Meet Yucaipa City Council candidate: Erik Sahakian

What goals have you established if elected?

• Bringing diversity to the Council so that it better reflects our growing community. I believe we can be a diverse community, which is still united by common bonds such as faith, family, humanity, and home.

• Providing a "voice" and representation for ALL Yucaipians, including the residents of Chapman Heights, young families, and our numerous mobile home communities. I want to see our city unified as one and I will strive to make sure that all citizens feel involved, connected, and welcome.

• Encouraging more business growth and new development while at the same time protecting the interests of our small business owners and "mom and pop" stores. I desire to strike a balance between maintaining the "small town" rural feel of Yucaipa, while at the same time, attracting more businesses to our city. The sales tax revenue, which more business growth would generate, is essential to the future economic health, longevity, and success of our city. Increased revenue would also allow for increases in public safety and infrastructure, which are needed to keep up with the demands of a growing city.

• Building partnerships to improve or rebuild the library for future generations to utilize and enjoy.

• Promoting the revitalization of the uptown shopping district so that it is a more desirable place where families can enjoy shopping and spending time together.

• Ensuring continued funding for a strong police and fire department, and hiring additional personnel to protect our city. I believe one of the central responsibilities of a good government is to provide for the safety and security of its citizens.

Tell us about your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration, from California State University, Fullerton. I also graduated from the University of Redlands with a Master of Business Administration degree. I'm also licensed by the California Department of Real Estate.

I know my educational background, business and management experience, and training in real estate will be an asset on the City Council.

How did you acquire your business and management experience?
My work experience includes seven years in the public sector, working for municipal and county government, four of which were in management. I also have eight years in the private sector, two of which have been as co-owner of my own growing property management business

When did you begin your business?
I began my property management business a little over two years ago. I had worked in the "rental" industry for six years with the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino.

What was your job duties and title with the Housing Authority?
The last four of those years I was a Property Manager overseeing single family homes on up to large apartment complexes in six different cities (about 50 different properties total).

What pleases you most about your time with the Housing Authority?
I had very good success turning around some very rough properties all while still maintaining a profit and not cutting any services.

After the Housing Authority, what was your next career move?
After four years I realized that perhaps it was my time to attempt the "American Dream" of starting my own business, so along with a friend of mine we began our property management company.

Describe the challenges of owning and managing your own business?
As anyone with a relatively new business knows, these last few years have been a lot of hard work, but all that sacrifice has been worth it. We are growing each month it seems and we haven't even advertised in over a year. It's all been "word of mouth." I tend to be an optimist so I always feel the future is full of potential, but I am certainly excited to see how this company continues to grow and develop

How do think your business experience will help you if elected as a council member?
I have a proven track record of strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, successful management, conservative values, character, and fairness.

What else would you like Yucaipa citizens and voters to know about you?
I know how to listen to people and respond to their needs. You can count on me to represent you with integrity, humility, and compassion. I look forward to partnering together to lead Yucaipa towards an even brighter and promising future.

I believe our BEST days are still ahead! Yucaipa is already a great city but it can still be made even better for future generations.