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: George Rapciewicz
Current job title: Program management specialist
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Temecula
Campaign website or social media: www.george4temecula.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563821507292
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 city is already at the maximum requirement for low-income housing, and is still building more low-income housing. I have spoken to hundreds of residents in my district alone, and they are sick and tired of the traffic. It takes 45 minutes to drive from Pechanga Parkway to Winchester Road, and that is 7 miles away.
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?
The city has been very proactive in paying off pension balances. In fact, it is estimated that in 2025, the pension balance will be paid in full. However, the tourism taxes the city collects is estimated to be down by 8.5% in 2025. I believe we are at a crossroads were we should be reducing the local sales tax rate.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it?
Reducing traffic. Stop building apartments. Reduce sales tax. Reduce homelessness.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city?
What led me to run for city council in the first place? Plain and simple; public service. I want to be an advocate for the people of this city. I am a U.S. Marine Purple Heart recipient turned Doctor of Business. The Marine Corps taught me the value of sacrifice, hard work, and service above self, and I will bring those values to the city of Temecula. In my current job, I manage multi-million-dollar projects and have managed multi-billion-dollar projects in the past. I have a very strong fiscal, economical and business background. I am not tainted by politics. I have no personal conflicts of interest in running for city council. I care deeply about this city. I have children that go to the school district. I support our first responders and our city workers. I want to be the voice of the people of this city and get things done in a manner that aligns with their concerns, while being transparent about the processes and progress of efforts.
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