OC Political

This afternoon, Yorba Linda Mayor Craig Young publicly announced that he was dropping out of the 55th Assembly District race. With Young’s exit, there remain three candidates left in the AD-55 race: Walnut Valley Unified School District Trustee Phillip Chen, Diamond Bar City Councilwoman Ling-Ling Chang, and Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye. Here’s the announcement Young sent out:

Today, I am stepping away from my State Assembly race to focus 100% of available energy and attention on defeating the special interests working against Yorba Linda taxpayers.

When I decided to run to succeed Curt Hagman in the State Assembly, it was to pick up where he will leave off fighting against the out-of-control state mandates and reckless spending in Sacramento.  My desire is to stop policies like the early release of hardened criminals into our communities, to protect our property rights, and to stop the practice of raising taxes rather than making tough decisions.

However, narrow special interests right here in Yorba Linda are working aggressively to undue the progress we’ve made moving our city forward – and they’re doing this at great risk and expense to our taxpayers.

Two years ago, Mayor Pro Tem Gene Hernandez, Tom Lindsey and I campaigned against a council that refused to put our community ahead of their own agendas. Fortunately, working together, we have made tremendous progress in getting the city back on track:

1. Town Center is now taking significant steps forward,
2. Crippling debt has been paid off saving Yorba Linda millions in non-budgeted deficit spending,
3. And for the first time your City Council is actively addressing the substantial unfunded pension, health and capital liabilities that will handicap our future.

This is great progress and I am very proud to have been a part of the accomplishments.  In fact I have never been more optimistic and energized about our future as long as we stay this course.

While I feel there is much good I can do in Sacramento, I refuse to pursue that good at the expense of our progress here in Yorba Linda. My first commitment is to our community as an elected leader.

Therefore, I am stepping away from the State Assembly race and focusing my entire attention on assuring Yorba Linda defeats the abusive recall and re-elects Tom Lindsey and another fiscally conservative councilmember this November.

The State still needs fixing. Government is too big, too controlling, and way too expensive. However, there are now three candidates vying for the State seat and I have become convinced that within this full slate there is a candidate who will represent our conservative interests.
But rest assured, while I am focused on making certain Yorba Linda is on sound footing, I will not lose sight of holding accountable those in Sacramento who are charged to represent us.

I have been humbled by the support of so many people in Yorba Linda and throughout the area.  There will be other opportunities for me to serve in different capacities, but at this time, my responsibilities as mayor takes top priority.

Thank you for your support and thank you to all who continue to stand with me in protecting the rights, pocket books and quality of life of Yorba Linda residents.