RE-ELECT DEPUTY MAYOR JIM CUNNINGHAM TO POWAY CITY COUNCIL
I WANT TO CONTINUE MY WORK TO KEEP POWAY THE BEST CITY IN THE COUNTY WITH BALANCED BUDGETS, LOWEST CRIME RATE, AND A GREAT QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR FAMILIES, VETERANS, AND ALL OF OUR CITIZENS.
Of all the decisions I have made in my life, most have turned out well and proven to be the right thing at the right time. Some, of course, have not turned out so well but some have been spectacular successes, such as asking Suzanne to marry me. Another great decision was to back Jim Cunningham for City Council four years ago. Jim has proven the wisdom of my choice time and time again and now I want to renew that endorsement for the upcoming Poway City Council elections.
In my opinion, Jim is the quintessential city councilmember. He serves because he cares about the City of Poway and its future. He serves to get things done to improve the City of Poway. And he serves because of a personal desire to do good for the citizens of Poway, his neighbors. Jim has no axes to grind, no ideological dogma to pursue, only a desire to keep Poway the incredible city that it is.
Jim took office just as our economy was tubing and city revenues were taking hit after hit. Many city programs were being curtailed or dropped. Layoffs and budget cuts threatened many city activities especially in the area of recreation and community services. When the Chamber of Commerce canceled the Poway Days Parade, Jim founded the Poway Community Association, a nonprofit, to take over the planning and staging of the event. The parade has been successful and growing ever since, a result of what Jim calls a “public-private partnership.”
After years of inaction for a Poway Veterans Park, Jim used his skills again to combine private donations with public land to create a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country through service in the armed forces. The fields at Community Park, Arbolitos Park and Meadowbrook Middle School were all renovated through the efforts of Jim, working in partnership with the school district, the city and private sponsorships.
Jim has served Poway regionally as a representative to the Metropolitan Transit System, serving on its board and its budget review committee. Jim also serves as Poway’s representative on the San Dieguito River Park Authority. He is a respected representative for the City of Poway, no matter where he serves.
A goal of Jim’s has always been to ensure that Poway’s position as the city with the lowest crime rate in San Diego County be maintained and/or improved. Jim is endorsed by both the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Poway Firefighters Association.
Jim believes that we must maintain the core values under which the City of Poway was founded while forever striving for new and innovative ways to finance those programs that are essential to preserving our “City in the Country.”
Jim deserves your support because he has proven time and again he knows how to get things done by working with everyone in the community through partnerships with public, private and nonprofit institutions. Jim Cunningham has earned another council term.
Press Release
Public Safety Groups Rally Around Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council
Poway, CA, Thursday October 18th, 2012
Poway Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham, who is running for re-election to the Poway City Council, has received the endorsements from some of the County’s major public safety employee associations.
The San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs Association, the San Diego County Deputy District Attorneys Association, The San Diego County Probation Officers Association together with San Diegan’s Against Crime are all supporting Jim Cunningham’s bid to be re-elected to Poway’s City Council.
“ It is an unbelievable honor to receive the support from our County’s men and women who patrol our streets, run our jails, who prosecute and seek justice in court for victims of crime and abuse, and all public safety employees who serve and protect us all. Poway maintains the lowest crime rate in the County because I believe the first priority in government is to make sure our citizens are safe in their homes, schools, work place and in their community.”
In addition to the most recent Law Enforcement Endorsements Jim Cunningham has also received the endorsement of the Poway Firefighters Association.
Background I am honored to have served the past four years on the Poway City Council as a City Council member and as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Poway. I am also an attorney, as is my wife, Chris. I attended Thomas Jefferson Law School approximately 25 years ago. I ran a number of businesses including a pedicab, copy shop and a coffee cart to pay for school. I met my wife Chris when I sold her an apple off the coffee cart in 1984. I like fishing, hunting and long distance running. I have completed 11 marathons and my favorite run is the 10-mile through the Blue Sky Reserve.
Poway Home We moved to the Val Verde neighborhood about 20 years ago. We had two children with more on the way and wanted a family-oriented community that had great schools and a great quality of life. Poway fit the bill perfectly.
