By Dianne Anderson

Now is not the time to get too comfortable with democracy or throw that ballot into the recycling bin.

With Election Day a couple of weeks away, the clock is ticking for voters to fill in the bubbles, get to their nearest ballot drop box or Vote Center, or just hand their ballots to the mailman.

The sooner the better.

Across the OC, candidates are tackling some painful, familiar questions facing most families.

Affordable housing, homelessness, public safety, economic opportunity and the quality of public services rank among the top concerns, along with calls for transparent government and responsible spending.

Letitia Clark for Tustin Mayor

After serving eight years on the City Council, including a term as mayor in 2021, Letitia Clark is seeking to return to Tustin’s mayor’s office.

If elected, her goals include advocating for workforce housing for teachers and first responders, senior housing and attainable homeownership.

“The redevelopment of the former Marine Corps Air Station represents one of our greatest economic opportunities. I envision a thoughtful mix of housing, businesses, jobs, recreational amenities, and meaningful services for veterans. At the same time, we cannot overlook our established shopping centers and small businesses,” she said.

Her goals also include long-term financial planning, transparent budgets and strategic infrastructure investments, with an emphasis on showing residents how their tax dollars improve daily life.

Clark, who helped lead the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on small-business support, access to resources and responsive government. While on Council, she supported approval of more than 2,100 homes at Tustin Legacy. Among her top priorities are housing affordability, economic development and transparent government.

Her experience on the Council taught her the importance of preparation and collaboration, she said.

She also points to initiatives such as the Engage Tustin mobile app and expanded community engagement, along with regional partnerships that help cities secure resources. Since leaving the council, she has earned a doctorate in public administration, adding to her experience in policy, accountability and strategic planning.

Because of its unique blend of history, diversity, strong neighborhoods, local businesses, and community pride, she said Tustin has always been a special place.

As the city approaches its centennial, she sees redevelopment of the former base as an opportunity to honor that legacy while shaping the next 100 years.

“We have an opportunity to transform this historic property into a vibrant destination that brings together housing, employment, education, recreation, and veterans services while honoring the military history of the former base,” she said.

Clark, who grew up in Tustin, is raising her own family there. She also wants young people growing up in Tustin to see a future for themselves, whether in business, purchasing their first home, pursuing a career or raising a family.

“But what gives me the greatest hope is the spirit of our residents. Throughout my years of public service, I’ve witnessed neighbors supporting neighbors, businesses investing in our community, and residents stepping forward to make a difference,” she said.

Dwayne Shipp for Santa Ana Mayor

Running for mayor of Santa Ana on a platform of community-first leadership, longtime community advocate Dwayne Shipp wants City Hall to listen to residents, treat people with respect and deliver practical results.

Shipp says affordable housing, public safety and the rising cost of living are Santa Ana’s biggest challenges. He wants to help working families, seniors and young people remain in the city through housing solutions, small-business support and safer neighborhoods.

He also emphasizes responsible spending and greater transparency in how taxpayer dollars are used.

His decades of community service include working with families, supporting youth programs and organizing community events, including the OC Black History Parade, Juneteenth Festival, Roots on the Block Festival and Garry Templeton Christmas Senior Luncheon.

Having served six years on city commissions, including the Community Development Commission, has given him insight into how municipal decisions affect residents, he said. He has learned the importance of asking questions, listening to different perspectives and holding government accountable.

Being a longtime family caregiver has also taught him patience, compassion and responsibility, he said.

“Those experiences remind me that leadership isn’t about having a title. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and treating people with respect,” he said.

Shipp believes Santa Ana’s greatest strength is its people, pointing to working families, young people, seniors and the city’s cultural history. He compares the city to a garden that flourishes with care and investment.

“As mayor, I would work toward a more transparent and accessible City Hall, safer neighborhoods, stronger small businesses, and more opportunities for our youth and seniors,” he said. “I want residents to feel that their voices matter and that city government works for them. My goal is to help build a Santa Ana where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.”

Candidates Dr. Paula Swift and Stephen Glass

Dr. Paula Swift, California Assembly District 70

Dr. Paula Swift, an educator, small-business owner and longtime advocate for children and families, is running for Assembly on a platform focused on affordability, health care and educational opportunity.

Swift says she has spent more than two decades serving Southern California families, including supporting children in foster care and working to improve access to mental health care and educational opportunities. She owns a small business and has taught at a local college.

She put herself through school while raising her family, earning a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and a master’s degree and doctorate in leadership from the University of Southern California, according to her candidate statement. A domestic-violence survivor, she says she has dedicated her work to protecting people overlooked by government.

She’s running for Assembly because Orange County families deserve a representative who understands what it means to stretch a paycheck, navigate a broken healthcare system, and worry about whether the next generation can afford to stay in the community they grew up in, she wrote in her candidate statement.

Her priorities include more accessible and affordable health care, housing solutions that offer pathways to homeownership, expanded opportunities for students, retirement security for seniors and support for small businesses.

“We need leadership focused on lowering the cost of living and bringing accountability to our State Capitol,” she wrote. “I have the life experience to deliver it.”

Dr. Stephen R. D. Glass for Orange Unified School District, Trustee Area 7

Dr. Stephen R. D. Glass, president of the Orange Unified School District Board of Education, is seeking re-election in Trustee Area 7, emphasizing student achievement, campus safety and responsible spending.

He brings 27 years of public education experience, having worked as a teacher, principal and district administrator. He is a distinguished faculty member in residence and program coordinator for the Educational Administration Program at California State University, Long Beach. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Morehouse College and a doctorate in educational leadership from CSULB.

In May 2024, Glass joined the board through an appointment to fill a vacancy created by a recall election. He won election to the seat’s short term in November 2024.

Glass and his family have lived in Orange for 15 years. In his candidate statement, he wrote that he and his wife, a school principal, chose Orange Unified for their children because they believe in the opportunities its schools provide.

“Like every parent, we want schools that are safe, academically rigorous, fiscally responsible, and welcoming to every student,” he wrote.

As board president, he cites his work supporting stable district leadership and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. He also helped guide the selection of a new superintendent, according to his candidate statement. Among his priorities are improving student achievement, maintaining safe and modern campuses, recruiting and retaining employees, and preserving student programs.

“We must also listen to families, support educators, and ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, and civic life,” he said.

For Voter & Election Information:

• Orange County Registrar of Voters: see https://ocvote.gov/
• California Secretary of State My Voter Status: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/

For more information on candidates, see:

• Letitia Clark letitiaclark.com
• Dwayne Shipp https://shippforsantaanamayor.com/
• Paula Swift: https://www.votepaulaswift.com
• Stephen R. D. Glass https://www.drglass4ousd.com/