Anaheim Police Association Endorses Andrew Sarega for City Council, District 5 seat
Sarega’s endorsement shows strong support in Anaheim and puts him as the front-runner for the council seat in District 5.
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Sarega for Anaheim
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About Andrew
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As a first-generation American, I was born in the United States just two months after my parents fled Communist Romania in 1986, seeking a fresh start. Their resilience and dedication opened numerous opportunities for my siblings and me, instilling core values of faith, family, and community.
I earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in public administration, and a Juris Doctor from institutions like California State University - Fullerton, and Chapman University, respectively. My education led to careers in law enforcement, law, and public service.
Starting in law enforcement at 21, I learned firsthand about community issues and the critical importance of public safety. At 25, I entered public office in the Gateway Cities region, eventually serving over 11 years as both Council Member and Mayor, where I developed extensive expertise in local government and public policy.
After an injury in law enforcement, I shifted my focus to law, passing the California Bar Exam on my first attempt. I now serve as General Counsel for the Bellflower Unified School District. My life has been a testament to public service, and it is an honor to positively impact communities across California.
I have also contributed to numerous regional and state boards, committees, and commissions, enhancing my skills in budgeting, policy formation, public safety, land use, and community engagement. These experiences have prepared me to effectively address local, county, and state issues, and I aim to bring this expertise to the Anaheim City Council.
Outside of public service, I have started businesses in real estate and law. These experiences have taught me the challenges of entrepreneurship and the critical role of supporting small businesses.
I reside in Anaheim with my wife, Susan. My family has deep roots here—my father was actively involved in Bethel Baptist Church, my brother serves as a police detective in a local department, and my sister works as a nurse at a medical center in West Anaheim. I am eager to continue our family's tradition of service and contribute positively to the Anaheim community.
“Experience and passion in the service of others.”​
PLATFORM AND PRIORITIES FOR ANAHEIM
Public Safety​
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Ensuring our residents feel safe is a fundamental responsibility of our leaders. Public safety is the foundation of any thriving community, and Anaheim is no different. As a retired police officer, I've seen firsthand the challenges and shortcomings of our current policies. Too often, well-intentioned decisions by our leaders fail to account for the realities of public safety, leading to negative impacts on our community.​​​​​​​​
During my decade-long tenure as a public servant, I worked closely with various public safety agencies to foster positive change in communities across Southern California. Our law enforcement officers need the right equipment and training to protect us effectively. However, they often face challenges like staffing shortages, negative media coverage, poor morale, and inadequate resources. Fire departments face similar issues, but with experienced and determined leadership, these challenges can be addressed.
If elected, my priority will be to enhance public safety by increasing the number of officers and firefighters, which are currently too few for a city the size of Anaheim. As our city grows, so will the public safety challenges. We need leaders who can think long-term and prepare our city for the future.
Homelessness is another critical issue affecting public safety. Despite millions spent in Orange County, the problem has only worsened. From my experience as a police officer, many on the streets suffer from chronic homelessness, drug addiction and mental health issues. We need practical solutions that address both public safety and health related causes to this crisis.
We can’t allow our community to suffer because our leaders avoid making tough decisions. My priority will be strict enforcement of laws and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure our streets are safe and enjoyable for everyone. Many cities in our state have a reputation for being a haven for those experiencing homelessness, but cities have the tools to address many of these issues. It takes leaders willing to stand firm and face criticism for the sake of our community. I am committed to making the tough decisions necessary for the betterment of our city and will continue to do so if elected to the Anaheim City Council.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​Small Business Support
Small businesses are the heart and soul of Anaheim, driving our local economy and fostering a vibrant community. As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges we face. As your representative on the City Council, I am committed to cutting through the red tape that hinders small business growth. By streamlining permits and reducing unnecessary regulations, we can make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Anaheim.
I believe in providing our local businesses with the resources they need to succeed. That's why I will advocate for increased funding for small business grants and low-interest loans. Supporting our local entrepreneurs means promoting a culture of innovation to keep up with today’s ever-changing landscape. By fostering a thriving small business community, we can stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for all residents, ensuring Anaheim remains a great place to live, work, and do business.​​​
​​​​​​​Transparency
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When I was first elected to public service, I advocated for ways to improve transparency during public meetings. Residents were concerned because they lacked information about the decisions being made. This led to efforts to stream meetings online. This change led to increased resident engagement as people became more involved in city affairs. Other key efforts were to post city budgets online in a user-friendly, interactive manner so residents could see
exactly how their tax dollars were used and further understand the city's priorities. Anaheim has faced challenges with decisions being made in secret, eroding public trust. I always aim to be open and transparent with my decisions and plan to maintain an open-door policy with residents in my service to the City of Anaheim. My goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are in the best interests of the community.​
​​​​​​​Infrastructure
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A city's infrastructure shapes its first impression. Well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and medians suggest a well-run city. My goal as a public servant has always been to ensure that residents are proud of their city. Maintaining infrastructure is a core responsibility of local government.
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Infrastructure projects, including clean and well-maintained roads, are among the most expensive
budget items for a city. Many cities defer repairs, eventually leading to increased taxes to cover what should have been planned for. I have served on several boards overseeing large infrastructure projects across Southern California. As costs continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important to repair roads now and establish a long-term maintenance plan.
Parks and open spaces also play a crucial role in the quality of life for residents. Creating and maintaining these areas allows families to spend time together, children to engage in sports programs, and generally enhances neighborhood appeal. However, these projects, much like road maintenance, are often overlooked in favor of other initiatives. Many elected officials fail to prioritize these quality-of-life issues and accept whatever is recommended by city staff without question. I will consistently analyze and challenge budgets that do not prioritize residents' daily lives.
Anaheim needs experienced leadership to implement a positive long-term vision for the city. Without vision and execution, a city will resort to a patchwork approach, always playing catch- up and failing to provide residents with a home they deserve.
Endorsements
GET INVOLVED
Walk a Precinct
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Join Andrew by engaging with voters in the district. Precinct walking is immensely important in any election and not only helps promote the candidate, but also allows voters to communicate issues within their community. If you would be willing to walk precincts, please contact us below.
Host a Meet and Greet
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Meet and greets are a great way to gather neighbors and friends to meet the candidate and learn more about the where he stands on various issues. If you would like to host a meet and greet at your home, please contact us below.
Phone Bank
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If you would like to volunteer, phone banking is a great way to help communicate the candidates message to voters from the comfort of your own home or with a group of individuals at the campaign office. Please contact us below if you would be interesting in contacting voters over the phone.
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