Candidate Name: Efrain Becerra

Candidate District: 1

Contact Information:

Website/Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/keeptraditionsvisalia?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg== or face book Efrain Becerra for City Council district 1

Email Address: becerra131@gmail.com

Phone Number:( 559)300-9397

Mailing Address: 4211 w Vine ave Visalia CA 93291

Efrain Becerra is a graduate from Brigham Young University has a degree in education and social studies.Is a  private business owner party planning an event decorating and long time Visalia resident with over 25 years an adopted son of Visalia has experience in community leadership such as many community events that I volunteered for celebrating the culture diversity of the city of Visalia and education I'm currently working on getting accredited to become a social studies teacher along with a special education  I am dedicated to preserving the city’s heritage at one point we relied on agriculture we might not be full on in agriculture city anymore but we have surrounding towns and we can't keep wasting our water by building more houses in Visalia. While ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all residents, especially children and future generations.

 Biggest Issue Facing Your District The biggest issue facing District 1 is the disconnect between city leadership try to connect with the youth is very important some of our younglings do not know who our own city council and mayor are . We need to focus on effective communication, this means that city council members should give a brief explanation what they're going to vote using their social media platforms instead of assuming that the public knows what is going on that shows more transparency.Prioritize infrastructure improvements such as roads,schools and historic sites since we have a surplus in the budget and address concerns like retention programs such as the rebranding for our city making sure the public knows what positions are open for the city as many citizens have to work outside of Visalia public safety and small business growth and support as a council member using social media My interviewing our small business owners .Our district can thrive if we ensure transparency and actively involve the community in decision making we can put certain items to a vote in the social media platforms to save money in election ballots Making sure the public knows what is going on in our city and they don't have to have a hard time looking for it in our website accessibility.

What is the City’s Role in Recruiting, Keeping, and Supporting Business

The city must create a business friendly environment by streamlining regulations, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and offering incentives for both new and existing businesses. We should focus on fostering entrepreneurship, we need to focus in promoting the city of Visalia using tools such as TikTok and more modern social medias like Instagram I believe the city focuses more on the Facebook page than the Instagram and the Facebook supporting local businesses, by interviewing their owners telling them what they love about Visalia and what makes Visalia unique and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure Visalia remains a vibrant hub but we need to focus also and not raising taxes to business owners and homeowners for economic growth while maintaining its unique character. Preserving our city as is when we have a water crisis. The solution annexing more land is not going to make Visalia better by having all these contractors build more housing when we have a water crisis for a farmers.

Candidate: April Lancaster

Candidate District: 2

Contact Information:

Website/Social Media:  www.Lancaster4Visalia.com

Email Address:   lancaster4Visalia@gmail.com

Phone Number:   559.786.8826

Mailing Address:   2300 E. Hillcrest Ave. Visalia, CA 93292

 April Lancaster was raised in Dinuba by parents from North Visalia. A medical herbalist and passionate community advocate, she runs two businesses in downtown Visalia, including the Organic Apothecary, and the Downtown Farmers Market, creating opportunities for new and emerging businesses to thrive.

 What is the biggest issue facing your district?  

 One of the major issues facing our district is the rapid development, which has led to significant traffic challenges, particularly during school hours. Our roads are struggling to keep up with this growth, causing congestion and delays. Construction-related traffic also adds to the problem, affecting both residents and businesses. Addressing these "growing pains" is essential to ensure safer, smoother commutes and better infrastructure planning for our future.

What is the City’s role in recruiting, keeping, and supporting business?

The City plays a crucial role in fostering a business-friendly environment, but it's important to focus not only on large industrial companies but also on supporting small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, contributing to our strong sense of community. By offering resources, incentives, and infrastructure that help small businesses thrive, we can ensure a diverse and vibrant local economy that benefits all residents, not just through tax dollars but through meaningful connections.

Candidate: Brett Taylor

Visalia City Council District 2

 Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/BrettTaylor4Visalia

Email Address:  Brett.Taylor@visalia.city

 Phone Number:  559-713-4512

 Mailing Address:  220 N. Santa Fe st.  Visalia, CA 93292

My name is Brett Taylor.  I was born and raised in Visalia.  My wife Dolores and I have four children. I serve as the Vice Mayor of Visalia.

I graduated from Redwood High School and Fresno State University. I work as the CEO of the Tulare County Association of REALTORS®.

What is the biggest issue facing your district?  

The primary challenge confronting my district is preserving the high quality of life that Visalia residents expect. This entails ensuring a sufficient number of first responders to maintain city safety, ongoing road repairs and maintenance, and sustained investment in the facilities we have built and designed to mitigate homelessness. Additionally, supporting recreational activities like parks and youth sport programs is important.  Continued commitment to these programs is essential for sustaining Visalia’s well-being.

What is the City's role in recruiting, keeping and supporting business? 

While the government cannot create business’ we can create a friendly environment that welcomes business and fosters an atmosphere that keeps established businesses rooted here.  One of the best ways Visalia can help recruiting businesses is by having a streamlined, efficient application process for companies that are looking to establish new businesses here.  Once here, we can support established businesses by listening to them and their needs.  Find ways to assist in their success.  

Candidate:   Liz Wynn

Candidate District : 1

Website/Social Media:  wynn4visalia.com

Email Address:   wynn4visalia@gmail.com        

Phone Number:   (559) 713-4512

Mailing Address:   PO Box 4106, Visalia, CA  93278

I am married,  have two adult children and five grandchildren who work, live and attend schools in Visalia. 30 years community involvement such as Visalia Planning Commission, Rotary, TCAG, LAFCO, Valley Air Board, Mid-Kaweah GSA, Assembly District 26 Woman of the Year, COS Hall of Fame, Kaweah Inspirational Leader Award.

What is the biggest issue facing your district?

District 1 issues brought to my attention are safety, open space, streets and housing.  People want to feel safe in their neighborhoods and have access to neighborhood parks.  The Visalia Police force do incredible work and your current council has worked to make our public safety department a career choice with competitive pay, benefits and public support. I support housing development at every economic level. I support investing in our streets, trails and bike paths.

What is the City’s role in recruiting, keeping, and supporting business?

 The City’s economic development team works cooperatively with the Chamber, COS, VEDC and TCEDC to support business friendly legislation, job training and showcase Visalia as a business friendly location.  The rapid growth in the industrial park indicate our efforts have been successful.  It is important that all departments in the city are able to streamline permits and approvals to encourage growth but we must not forget to support retention of our existing businesses.