I met with Roman Nava today, Candidate for the Chino Hills City Council. Roman has been on the local political forefront for several years. I first met him when he was an aide to State Assemblyman Bob Pacheco. Assemblyman Pacheco termed out in 2004. Roman now works for Gary Ovitt, who is the Fourth District Supervisor and Vice-Chairman for San Bernardino County.
Our conversation began with a broad discussion on the state of our country but I wanted to get specific and pose a number of questions to him before our time ran out. Here is an overview of our conversation...
ChinoHills.com: What's motivating you to run for City Council?
Roman: Like you, I care about the community, especially Chino Hills. We've lived in Chino Hills for over 7 year and recently bought a new home in the Los Serranos Ranch area. I've been involved in the community for a long time and I think it is time for some fresh ideas on the Council.
ChinoHills.com: Do you think you have the experience to be on the City Council?
Roman: Some of our first councilmembers were in my age group when they began. I think I have the experience necessary.
ChinoHills.com: If you are elected, do you plan to move on to higher offices within the state or do you plan to stay on for more terms on the council?
Roman: Well, my dad taught me to shoot for the stars. My first priority is Chino Hills. If I am elected I may stay on for a few more terms but I think it is possible that I might run for a higher office as well. I'm only in my 30s and I've seen what it's like in the Capital. I was honored to do some work for Pete Wilson some years ago and it was a privilege to see how things work in Sacramento. I can't say anything for now but it certainly is possible that if I am elected here that I will try to run for higher positions in the future.
ChinoHills.com: Overall, I'm pretty happy with our city government, but I'm not happy with our state government and many of our local leaders eventually move on to state positions. So I'd like to ask you a few questions related to state-wide issues. How do feel about Proposition 8?
Roman: I was raised a Catholic and I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman. I think we need to be sensitive to the gay community but I don't think we should change the definition of marriage.
ChinoHills.com: What's your view on abortion?
Roman: Well, we're in the 21st century so I think this is a difficult time but I don't believe the government should be funding abortions. I am pro-life but I do think there should be an exception where the life of the mother is involved or at risk.
ChinoHills.com: A few years ago, we had a huge controversy about the city changing zoning rules to allow higher-than-allowed spires on the new Hindu Temple. If they come back to ask for that allowance again, will you vote yes or no?
Roman: Actually, I am going there in a few days to take a tour. I think the Indian people in Chino Hills are making a great contribution and bring a lot to the area. I want to be fair and open minded, will consider all viewpoints and decide what is best for the city and the community.
ChinoHills.com: What other issues are important to you related to our city?
Roman: I think that the city should be more supportive of businesses within our city. At the end of each city council meeting today, we hear a dedication to the troops in Iraq, and that is a perfectly good thing to do, our council members should also use those moments to remind citizens to support our local businesses. We now have The Shoppes for example and we have the Shop Chino Hills First Program. Let's remind residents at the end of each meeting to Shop in Chino Hills first and that there is no need to go any further, especially now.
Roman also described some issues related to how our agreement with the SB Sheriff's Dept. is very good and discussed the pros, cons, and costs of having our own Police Dept.
My Summary:
I feel a lot in common with Roman. He's a family man with conservative values. I wish he was less vague and more direct in his answers to some of my questions; it's hard to get anyone running for office today to just answer "Yes and here's why..." or "No, and here's why..."
He seems to know his way around the state government bureaucracy and he has worked for conservative representatives for many years. This kind of experience could be valuable. I'm not voting for him yet; I want to talk to some of the other candidates first, but I do like him.
and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.