Made for Politics Our family has a tradition of public service with four generations of New York City cops and firefighters. My mother made it clear that life was more than just taking care of yourself and your family and that you have to reach out and help as many people and families as you can during your brief time on this earth.
Biggest Accomplishment Helping to establish the Veteran Park and improve the Meadowbrook, Valley and Arbolitos sports fields, all while delivering balanced budgets.
Poway Favorites The list can go on for pages. Our quality of life, including our trails, parks, schools, sports, library and our unbelievably family-minded community are just some examples. Also, Poway Lake concerts, Old Poway Park, the parade and Winterfest, Blue Sky and Iron Mountain Trails, Veterans Park, the Farmers Market and The Kumeyaay Interpretive Center.
The FamilyMy daughter, Elizabeth, 23, attended Berkeley and works with the Lymphoma Society. Jimmy, 19, is an econ/accounting student at UC Santa Barbara. Norah, 17, is a senior at Poway High, a singer/songwriter, and the editor of the school newspaper. Patrick, 14, is a freshman and avid Lacrosse player.
One Wish for Poway That the city remains forever the quaint “city in the country” where people can live and raise their families in a community that values safe, clean streets, great parks and trails, and an unparalleled quality of life.
Name: James Joseph Cunningham Community: Val Verde Since: 1993 Occupation: Deputy Mayor, City of Poway Hometown: Bay Shore, New York Family: Elizabeth (23), Jimmy (19), Norah (17), and Patrick (14
Poway Noted as Having the Largest Reserves in the County Union Tribune April 2012
"...When scoring creditworthiness, the bond rating agency Standard & Poor’s gives top marks in reserves to agencies with 15 percent or more in fund balance...The city of Poway had the biggest reserves by percentage, with fund balances of $30 million or 93 percent of its general-fund spending last year.."
Deputy Mayor Cunningham at a recent Council meeting noted:
" The citizen's of Poway count on its leaders to not waste thier taxes and to save for a rainy day so , while other City's can't even pave thier streets, Poway can continue to provide excellent services to its residents while at the same time building significant reserves to weather future economic storms "
Celebrating the installation of a new stop sign at Solera and Valle Verde. Citizens united get things done !!
Emery: Endores Jim Cunningham for City Council 2012
By Bob Emery March 2012 Pomerado News
"A double hip, hip hooray to Councilmember Jim Cunningham for his decision to run for a second term. I endorsed Jim four years ago to run for the seat I was vacating and he has done an admirable job. The Veteran’s Park in Old Poway, the dedication of Scripps Poway Parkway in honor of the late Mickey Cafagna, and his sponsorship of a myriad of local events are proof he deserves another term. I will gladly vote for Jim again this time around."
Poway Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham Introduces Law to Help Local Economy ,
Union Tribune Jan. 23, 2012 POWAY — Poway will soon start awarding business contracts to companies within its own city limits instead of relying on outside groups. City Council members approved a local vender preference policy Tuesday that they said would keep tax revenue in Poway and push business for companies headquartered in the city.....
Jim Cunningham introduces Poway's New Family Holiday Event, " Winterfest " " Our community needs more opportunities to enjoy family events together in Poway "
Poway skating rink contributions top $8,000
By Pat Kumpan Pomerado News December 2011
Sponsors have contributed an estimated $8,000 in underwriting fees for a temporary outdoor ice skating rink, a major feature of Winterfest, which offers food, arts and crafts, kids’ karaoke and musical entertainment Dec. 16-19 at Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive.
Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham, who has spearheaded the contribution drive, said three companies have cornered the top levels of contributions: platinum sponsor, Wal-Mart, $3,500; silver sponsor, Kelchin Construction, $2,500; bronze sponsor, the law firm of McDougal, Love, Eckis, Boehmer and Foley; while an anonymous $500 donor and others have also contributed.
The City of Poway is holding its inaugural four-day Winterfest through Monday, Dec. 19 in Poway Community Park. There is ice skating, sledding, crafts and other activities available. All photos by Beverley Brooks
Bjondina Sopi skating at Winterfest in Poway.
