took a big hit during the pandemic and are still reeling due to the lackluster economy. I would push for a stronger presence in social media. Even as far as creating a dedicated YouTube channel. Temecula beats us because they have a statewide presence. Why couldn’t Murrieta do the same? I believe that we can.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city?
We forget that we are voted in by the very people with whom we walk among daily. What is too often lost in positions such as these is that we are all public servants. Servant leadership is not an option, but a requirement. Those who think of it as the opposite are delinquent in the main purpose of their appointment. I have bachelor’s degree in organizational studies and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies. I know how organizations work and what the impact of both good and bad leadership can have on them. Also, I know how to work within the organizations to make them prosper. Sometimes decisions will be tough. Yet, as long as the end goal is good for the majority, not the minority, Murrieta can and will succeed. When I served it was God, country and family. I still abide by that simple doctrine. Yet, now it will be God, family, city and country. I am just one man who has taken on this journey. I am my campaign. I don’t mince my words. If I earn my seat, I will make you all proud.
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