Ricardo Cruz

Agree

Human life is deserving of legal protection from conception to natural death, a belief I personally support. However, I also recognize that such deeply personal decisions should be left to individuals to determine according to their own beliefs and values. Balancing these perspectives requires thoughtful policies that respect individual freedoms while acknowledging the inherent value of life.

Strongly Agree

I believe that abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, shouldn’t receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments, including Title X grants. Public funds should be directed toward services and organizations that unite communities in supporting comprehensive healthcare while respecting diverse moral and ethical beliefs. Taxpayer dollars funding abortion services undermines these principles and forces many to financially support practices that conflict with their values.

Disagree

I do not support the use of taxpayer funds to lobby the state legislature or U.S. Congress. Tax dollars should be dedicated to serving the public and addressing community needs directly, rather than funding lobbying efforts. This practice undermines public trust and diverts resources away from essential services that taxpayers expect their contributions to support.

Neutral

I neither agree nor disagree that it is the responsibility of city government to provide subsidized housing at taxpayer expense. While addressing housing affordability is important, the approach to solving this issue must be carefully balanced to ensure fiscal responsibility, community needs, and long-term sustainability without placing undue burden on taxpayers.

Agree

Property taxes should be abolished at retirement age to provide financial relief for seniors who are often on fixed incomes. Eliminating this tax would allow retirees to maintain their homes and independence without the added burden of rising property costs. This policy could also encourage long-term residency, strengthen community stability, and demonstrate respect for those who have contributed to the tax base throughout their working lives.

Strongly Agree

I strongly believe that government should not discriminate against individuals, organizations, or business owners who affirm marriage as between one man and one woman. Protecting the rights of all citizens to hold and express their beliefs is essential to maintaining a free and inclusive society. Everyone deserves the ability to live and work according to their convictions without fear of government interference or discrimination.

Strongly Agree

I strongly believe that religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law. Safeguarding this fundamental freedom ensures that individuals and communities can practice their faith without fear of interference or discrimination. Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our nation's founding principles, and protecting it is vital to preserving the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Strongly Agree

I strongly disagree that city officials should have the right to proclaim their city a sanctuary city for illegal aliens. Such actions undermine the enforcement of federal immigration laws and can create logistical, economic, and safety challenges for local communities. Cities should prioritize adherence to the rule of law and collaborate with federal authorities to ensure a fair and orderly immigration system.

I identify as agnostic but lean toward Judeo-Christian values and beliefs. While I may not adhere to a specific religious doctrine, I respect and find guidance in the ethical and moral principles rooted in these traditions, as they align with my personal values and worldview.

Strongly Agree

I strongly believe that children have the right to be protected from sexually explicit materials in publicly funded libraries, including school libraries. Public institutions have a responsibility to ensure that the materials they provide are age-appropriate and align with the values of the communities they serve. Protecting children from such content supports their healthy development and maintains the trust of parents and guardians in these public resources.

Strongly Disagree

I strongly disagree with the idea that people should be able to vote without photo identification. Requiring photo ID is a reasonable and common-sense measure to ensure the integrity and security of elections. It helps prevent fraud, maintains public confidence in the electoral process, and ensures that every legitimate vote is protected.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree that all filings by candidates for municipal office, including ballot applications and campaign finance reports, should be available for public online access on the city website within 24 hours of the filing deadline. Transparent and timely access to this information fosters accountability, promotes public trust in the electoral process, and ensures that voters can make informed decisions.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree that ballot measures, including bond issues, should fully disclose both the potential tax rate increase and the actual monetary increase for the average single-family residence. Transparency in these matters is essential for voters to understand the financial implications of their decisions. Providing clear and accurate information ensures that taxpayers can make informed choices and hold public officials accountable.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree that biological males shouldn't be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy spaces designated for biological women, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prisons. These spaces and opportunities exist to ensure fairness, privacy, and safety for women. Allowing biological males to access them undermines those principles. We must prioritize protecting the integrity of women’s sports and the well-being of women in private, vulnerable spaces

Disagree

I disagree that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) instruction should be required for all city employees. While fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces is important, mandatory DEI instruction can be counterproductive, imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that may not align with the personal beliefs or professional needs of every employee. A voluntary or tailored approach to DEI education would better balance promoting inclusivity with

Strongly Disagree

I disagree that taxpayers should subsidize green initiatives such as electric vehicle charging stations. Public funds should be prioritized for essential services and infrastructure that benefit the entire population, rather than specific technologies that primarily serve a limited group. Private investment and market-driven solutions are better suited to advance green initiatives without placing an undue financial burden on taxpayers.

No

No

The primary purpose of government is to provide essential infrastructure and services that support the common good, while avoiding excessive expenditures or unnecessary programs that burden taxpayers. Government should focus on its core responsibilities, ensuring that public services are efficient and effective, while safeguarding individual liberties and minimizing overreach.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree that candidates and officeholders should be required to disclose all business investments and real estate holdings, whether within the city or in areas proposed for annexation. Full transparency in these matters is essential to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure accountability, and build public trust in government decisions. Such disclosures allow voters to make informed judgments and safeguard the integrity of the political process.

None

Lean Conservative

I lean conservative on a broad range of issues, including economic and social matters, immigration, and religious liberty. My views prioritize fiscal responsibility, the preservation of traditional values, secure borders, and the protection of fundamental freedoms such as the right to practice one’s faith without interference. These principles guide my perspective on creating a strong, stable, and just society.

2014 Republican Primary 2014 General Election 2016 Republican Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Republican Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Republican Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Republican Primary 2022 General Election

Strongly Disagree

I strongly disagree with redirecting funds from police departments to community programs. Law enforcement agencies are essential for ensuring public safety, and reducing their budgets undermines their ability to respond effectively to crime and emergencies. While community programs play a valuable role, they should not come at the expense of adequately funding the police, which are a cornerstone of maintaining order and protecting citizens.

I do not support restrictions on gun ownership.

Agree

I support the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes and light recreational use, provided that its sale is regulated and restricted by amount. Responsible legalization can offer medical benefits to those in need, generate tax revenue, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, while maintaining safeguards to prevent misuse or overindulgence.

Strongly Agree

I strongly support annual financial audits of every city department conducted by an independent, third-party auditor. Regular audits promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed effectively and that public trust in government operations is maintained.

City Accounting Transparency: Ensuring full disclosure and independent audits to promote accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. Eliminating Duplicate Spending: Reducing inefficiencies and overlapping services between city, county, and state governments to save money and streamline operations. Reducing Mayor's Office Staffing: Reassessing and downsizing excessive staffing, including unelected deputy mayors, to cut costs and focus on core government responsibilities.