Annika Trom, Kyrie Jackson & Olive Trom singing karaoke at Winterfest in Poway.
Brin & Caden Bramwell, Bella Kaplan & Erick Lopez at the craft table at Winterfest in Poway.
Christi Blackburn with daughter Shannon sledding down the Snow Hill at Winterfest in Poway.
Simon Lee sledding down the Snow Hill at Winterfest in Poway.
Sydney Linares sledding down the Snow Hill at Winterfest in Poway.
Cunningham announces re-election bid Union Tribune 10/24/11 “I am running for re-election now for the exact same reason I ran the first time,” he said in the release. “To make sure that we not only survive the significant economic challenges that I am sure await Poway, but that we thrive and prosper through these difficult times.” http://www.savethis.clickability.com/st/saveThisApp?clickMap=link&webPadID=K985376962
Cunningham launches Poway council re-election effort
By Steve Dreyer Pomerado News 10/25/2011
"....said that over the past three years, the city has had balanced budgets, a continued commitment to safety and “a number of ordinances and votes that reflect the quality of life in Poway for our veterans, our kids and families and the community as a whole.”
Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham Announces Run for Re-Election Poway Patch 10/24/2011 First elected to the City Council in 2008, Cunningham says he hopes to continue shepherding Poway through difficult economic times.
Poway Ends up with Budget Surplus !!! Cunningham points to conservative Fiscal Restraint
Changes Leave Poway With Budget Surplus
$2.4M Available Thanks To City Reductions, Other ChangesChannel 10 News
SAN DIEGO -- Officials with the city of Poway revealed a budget surplus of $2.4 million for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
"It's fabulous," said Poway City Councilman Jim Cunningham, who thinks other cities could learn from what Poway has done."There is a good payback for hard fiscal conservatism in a city," he added.
Poway last had layoffs in April 2009, but they've reduced staff by 17 percent by not filling positions when someone leaves.As for city pensions, Cunningham said, "The employees all made concessions on their pensions. We're one of the only cities in the county that pre-funded our pension obligations."
POWAY: Kumeyaay center opens library dedicated to San Pasqual elder: North County Times 11/08/2011 Gary Warth
"This is quite a spiritual day," Poway City Councilman Jim Cunningham said as he prepared to read a proclamation opening the library and recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month.
"You'd only have to meet Dorothy once to know she was quite a spirit, quite a woman," Cunningham said about Tavui, a San Pasqual tribal elder who died in 2010.
Volunteer Suzanne Emery talks about the new Dorothy M. Tavui Memorial Library at the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center prior to the dedication ceremony for the library in Poway on Tuesday. DON BOOMER | dboomer@nctimes.com
Old Coach Trail opening in Poway 08 Oct 2011
Poway Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham lead a group 10 miles from behind the Poway City Hall on the Trans-County trail to Escondido using the new Old Coach Trail that now links Poway to 75 miles of trails from Julian to Del Mar. Cunningham is a Board Member on the San Dieguito River Park representing Poway.
The hiking group arrives at the event site after completing the 10 mile hike, led by SDRP Ranger Natalie Borchardt and Jim Cunningham. Photo by Jim Coffee
February 22, 2010 Pomerado News: Poway Veteran's Park Finally Finds a Home
" The organizations have agreed to enter into a public-private sector agreement with the city, but discussions remain in the preliminary stage until the park project gets City Council approval, according to Cunningham.
Cunningham met with five local veterans a week ago, after he researched what land could be used to honor Poway's military men and women past, present and future.
He said he wanted to end the decade-long quest for such a park, after hearing from local veterans."
At a City Council meeting Cunningham noted:
" The time is here, the time is now, to show our resolve and commitment to these extraordinary veterans of Poway by moving forward with this honorable Veterans Park..."
MTS Board Member Cunningham Proposes Free Rides on Commuter Bus to save Poway Route San Diego 6 News, January 28, 2010
In an effort to improve ridership, the Metropolitan Transit System's Route 880 will be free from Feb. 16 to Feb. 26, She ( Lightner ) was joined by San Diego City Council members Todd Gloria and Carl DeMaio and Poway Councilman Jim Cunningham at a news conference in Sorrento Mesa to encourage residents to use the bus route.
