Mayor Zimmerman's experience is seen in many areas

Editor's note: This is the sixth in a series of interviews with candidates for mayor and City Council in the City of Menifee.

For the last two years, Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman has been at the helm of city leadership that has delivered a freeway interchange, new parks, new trails and a new municipal police department. These are accomplishments Zimmerman cites as proof of the experience he brings to his campaign to continue as mayor in November.

"We all have ideas. But the ability to champion an idea from concept to completion takes real work," said Zimmerman.

Prior to his 2018 appointment to succeed the late Neil Winter as mayor, Zimmerman was busy delivering new opportunities that promote the arts, local history, talent shows and numerous programs for kids.

"Menifee is our hometown,” said Zimmerman, a 30-year resident. “It's what motivates my wife Julie and me to serve. It's in our hearts, I guess. It's like when you raise a child. Love compels you to protect her and nurture her and be proud of her as she grows. We always want the best for those things that we care deeply for.”

Menifee incorporated as a city in 2008. Zimmerman, who at that time had over 20 years experience in the land planning and environmental profession, began serving on Menifee's inaugural Planning Commission and helped craft the city's General Plan.

"I learned so much from that experience,” he said. “There's an art to introducing new ideas and knowing how to build consensus. It may be why today's Council functions so well together as a team.”

Zimmerman said he has a focused perspective on improving quality of life in Menifee.

"My wife likes the term ‘social infrastructure’," he said. "We know the city will continue to grow, so it's important that our lifestyle opportunities keep pace. Things like libraries, playgrounds, nature centers, splash pads, museums and senior centers, they help make living in Menifee so enjoyable.”

Zimmerman served as former Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley's Trails Commissioner representing District 5. He helped champion the Salt Creek Trail that is nearing completion.

“I'm proud that we can deliver this four-mile segment of the trail through our city,” he said. "It's another jewel in our crown.”

Ten years ago Zimmerman helped create Arts Council Menifee and served a term as its president. He used vacation time from work to spend summer days hosting free art camp programs for youth in the Quail Valley and Romoland communities in Menifee.

Zimmerman also enjoys researching and learning about Menifee's history, and refers to himself as a "historian in training". When the Historical Association members had desires to create a history museum and to place 12 monuments in historically significant locations in the city, they called upon Zimmerman to carry those ideas to the finish line. He delivered.

"It feels good to know that these efforts will benefit future residents for years to come, long after we're gone,” he said.

Possibly Zimmerman’s most impressive accomplishment was the creation of a new Boys & Girls Club. His steering committee worked hard to raise the funds, hire staff and open the doors to serve families.

Looking toward election day in November, Zimmerman hopes voters recognize and appreciate his servant style.

"I try to be the opposite of a typical politician,” he said.

Today Zimmerman is Menifee's representative on the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). In his first meeting there, he asked why Menifee's freeway interchanges were some of the last to be upgraded. Zimmerman said he was told that in earlier years, those other cities did a better job of articulating their funding needs than Menifee did. The following month RCTC held their workshop, where future projects can be added to the funding list.

"I was the new guy, but I knew I had a responsibility to speak up and deliver a clear message of why Menifee will need a future interchange at Garbani Road,” Zimmerman said.

The RCTC Commissioners approved adding the project.

"Twenty years from now, the residents will be happy I spoke up today,” Zimmerman said.