Jim Pull

Name: Jim Pull

Age: 50

Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota

How long have you lived in Fountain Valley? About 40 years. I moved into the city in 1967 and have lived here ever since except for a few years in my 20s when I had moved out of my parents’ home. My wife and have lived at our current resident since March 1991 -- almost 20 years.

Occupation: I am a disabled American. Before my birth defect rendered me unable to work full time, I was a quality assurance supervisor, analyst and technician. From 2006 to 2009, I worked for Stewart Film Screen Corporation, and prior to that, 16.5 years with MGE UPS Systems in Costa Mesa (now known as APC).

Education: I graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 1978 where I was an All-American swimmer. I also attended two years at Golden West College (also All-American swimmer for both years). I did not graduate. I have also taken quite a few professional courses and seminars ranging from general QA practices to managing and supervising.

Previously elected or appointed positions: None, but EVERYONE has to have a first. This is my first foray into elected community service.

Community organizations you belong to: Currently None

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Fountain Valley right now?

Well, the budget of course and maintaining public safety and services in the current economic situation while trying to create a budget that will not only keep us from going further into debt, but also pull us out of our current past due obligations

What is one decision in the last year that the City Council got right and why would you have supported it?

I think the restructuring of some of the pension plans by the current council is one of the more promising decisions made all year. If it works out like they planned, it should allow us to continue employing quality personnel in our police, fire and administration services. I support it because we need to be proactive in this area, but also we can’t change it so much that high quality employees won’t want to work for Fountain Valley.

What is one decision in the last year that the City Council got wrong, or partially wrong, and why would you have voted differently?

I am not going to point at one particular item but a group of issues the council has either ignored or didn’t get right; for instance, continuing to have the old and extremely restrictive sign policy which not only frustrates the contractors, but the business owners and managers alike. We also are known as one of the hardest cities to work in with regards to our building codes and fees etc., this should be streamlined to encourage more people to want to do business and work in our city. Another thing that the current council should have done along with the state mandated furloughs etc. is turn OFF the fountain. Fill it in with something that doesn’t require tremendous amounts water, power and chemicals to operate.

And lastly I would like this opportunity to explain why I chose to run in this year’s election. As a disabled American, I have extra time and energy to devote to the position. I am not encumbered with another profession to distract me from the duties involved. This allows me to devote quality time and energy to the job if I were to be elected. I also feel that both America and Fountain Valley has allowed me to get to where I am in my life and now I want to contribute. I am proud of my city; I enjoy living here and want to do everything I can so that all the residents feel the same way. I also feel safe in our city and want to make sure that the city leaders maintain the current level of security, and if I am elected, I will do whatever I can to maintain the police and fire budgets to ensure that we continue to be a quiet and safe city to live and work in. I also have been thoroughly frustrated by the building codes and fees, so much so, that instead of just complaining about, I want to do what I can to better our processes and systems so that people want to do live, work and do business in Fountain Valley.