COVER STORY
maintaining low crime rates and quality
public safety, finding solutions to the
affordable housing crisis and developing
long-term solutions to our regional
transportation issues. I want Orange
County to be a safer, more prosperous
and stronger community that leaves no
one behind as we face the future.
OUTSIDE OF YOUR STAFF,
WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO THE MOST?
My wife is my greatest confidant, but I
also listen to various business, community
and fraternal leaders within our
community. I will soon appoint a
Mayor’s Advisory Council.
WHAT DOES FAMILY MEAN TO YOU?
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT?
Pray first, aim high and stay focused!
IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT IS THE KEY
TO DEVELOPING A GOOD TEAM?
Know and value the talents of each
team member, then develop a plan and
execute the plan!
HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE A BUSY SCHEDULE
AND CREATE BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE?
I have a great team that helps me look
at the big picture and envision success. I
also have a wonderful family that makes
sure I stay grounded and who reminds
me of the importance of what life is truly
about—family and service.
PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN YOUR
ETHICS WERE TESTED AND HOW
DID YOU DEAL?
As sheriff of Orange County and as Police
Chief my ethics were tested on a regular
basis. I would rather not give an example,
but suffice it to say that it is easy to do the
right thing when you have been taught
right from wrong and you take “you” out
of the equation.
THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WILL BE FILLED
WITH STRESSORS. HOW DO YOU
HANDLE STRESS?
Laughter is good for the soul and
exercise is icing on the cake!
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IBA Success Magazine
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VOL 5, Issue 1
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS
IN CHECK?
I reflect on a shooting incident that I was
involved in and that helps put everything
else into perspective for me in controlling
my emotions. I know that no matter how
bad things may appear, through prayer
and supposition, it will get better.
WHAT CHANGES ARE YOU FOCUSED ON
DURING YOUR TERM?
1. Innovation in public safety.
2. Affordable housing solutions
3. Creation of a dedicated funding source
for a regional transportation system, and
4. Job creation with an emphasis on high
wage jobs such as those in the technology,
life sciences, construction, financial
services and manufacturing sectors.
WHAT IS YOUR KEY TO SUCCESS WHEN
COMMUNICATING WITH THE PUBLIC?
Being sincere, empathetic, positive, clear
and concise in the use of language that
encourages unity is always my goal in
public speaking.
WHAT LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES
DO YOU PLAN TO IMPLEMENT?
We must create a culture of innovation
within Orange County that encourages
entrepreneurship as a priority for
local government. When government
embodies speed and efficiency through
a culture of innovation, it facilitates a
competitive business advantage that
leads to wealth and cascades the benefits
of prosperity to many.
WHAT ISSUES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT
TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT ARE
PRIORITY FOR YOU?
“My primary focus will be on business
development, smart growth, sustaining
livable neighborhoods, public safety,
improving our system of education and
forming partnerships with a regional
emphasis. Our goal is to make Orange
County the best place to live, work and
visit on planet earth.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FEEL ARE IN
YOUR FUTURE AND HOW TO YOU PLAN TO
TACKLE THEM?
Leading a new Board of County
Commissioners and obtaining their
support for my initiatives is a priority
and we will do this by ensuring that my
initiatives are also their initiatives. In
addition, in order to sustain our growing
community and economy, Orange
County must work in collaboration
with all four sectors—public, private,
education and independent (non-
profit) entities in creating economic
diversification. The county will not only
partner with traditional education and
higher-education, but also ensure there
is a strategy to provide more vocational
training for its residents. n
The love of family is my inspiration to
serve others.