Mike Soubirous is a candidate for Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council. He is retired from the California Highway Patrol where he served more than 29 years across the Inland Empire.

With a career in law enforcement Soubirous answers questions on the system of red-light cameras in Riverside.

He was among the early candidates to declare his intention to run for Ward 3. The seat became vacant when Mayor Rusty Bailey won election after previously serving in Ward 3.

The pressing issues in this area of Riverside include the Riverside Plaza. It has seen a decline in businesses after the loss of Borders and Forever 21. A handful of smaller businesses have also closed.

Click here to learn more about all the candidates who are in the contest for Riverside City Council.

Click here to learn more about Measure A.

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Riverside native Clarice Burden is a candidate for Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council.

In a one-on-one interview with InstantRiverside.com she describes herself as a fan of “green” transportation.  Burden also has a strong opinion on Measure A.  If Riverside votes for the measure it will be an endorsement of the policy of using surplus-water revenue to continue to support the Riverside budget.

Burden says she has also heard a lot about Riverside’s system of cameras designed to photograph drivers who allegedly run red lights.

Burden accepted our invitation for an interview.  The questions were not revealed in advance.  Each candidate was also given the chance to make a video statement to the voters.

Click here to watch Clarice Burden explain why she is the best person to serve Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council.

Click here to learn more about all the candidates who are in the contest for Riverside City Council.

Click here to learn more about Measure A.

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Measure A:  Mayor Rusty Bailey explains why he supports a “yes” vote.

In Ward 2 and in Ward 4 sitting council members Andy Melendrez, and Paul Davis, respectively, are running unopposed.   In Ward 3, which is the area around the Riverside Plaza, voters will see five names on the ballot.  In Ward 6, which includes the Galleria at Tyler, voters will see six candidates on the ballot.

The Ward 3 vacancy was caused when council member Rusty Bailey was elected the Mayor of Riverside.  In Ward 6 council member Nancy Hart has decided to retire.

Video: Henry Funderburk is seeking election to Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council.

Video: Clarice Burden is seeking election to Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council.

Video: Mike Soubirous is seeking election to Ward 3 on the Riverside City Council.

InstantRiverside.com invited the candidates in each contested races to talk with us about their campaigns.   Our coverage begins online with their opening comments directly to the voters.   They have not been edited for length or content.

And, as has become tradition, we are presenting one-on-one interviews with the candidates.  In Ward 3 candidates Mike Soubirous, Henry Funderburk and Clarice Burden accepted our invitations.  Candidate Valerie Hill was unable to attend and candidate Ron “Rosco” Hernandez declined to participate.

In Ward 6 we spoke with candidates Larry Allen, Aurora Chavez, Scott Andrews and Chuck Mahatadse.  Candidates James Perry and Arthur Santore declined to participate.

Please look for the video reports to begin appearing on InstantRiverside.com during the next day.

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Henry Funderburk made the following statement on his campaign website:

What others say:  You are a tireless leader, energetic, a good listener, a strong business manager, caring for staff, have a good sense of humor, honest, financially responsible, and involved in the neighborhood, have skills for carrying out given tasks, and am great at resolving problems.  I remain constant in my desire to see others succeed whether it is with getting a pair of shoes, or with finding employment.

As your Councilmember, I will take the time to research solutions through the maze of departments at City Hall.  I will work with the Mayor and with the other councilmembers for the quickest remedy for problems such as tree trimming, filling of potholes.   I will be ever mindful that taxpayers want accountability, and want their dollars spent wisely.

I will continue involvement in Neighborhood Watch, Magnolia Area Neighborhood Alliance and Riverside Neighborhood Partnership once elected to the council so that I stay informed about issues in Ward 3.  Together we will work in finding solutions for issues in the work place, at home and where we recreate.

Henry Funderburk is here to work for you.

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The video on the right is his opening statement.   InstantRiverside.com will also be presenting a one-one-one interview.

Clarice Burden made the following comments to the League of Women Voters:

·         Riverside Native
·         Graduated from Ramona High School & RCC
·         Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration – Concentrations in Accounting, Statistics and Computer Management
·         Career as an Urban Planner

List four top priorities if elected:

·         Fiscal Responsibility – Responsibility today equals a promising future
·         Develop our local economy – Attract and retain businesses
·         Preserve our history – Hold on to the things that make Riverside unique
·         Communication and transparent government – I will work for you.

I have not sought endorsements – I am not forwarding anyone’s agenda.  I will be responsible to the citizens of this City.
What do you think is the single most important issue facing the City of Riverside today?  As Council Member, what would you do to address it?

It is important in these economic times to concentrate on improving our financial situation by operating within our means and expanding revenues through attracting businesses to produce prosperity within our community.

Campaign Finance Disclosure:
I have not taken money from anyone and I am committed to spending less than $1,000 of my own money on the campaign.

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Mike Soubirous is a retired CHP Commander and business owner.

The video on the right is his opening statement.   InstantRiverside.com will also be presenting a one-one-one interview.

This is his candidate statement:

As a 4th generation Californian, I’ve lived and worked in Riverside for over 30 years. My wife and I raised our daughters here. I am committed to the community, demonstrated by earning the rank of Eagle Scout and spending three decades in the California Highway Patrol.  I retired in 2011 as Commander of a local station.

My career in the CHP involved helping people during stressful and dangerous situations.  I helped, using a calm and fact-finding approach to problem solving.

Active in the non-profit community and small businessman, I know the importance of working together to help people. Working with citizens, I will set and achieve community priorities that will move Riverside forward.  I have the experience to make the tough decisions.

I will provide the leadership necessary to improve city government — making it simpler for local businesses to expand and ensuring a safe school environment for our children.

Riverside needs an independent voice that will speak out for what is best for our community. I am the best candidate because of my community service, experience and proven leadership ability.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

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NASA is now testing the Dream Chaser at Edwards Air Force Base to see if the public/private partnership could yield a replacement for the space shuttle fleet. The US is currently paying Russian for seats on flights to and from the International Space Station.

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Los Angeles Councilman Eric Garcetti defeated City Controller Wendy Greuel in a tight mayoral race between two Democrats, an election that saw big budgets and low turnout. Current Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s term ends in late June.

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