Politics & Government

Diamond Bar City Council Candidate Q and A: Steve Tye

Diamond Bar City Council candidates answer questions from Patch about themselves and the issues.

Diamond Bar City Council Candidate Q and A

Name: Steve Tye
Age: 58
Occupation: Wealth Strategy Associate with OnPointe Wealth Partners at UBS Financial Services in Brea

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected or reelected to the Diamond Bar City Council.

My family has lived in Diamond Bar since 1982 - my children grew up here, went to school     here, my wife teaches at Diamond Ranch - we are part of the fabric of Diamond Bar, and I     continue to enjoy serving the community.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing Diamond Bar?

Economic development is the most pressing issue for Diamond Bar - everything flows from having successful businesses in our community, businesses that people want and are willing to patronize.

3. If elected or reelected, what would be your top 3 priorities in the upcoming term?

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The top 3 priorities are public safety, economic development, and traffic.

4. Part of a council member’s job is to make sure the city’s budget remains balanced and money is spent wisely. What is your experience in working with budgets?

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I have spent 8 years on the Council, making sure every budget is balanced and passed on    time. Diamond Bar is a contract city, and we get the most out of our resources.

5. Many residents say that there aren’t enough of the businesses they want in Diamond Bar.  What types of businesses would you like to see locate in the city and how would you go about bringing them to town?

I would like to see a nationally recognized restaurant operator, a theatre operator, a major retailer, whether a grocer or sporting goods or clothing retailer. I would like Diamond Bar residents to have the opportunity to eat, shop and be entertained in Diamond Bar.

6. Traffic is another key concern in Diamond Bar. What solutions do you have for easing gridlock on city streets? Is that an issue that a council member can do something about?

We need to give commuters a reason to STAY on the freeway and not use Diamond Bar Blvd. and/or Grand Ave. as bypass roads. This will be accomplished by improving the 57 / 60 freeway interchange, recognized as one of the worst in the country. The council can ABSOLUTELY do something about these issues by engaging our state and congressional leaders to gain the necessary resources to make the needed improvements. At our invitation,     Congressman Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, came to Diamond Bar to view the problem for himself. It's one thing to hear about a problem  when you're 3,000 miles away - it's quite another to stand on the Grand Ave. bridge over the freeways and view the problem first-hand.

7. What is your vision for developing the vacant Diamond Bar Honda property? What kind of businesses would you like to see go in there?

I would like to see a nationally recognized hotel brand come in and build a world-class facility. We need a business that will provide the most sales tax revenue possible so the city can continue to provide services and amenities our residents expect and enjoy.

8. What is your vision for revitalizing the city’s north end?

Vibrant retailers that Diamond Bar will support will go a long way to revitalizing the north end of Diamond Bar. Combined with locally operated retailers, like Hot Dog Pops that offer a good product, will help toward revitalization.

9. Many cities, including Diamond Bar, are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of maintaining Lighting and Open Space Maintenance Districts (LOSMD). What do you think needs to be done to generate more revenue to fund them? Would you be willing to seek an increase in assessments from residents and business owners? If not, why not.

It is always up to the residents of Diamond Bar regarding what they are willing to pay for, and how much they are willing to pay.

10. Please share anything else you think readers would be interested in knowing about you or your campaign.

I am not running AGAINST anybody - I am running FOR Diamond Bar. It has been a  privilege to represent Diamond Bar on the city council, and I look forward to continuing to do my best for the entire community.













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