COSTA MESA MAYOR JOHN STEPHENS RAISES OVER $115,000 FOR HIS 2022 CAMPAIGN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 7, 2022
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Stephens (714) 337 1872
Costa Mesa, CA - Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens announced today that he has raised over $115,000 for his 2022 Mayoral campaign. The announcement comes days after the official close of the June 30, 2022 reporting period. Mayor Stephens was elected to the Costa Mesa City Council in 2016 and has served as Mayor since March 2021. He will be on the ballot for this-coming regular election on November 8, 2022.
In announcing the major fund-raising milestone Stephens said, “I am gratified that donors from so many neighborhoods and walks of life across the political spectrum have joined our campaign. I’m pleased that the Council’s efforts have been recognized by such a broad base of support.”
Mayor Stephens recognized the accomplishments of the City Council and staff over the past few challenging years, “We have an outstanding team of Councilmembers and City staff who are working every day, moving the City in the right direction on important issues such as public safety, homelessness, affordable housing opportunities, environmental sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
Recently, we passed a balanced budget and were one of the few cities to increase our reserves during the pandemic.” Mayor Stephens continued, “Importantly, we’ve changed to tone and tenor at City Hall to an environment of civility, openness, and joy. I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to the residents of Costa Mesa for the next two years.”
Mayor Stephens is running his campaign along with Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Marr (District 3) and Councilmembers Manuel Chavez (District 4) and Arlis Reynolds (District 5). “It has been an honor and pleasure to collaborate with Mayor Pro Tem Marr and Councilmembers Chavez and Reynolds for the past four years. They are all very talented and dedicated public servants. I’m very grateful to have them as teammates in our collective effort to continue to improve Costa Mesa,” Mayor Stephens said.
During the past four years, Costa Mesa has made great progress on many fronts. Through Costa Mesa’s 70-bed Bridge Shelter and outreach, since 2019, 225 individuals have been permanently housed and street homelessness has decreased by twenty percent. Costa Mesa’s rental assistance program has helped families stay in their homes. The City has enforced and defended its laws regarding Sober Living Homes to restore and preserve peaceful neighborhoods. There are more police officers and firefighters on staff today than at any time in the past 10 years. To enhance our environment, the City installed electric charging stations at City Hall, purchased many electric vehicles for its fleet, and received recognition as a LEED Gold City. Costa Mesa continues to construct safe bike lanes, and to improve the condition and safety of streets and alleyways. The City has improved our parks and athletic fields, including Jack Hammett Sports Complex and the Lions Park Playground. In the past four years, Costa Mesa has worked to develop well-paid jobs through a Community Workforce Agreement, and by attracting new businesses while supporting the City’s established commercial base.
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