Fountain Valley City Council incumbents are facing two challengers in November’s election.
Alice “Rudy” Huebner, a manager with UX Design, and Katy V. Wright, a speaker and nonprofit board secretary, are vying with incumbents Glenn Grandis and Ted Bui for the seats.
Bui and Grandis both joined the council in 2020.
The newspaper asked the candidates a series of questions for its voters guide.
When asked about leadership, Wright said she seeks more information when making decisions, calling herself “respectfully skeptical.”
“My best way to represent our diverse community is to encourage everyone to communicate with their City Council directly. Attend meetings, and speak up,” she said.
Having grown up in Fountain Valley and being involved in its community organizations, Huebner said she has a good understanding of what residents need and value.
“As the first millennial to serve on the City Council, I would bring a fresh perspective and advocate for the younger generations, ensuring their voices are included in shaping our city’s future,” she added.
Grandis, who has also lived in town much of his life, said his background as a small business owner equipped him with fiscal responsibility he brings to leadership.
“I love Fountain Valley and believe in the power of community service,” he said and added, “As a parent, I am committed to the safety and success of our community.”
Bui said he is “committed to listening to and representing all residents of our city, regardless of background or circumstance.”
“Leadership is about collaboration, transparency and being open to different perspectives,” he said. “As a councilmember, I have worked hard to engage with the community, listen to their concerns and ensure that everyone has a voice in city decisions.”
The voter guide also asked the candidates what they had to say about the biggest need they see Fountain Valley facing. Here are their answers:
Bui: “The biggest need our city faces is maintaining a balance between growth and the preservation of our quality of life. As the city grows, we face increased pressure on housing, infrastructure, public services, group homes or sober houses and homelessness. To address this, I believe we must take a measured approach to development — one that encourages responsible growth while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. This means prioritizing infrastructure improvements, such as roads, public safety and utilities, while also promoting affordable housing options that fit within the community’s vision. Providing a navigation center to combat the unhoused population.
I will advocate for policies that balance the need for economic growth with the preservation of what makes our city a great place to live. Additionally, by fostering partnerships with local businesses and developers, we can create innovative solutions that benefit both residents and the economy. As your re-elected councilmember, I will work to ensure our city grows responsibly, with a clear focus on long-term sustainability and quality of life for all residents.”
Grandis: “The biggest challenge in Fountain Valley is the growing challenge of homelessness. We face this challenge with both compassion and responsibility. Our community is built on values of care and support, and it is essential that we extend a helping hand to those in need. By investing in a navigation center in partnership with the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove, we are not only providing immediate shelter, but also comprehensive wrap-around services that pave the way for permanent housing solutions. Our goal is to help individuals transition out of homelessness with dignity, ensuring that they don’t have to return to the streets.
As mayor, I was proud to hold a town hall where we provided an update to our residents and received feedback from many of the over 100 in attendance.
At the same time, we recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of our public spaces for all residents. By upholding our anti-camping laws, we preserve the safety and enjoyment of our parks and community areas. This dual approach allows us to address the issue of homelessness in a manner that is both compassionate and effective, reinforcing the values that make Fountain Valley a nice place to live.”
Huebner: “In my opinion, the biggest need our city faces is addressing the unhoused population. As a councilmember, I would prioritize a compassionate and practical approach to this issue. I strongly support the partnership between the Fountain Valley Police Department and CityNet, which sends social workers to help the homeless, allowing our police to focus on fighting crime. This collaboration is crucial in providing immediate assistance while working toward long-term solutions. Additionally, we must continue to strengthen partnerships with community organizations, local agencies and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness.
Maintaining the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods is equally important. By pursuing a balanced approach, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community where all residents feel secure and valued. Addressing homelessness is about more than just providing shelter; it’s about offering hope, dignity and pathways to a better future for everyone in Fountain Valley.”
Wright: “I feel our biggest need is better communication. Due to costs, the city primarily uses electronic communications to keep citizens informed. Many residents do not use the city’s website, in part, because it requires opening an account. Social media is a blessing and a curse. I would suggest a televised and recorded town hall session twice a year.”
The newspaper’s voter guide also asked the candidates questions about meeting the demand for housing, climate change and budgeting. Check out what they said at ocregister.com/voter-guide. The guide includes all the races on the ballots.