Newport Beach residents expect careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Dr. Gerken supports transparent budgeting, independent financial oversight, and disciplined spending practices that prioritize public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood needs over vanity projects or politically driven expenditures.

Newport Beach's character must be preserved as development pressures mount from state mandates and regional growth demands.

• No tax dollars for "vanity videos" or other self-promotion by council members.

• Protect the citizens right to vote for debt, development and policy initiatives

• Oppose the additional $50 million to put the police station in Civic Center Park.

• Invest to strengthen the city economy, promote local businesses and enhance our property values.

• Pay down our pension obligations and reduce unnecessary spending

• Protect city reserves

• Demand accountability and value engineering for major capital projects.

City government works best when residents are informed and engaged. Dr. Gerken will advocate for greater transparency in decision-making, increased public input, and stronger accountability regarding major city expenditures and development proposals.

As a coastal community, Newport Beach has a unique responsibility to protect our bay, beaches, and natural environment for future generations.

• Eliminate "Ad Hoc" committees that allow the council to meet in private without minutes or public notice.

• Require all meetings to take, maintain and release minutes to the public.

• Enhance lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements.

• Enforce City Charter prohibitions on council meddling in staff assignments by the City Manager.

From airport noise, to traffic congestion, to preservation of parks and public spaces, Dr. Gerken's campaign is focused on maintaining the exceptional quality of life that makes Newport Beach one of the most desirable communities in California.

Gridlock on Coast Highway and PCH degrades the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Infrastructure investments must be strategic and fiscally sound.

• Extend the Airport Settlement Agreement

• Protect parks and open space

• Eliminate back room deals involving city property for development

• Ensure residents get to vote on the General Plan

• Invest to protect water quality in the bay and on our beaches.

• Protect the Harbor and recognize its economic value to the city.

• Celebrate our history, traditions and cultural resources

• Expand and enhance our award winning library system.

• Work to reduce traffic impacts on our neighborhoods.

Residents consistently voice concern about overdevelopment, traffic impacts, and proposals for taller condo complexes that alter neighborhood character. Dr. Gerken supports balanced growth policies that protect property values, preserve community identity, and prioritize infrastructure capacity before approving major development projects.

Newport Beach residents deserve a city government that spends their tax dollars wisely, reports honestly, and plans prudently for the long term.

• Protect the rights of the public under Greenlight to vote on major development projects.

• Limits on high rise/high density development

• Protecting Civic Center Park.  Put the police station somewhere else

• Ensure full and robust public input on major projects

• Partner with developers to ensure new projects include parks, open space, and proper infrastructure

Dr. Gerken strongly supports Newport Beach police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders. He believes maintaining a safe city requires fully supporting law enforcement while ensuring resources are directed where they provide the greatest benefit to residents.

Newport Beach residents deserve a city government that spends their tax dollars wisely, reports honestly, and plans prudently for the long term.

• Ensure we are paying to recruit the best of the best for public safety

• Locate our fire stations based on need and analysis, not politics

• Spend public safety dollars on personnel, technology, and intelligence gathering, not buildings.

• Prevent future July 4th riots by investing in social media monitoring, logistical planning and staffing, not vanity videos

• Recognize the critical lifesaving importance of our lifeguards, Jr. Guards program and our EMT responders.

Gridlock on Coast Highway and PCH degrades quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Infrastructure investments must be strategic and fiscally sound.

• Prioritize intersection safety improvements in District 6 neighborhoods

• Coordinate with Caltrans on PCH corridor congestion solutions

• Expand pedestrian and bicycle connectivity safely

• Ensure city infrastructure maintenance is fully funded each budget cycle

As a coastal community, Newport Beach has a unique responsibility to protect our bay, beaches, and natural environment for future generations.

• Invest in Newport Harbor water quality monitoring and cleanup

• Support sustainable practices in city operations and procurement

• Protect wetlands, wildlife corridors, and coastal habitat

• Partner with regional agencies on clean water and air quality initiatives