Candidate introduction: Dan Temple runs for City Council

Editor’s note: It’s campaign season for candidates seeking local public office. As residents are certified as official candidates, we invite them to submit an introductory statement for publication. They also have the option of purchasing paid political advertisements. In today’s statement we hear from Dan Temple, a candidate for City Council in District 3, the southeast portion of the city.

My wife and I have been married 30 years, and we have proudly called Menifee home for 21 years. Our two kids attended Santa Rosa Academy and have since graduated from college. I’m running for City Council because I love living in Menifee and want to ensure our city remains safe and provides an exceptional quality of life.

After high school, I served five years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. I completed my basic training at MCRD, San Diego, then spent seven months of additional training at Camp LeJeune, NC. This service, along with my career choice in law enforcement, have instilled in me a deep love of my country and a sense of duty and commitment to public service.

In 1990, I began my career as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. In 2003 I promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and retired in 2017. I served in many offices, including East Los Angeles, Indio, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside and finally Temecula. While stationed at the Indio CHP office, I worked an additional assignment: to be the Hispanic Outreach Officer. I enjoyed this assignment tremendously, as it allowed me to make an impact by connecting with the Hispanic families in their communities and speaking with people in the Spanish language to address their needs and concerns.

I’ve held leadership positions in several local organizations. I currently serve on the Menifee Interfaith Council. Fred Twyman, who served on the city’s first City Council, appointed me to the Menifee General Plan Advisory Committee. It was also a great privilege to serve two terms on the Santa Rosa School Board, and be a part of its growth, including the construction of the current facility.

As your representative on the Menifee City Council, I will:
• Prioritize public safety, fully-fund police and fire services
• Ensure a balanced city budget and healthy reserve fund
• Support local businesses and attract desirable new businesses
• Invest in park enhancements, road improvements, and traffic reduction
• Ensure Menifee remains a great place to live, work, play and raise a family

I am endorsed by:
• Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman
• District 3 Council Member Lesa Sobek
• District 4 Council Member Dean Deines
• Menifee School Board VP Jackie Johansen
• Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin
• County Supervisor Chuck Washington

I have a deep love for our little city. Whether I’m playing on the pickleball courts of our parks, climbing our local hills to the cross, or just sitting in my yard with friends and family, I’m constantly reminded of why I think Menifee is a great place. It is why I live here, it is why I’ve served here, and it is why I want to continue to serve. It would be an honor to receive your vote. Thank you.

I’ll bring responsible, effective leadership to the City Council.