Answering “Why” I’m Running

Along the campaign trail, one of the most common questions I’ve received is “Why are you running?” And it’s as simple as, “Because I love my hometown”. And when you love something, you fight to preserve it and make it better.

I’m proud to say that this is my hometown. I’m a product of our public schools from Atherwood Elementary to Royal High School. At one point, I was even crowned Mr. Highlander and my first city commission was at age 16 on the Simi Valley Youth Council. But it goes beyond that. Simi Valley represents more than just my hometown — it’s my parent’s American Dream. They immigrated here from Central America, worked hard, and eventually left Los Angeles to a town they knew had rolling green hills, where their kid would be safe riding his bike, and folks know your name.

That’s why when I graduated college on the East Coast, the choice was clear. Instead of taking a job in nearby hubs of D.C. or New York City, I chose to come home and make a difference. But upon coming home, the Simi Valley I was raised in has become growingly unrecognizable. Not in its make-up, but in its tone. And though we are in economic difficulties now, the truth is, it is nothing new as our regional economy has been stagnant for five years due to a lack of vision. Classmates, who represent our best and brightest, have tried to return to home but just can’t afford it.

So I decided to run for City Council. Not to change our character, but restore it and revitalize our hometown for the better. This isn’t about which Councilmember’s side you’re on, it’s about being on the side of the people you represent, with positivity and optimism. We are in dire need of a fresh, homegrown perspective and hopeful leadership that will look at the long term consequences of our decisions. We need to preserve our quality of life, not just for the residents of today, but for the generations of residents to come. Join me at RyanValencia.org.