Tomassini seeks greater volunteerism, transparency

 

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

The newest candidate for the District 1 seat on Menifee City Council pledges to foster a greater sense of volunteerism and facilitate increased transparency in city issues.

Yamil Tomassini, 35, is a five-year resident of Menifee and a Marine Corps veteran. This is his first attempt to run for public office. A native of Puerto Rico, Tomassini is a single father and is a full-time doctoral student completing his dissertation on the sociological benefits of support for military veterans.

Tomassini will be running against Robert Karwin, local attorney and current Menifee Planning Commissioner, in District 1, which covers the Sun City community in Menifee.

“I’ve always wanted to do more for my community,” Tomassini said about his decision to run for public office for the first time. “That’s why I joined the military. Five years ago, I reached out to the mayor and a City Council member, asking how I could help. Nothing ever developed. I want to be that responsive, attentive person who helps others.”

Tomassini has volunteered as a mentor to students in other areas and donates his time to Habitat for Humanity, but he said he wants to be more centered in the community efforts in Menifee. On his campaign Facebook page, Tomassini states, “My goal is to provide more educational assistance for K-12 parents, a focused senior citizen transportation service, and visibility and clarity to the citizens of Menifee on all issues.”

“I want to have a location where residents can sign up for volunteer tutoring to help our students,” he said in an interview this week. “A lot of parents work full-time and don’t have the same resources [during distance learning].”

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of schools, Tomassini said it’s time to open things up.

“Looking at the statistics daily, I just don’t see the point of keeping kids home,” he said. “The average age of COVID victims is much older. I’m all about opening our schools. I know COVID is serious, but we need to have a clear plan for re-opening schools.”

Tomassini’s idea for improving transportation for seniors in the Sun City community is to develop a system of volunteers to drive seniors to the market, to doctor’s appointments, and for other issues.

“A lot of people are willing to volunteer, and I’m sure there are people who would be happy to transport senior to a doctor’s appointment,” he said.

Tomassini admitted there would be a liability issue with such a system. He suggested that those participating would be subject to background checks and would have to sign a waiver.

Another of Tomassini’s major concerns is transparency in city issues.

“You take the theater and the [Smart & Final] building,” he said about unfinished construction projects in town. “I believe as taxpayers, we should have an outlet to find out what’s going on. The mayor and the City Council work for the people. The city should have regular updates on their website.”

Tomassini’s concern about transparency extends to Measure DD, the 1 percent sales tax that was approved by voters in 2016 to help fund public safety, including the new Menifee Police Department. According to city documents, the City receives about $10 million per year in Measure DD funds. Tomassini believes there should be a better accounting of how those funds are used and whether that much is really needed.

There will be a ballot measure in November to recall Measure DD. Tomassini he would not vote to recall Measure DD, but he has concerns.

“I believe the measure is good, but it needs to be revised,” Tomassini said. “Maybe make it one-half percent. I don’t see how the money is being utilized. Is $10 million really needed? We need more accountability on what those funds are being used for. I know we need the measure, but I believe there’s a lot of waste happening.”

Tomassini said he is spending a lot of time walking neighborhoods and talking to residents.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people,” he said. “I want to know what more I can do to help.”