Cunningham noted at a press conference after riding the 880 bus, " Alternative transportation options, such as the 880 express bus to San Diego are essential in these times of rising fuel prices and limited road expansion capabilities "
January 2010 Jim Cunningham Appointed to Metropolitan Transit System Board
" It is my honor to serve on the Board of one of the nations finest transit providers. I look forward to helping the MTS navigate through some of the most difficult financial times in its history.."
(Cunningham )Putting an end to harangues
November 14, 2009 San Diego Union-Tribune
At every Poway City Council meeting, a few neighbors opposed to the proposed expansion of a 16-year-old Wal-Mart have complained that their concerns are not being addressed, that they are being left out of the system.
It is part of the public comment process at council meetings. Anyone has a maximum three minutes to speak his piece. No need to let facts get in the way. This is the public’s time and the council may only listen.
No matter that even before the environmental report process began on the Poway Wal-Mart these very same people were able to address a public meeting on what they would like to see studied. No matter that the process is still going on, to the greatest of detail, with a draft report due in early 2010.
No matter that the draft will be circulated. Or that neighbors will be given a special meeting of their own to sound off. No matter that all responses to the draft will be considered and addressed by city staff in the final version.
Only then will the environmental report and the project itself go to the council for a vote.
When it became his turn to speak at the end of the Oct. 20 council meeting, Council member Jim Cunningham made a generous offer. He would open his office every two weeks for Wal-Mart opponents to voice their concerns. He would go through channels to seek answers to their questions. Cunningham has voiced no opinion on the Wal-Mart expansion, nor does he intend to in advance of a council vote. He simply wants to allay citizen frustration, keep accurate information flowing and, maybe, just maybe, free up some time for the council to do its business.
Cunningham, a lawyer who is executive director of the Riverside Sheriffs Association, was elected last November. He has served as a conduit before, to restore civility after a furor over library endowment funds.
We’re quite impressed. So, apparently were the anti-Wal-Mart people who accepted Cunningham’s generous offer. At the last meeting, for the first time, they were silent.
May 06, 2009 NBC San Diego:
Poway Councilmember Cunningham Supports the " Field of Dreams "
After a preliminary review of the issue, absent facts to the contrary, the Weisz family can expect my full support when this matter comes back to council. ..... I wholeheartedly do not support the notion that the Weisz's building a ball field for their kids and friends, as they have it designed, is a non-conforming use. Poway is all about great families and an unparallel[ed] quality of life. The Weisz's are a perfect example of a family dedicated to their children and their community.
March 5, 2009 San Diego Union Tribune Jim Cunningham fights to take back Poway Skate Park
San Diego Union Tribune Thumbprint scanner aims to curb unruly element at city skate park By J. Harry Jones
" ... The idea to do something about the park's problems came from newly elected City Councilman Jim Cunningham, who spent months during last year's campaign walking door-to-door in the community and talking to people about their issues.
Tuesday night, he said many told him they won't let their kids skate at the park because of the unruly element.
The park was opened in 2003 at a cost to taxpayers of $1.3 million. Cunningham said the cost of the new security system is reasonable to protect a city facility.
He said the situation was similar to buying a house for $1.3 million and then coming home one day to find a hole in the ceiling. A homeowner wouldn't hesitate to spend $50,000 to bring the building back up to value, he said.
“I view this expenditure as preserving a taxpayer asset,” he said. “We need to give the park back to the citizens. It's been taken over by about 20 people.”
" Cunningham moved to Poway in 1993. He is an attorney who also serves as executive director of the 4,000-member Riverside County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which gives him a broad background in matters related to employee negotiations and pension funds. He has done his homework on Poway issues and is prepared to step into the role as councilmember with a short learning curve. " http://www.mylocalnews.com/nws/index.php?/main/content/editorial_our_ballot_recommendations/
October 18, 2008
San Diego Union Tribune Endorses
Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council
"..Cunningham...his own man..an independent voice ...
