Lee Sun

Taxes / Budget The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) was founded with good intentions, but it has been severely mismanaged, facing financial troubles and scandals. Additionally, the City of Irvine advanced 7.7 million in taxpayer dollars to the OCPA without proper oversight. This cannot continue. We must act swiftly to prevent further waste of Irvine’s tax dollars on this troubled entity. Criminal Justice / Public Safety As Mayor, I will work tirelessly to strengthen our safety measures by: (a) integrating advanced, privacy-respecting technology, such as real-time crime tracking, into our crime prevention strategies; (b) equipping our police officers with the latest tools and specialized training to deter and address crime more effectively; (c) mobilizing the community through enhanced neighborhood watch programs and easy-to-use reporting platforms to foster a collaborative safety network; and (d) working with state officials and voters to amend or repeal Prop 47 by supporting Prop 36, ensuring that laws better reflect the needs of our city in combating property crimes while addressing underlying issues like rehabilitation. Infrastructure / Transportation As Mayor, I will champion a comprehensive traffic management plan that includes: (a) Expanding protected bike lanes to promote safe, eco-friendly commuting, reducing car dependence; (b) Enhancing the i-Connect system to provide more efficient connections between neighborhoods, job centers, and public transit hubs; (c) Introducing or expanding school bus programs to alleviate school-related traffic congestion and provide safer transport for students; (d) Implementing smart traffic management technologies to optimize traffic signals and improve flow. By integrating these solutions, we can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and make Irvine’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone. Our goal will be to create a city where walking, biking, and public transit are convenient and attractive alternatives to driving. Economy In addition to expanding the city's innovation council, I will establish a small business council to create policies that support small business success. I will also implement a streamlined, expedited permitting process to make it easier for new businesses to launch. By collaborating with both emerging startups and established businesses, I will foster innovation, create high-quality jobs, and ensure that Irvine remains a leader in technology and economic development. Infrastructure / Transportation As Irvine continues to grow, I am committed to ensuring that traffic management and school capacity are key considerations in any new development. While meeting state housing mandates is crucial, it is equally important that Irvine retains local control to ensure new developments enhance the quality of life for all residents. Arts / Culture I am committed to championing projects that will enrich our community by creating cultural and recreational hubs, including a world-class library, a permanent amphitheater, a cultural terrace, and dynamic water features. These developments will foster a vibrant and engaging environment for all Irvine residents. In advancing the Great Park, I am dedicated to ensuring it reflects the diverse voices and needs of our community, making it a true cornerstone of Irvine’s recreational and cultural life. Housing The lack of diverse housing options for middle- to low-income residents is the most critical barrier to housing accessibility in Irvine. Many essential workers and professionals, who are vital to our community, are being priced out of the current market. My priority as Mayor will be to support and approve housing projects that offer a balanced mix of affordable options while reducing barriers for existing homeowners to rent out properties or rooms, expanding housing availability.