Cunningham a Leader We Can Count on To Make the Tough Intelligent Decisions...
NewsChieftain / September 17, 2008
Steve Dreyer
{ WalMart Issue }
"Current and future Council members should not position on the expansion prior to a detailed analysis," Cunningham wrote.:
"Citizens may feel great passion on either side of the issue but
our leaders need to lead with knowledge and reflection, not emotion."
Cunningham's Campaign is Making a Difference in Our Community..One Oak Tree at a Time.. North County Times By JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer |Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:46 PM PDT Setting down roots: Instead of handing out campaign signs at Community Day on Saturday, Poway City Council candidate Jim Cunningham passed out oak tree seedlings.
"I want to leave something behind besides garbage (after the campaign is over)," Cunningham said.
He has passed out more than 600 so far, and plans to deliver 500 more to homeowners as he walks precincts, carrying the seedlings in a backpack. "The goal is to leave 1,000 more oak trees than when I began," he said. "We lost 10,000 trees in the fire."
9/02/08 CHECK OUT WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT JIM ON THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS WEBSITE ...CLICK HERE
Cunningham Running to Protect and Preserve all we love about Poway.
Union Tribune August 09, 2008
Jim Cunningham, 51, a resident since 1993. Cunningham has been endorsed by Emery, Mayor Mickey Cafagna and Councilman Don Higginson.
Cunningham, an attorney, says during these “very difficult times and the significant issues facing Poway, I'm running to protect and preserve all that we treasure in Poway: safe neighborhoods, quality of life and our fantastic school system.” jimforpoway.com
Cunningham to protect our safe neighborhoods
North County Times August 08, 2008
"The city's 2007-08 budget included Poway's first deficit, and Cunningham said a new council has to take care in what it will trim to balance the books. In tough budgetary times, you really want to have a leader who makes the right choices," he said. "A lot of people who are not used to working with budgets, they look at the most expensive line item and start budgeting from there, and all of those expensive line items are public safety."
Cunningham's father and grandfather were both firefighters in his home town of New York City, and since becoming an attorney in 1987 he has focused on labor issues involving public safety. He has been endorsed by the Poway Firefighter's Association and San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs' Association.
"I think they believe I have a good handle on the issues involving public safety and they're confident I'm committed to keep Poway the lowest crime rate in the whole county," Cunningham said about the endorsements.Cunningham's father and grandfather were both firefighters in his home town of New York City, and since becoming an attorney in 1987 he has focused on labor issues involving public safety. He has been endorsed by the Poway Firefighter's Association and San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs' Association.
Jim Cunningham Announced as the President of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk 2008
" Being honored as the President of an event that means so much to all of the families and friends of kids and adults who have been diagnosed with Leukemia and other blood borne cancers is one of the greatest honors of my life. "
Poway Firefighter's Association Endorses Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council
6/30/08 Poway Firefighter's Association Endorses Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council. Click here for a copy of the Press Release.
05/22/08 Former Poway Mayor and current Poway Council Member Don Higginson Endorses Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council. Click here to see Press Release
Jim Has Over 15 Years of Living the Poway Dream and a Lifetime of Leadership and Experience He Will Use To Protect and Preserve It.
Jim Cunningham Lecturing to One of the Nation's Largest Sheriff's Associations
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NEWS UPDATE 3/03/08:
POWAY CITY COUNCILMEMBER BOB EMERY ENDORSES JIM CUNNINGHAM FOR POWAY CITY COUNCIL.
Poway's Longest Standing City Council Member Bob Emery Elected to Poway's First City Council in 1980 Has Endorsed Long Time Resident Jim Cunningham for Poway City Council. Poway Chieftain March 06, 2008. ( Click to read article )
" Cunningham is a man of his word, Emery said to a round of applause. He is a smart guy and he'll support many of the things I've supported " North County Times March 04, 2008 " (Click to read article)
PAID FOR BY JIM CUNNINGHAM FOR POWAY CITY COUNCIL 2012 TAX ID # 1346681
