Myrta Rivera (Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, candidate 2024)

Myrta Rivera

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Personal

Profession

Community volunteer

Contact

Campaign website

Myrta Rivera ran for election to the Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita in California. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Myrta Rivera provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 20, 2024:

• High school: Carson High
• Bachelor's: University California Los Angeles, 2007
• Graduate: InterAmerican University, 2007
• Graduate: California State University Dominguez Hills, 2023
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Community Volunteer
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Rivera Focused on GOD, and the future of RSM
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements

Elections

General election

General election for Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita

Tony Beall, Tony Mata, and Myrta Rivera ran in the general election for Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Tony Beall (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Tony Mata (Nonpartisan)
		Myrta Rivera (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Rivera's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rivera in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Myrta Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rivera's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Myrta Rivera. I am a proud Latina, born in Puerto Rico and raised in the U.S. I grew up in Los Angeles, coming from a long line of farmers in a low-income family. Raised in a strict conservative household, I stand firmly by the principles of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, free markets, free trade, anti-communism, anti-socialism, individualism, and American exceptionalism.

As a staunch Christian conservative, I center God in all my endeavors, including my run for Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita. With experience in Washington, DC, and having run for the Senate in Puerto Rico’s District 6, I bring a wealth of political knowledge to this race.

I hold a Master’s in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding, as well as studies in Public Administration & Public Policy, Labor Relations, and a BA in Political Science. Additionally, I worked with the Department of Academic Affairs to design a 10-year Strategic Plan to increase university accessibility and affordability.

Rancho Santa Margarita deserves stronger values rooted in transparency, accountability, ethics, integrity, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and personal courage to stand up for what is right. My priorities will be yours.

To learn more, visit my website at www.rivera4rsm.net. Email: rivera4rsm@gmail.com

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Community Engagement and Transparency

  As Mayor, I will foster open communication channels between the city government and the residents of Rancho Santa Margarita by mass emailing invitations to the residents to participate in town hall meetings. I’ve seen and heard citizens talk about their concerns over a number of civic business decisions made by the city council due to the lack of attendance by the citizens; forcing a latent result that suggested they were not included, and that the information may have been concealed, and that their voices were not heard.

  I want transparency at all levels of government, and our residents deserve to know in advance how their tax dollars are being used and spent.
• As resident, I’ve seen quite a few businesses close. As Mayor, I will bridge the gap to attract more businesses to Rancho Santa Margarita. My plan is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through incentives to support start-ups and small businesses. I will ensure that Rancho Santa Margarita invests and maintains our city’s infrastructure, repairs its roads, and increases public transportation in order to improve the quality of life for our residents. I will improve public transportation to run on the weekends for all residents. My top priority is to protect and maintain the safety of our residents.
• Education & Youth Empowerment I will promote workforce development programs and partnerships with educational institutions to enhance skills training, to serve our community and civic center. The rational is to promote students within the Rancho Santa Margarita, schools to participate in the workforce. Rancho is home to 10 schools, including 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high school, that are spread across the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified school districts. The data reveals a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic achievement, which I want the districts to work to mitigate. I support after school programs, sports, arts, and cultural activities that engage and empower our youth.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about identifying and advancing strategic policy options that directly address the challenges facing Rancho Santa Margarita. My goal is to ensure that our city not only runs effectively and efficiently but also remains economically strong and solvent for generations to come. This commitment involves a comprehensive approach—ranging from setting the right agenda and formulating well-researched policies to ensuring their legitimacy, implementing them effectively, and continuously evaluating their impact to make necessary improvements.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

For an elected official, the most important characteristics and principles are integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to serve the community's best interests. As Mayor, I understand that leadership means being accountable to the people, ensuring that decisions are made with their well-being in mind. Upholding strong ethics and high standards of service is essential, as is maintaining transparency in every action.

A forward-thinking approach to financial management is crucial, focusing on sound decision-making to ensure the city's long-term economic stability. An elected official must also prioritize efficiency and effectiveness in city services, working closely with the city manager to continuously improve residents' quality of life.

Lastly, an elected official must be a protector and advocate for the community, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and the courage to stand up for what is right. Rancho Santa Margarita deserves leadership rooted in these values, with a vision that balances both the immediate needs of the community and its long-term success. Go to rivera4rsm.net.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book of all time transcends the boundaries of time, dating back centuries to a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with the essence of humanity. It is neither an academic treatise nor a legal brief; instead, it is a collection of authentic stories that illuminate the lives of real people, each navigating the tumultuous waves of history as the ages have unfolded.

These narratives, whispered through the annals of time, are the legends of our forefathers and the descendants who came before us. They encapsulate the very fabric of our nation's founding values, woven together by the trials and tribulations faced by countless souls who endeavored to carve out their destinies amid the challenges of their eras. Their profound struggles in a world entangled with laws and complexities reveal the relentless toll they endured to survive and thrive.

Within these pages lies a divine history, a testament to the human spirit's resilience at the core of every struggle and triumph. This book does not confine itself to a single group, people, or nation; rather, it encompasses the diverse experiences of all humanity under the watchful gaze of the one true Creator, the architect of everything formed from the unformed.

It serves as a foundational guide, illuminating the path toward sound values, wise judgment, and common sense. Our government was conceived to honor and uphold the principles enshrined in this sacred text, and it is filled with living experiences that resonate through the ages, offering insight and guidance for overcoming the myriad challenges life presents.

Yet, we must acknowledge that no single individual bears the blame for our collective drift from the truths embodied in this book. We must confront our own frailty in recognizing how we often stray from its wisdom. In our search for quick fixes to life's disruptions, we frequently overlook the power of a sound approach grounded in reason and trust. To find the name of this book go to rivera4rsm.net

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

As Mayor, I understand that leadership in the city means being entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the well-being of both the city council and the community at large. This role requires me to be a strong, accountable leader—ensuring that city services are delivered at the highest standard and that the community's needs are not only met but prioritized. Leadership, to me, is about serving, protecting, and advocating for the safety, prosperity, and quality of life of Rancho Santa Margarita's residents.

My plan of action is centered on driving economic development and safeguarding the financial health of our city. This means making sound financial decisions that promote growth while ensuring we maintain a balanced budget and build reserves for the future. I believe that economic sustainability is achieved through forward-thinking financial management, and I am committed to securing Rancho Santa Margarita’s economic prosperity.

I am equally dedicated to ensuring that city services are provided both efficiently and effectively. This requires close, day-to-day collaboration with the city manager and a continuous focus on improving the quality of life for all residents. My leadership will be grounded in integrity, ethical decision-making, high-quality service, and a deep sense of responsibility.

As Mayor, I am committed to upholding the laws, rules, and policies of our city, ensuring transparency and accountability on behalf of all citizens. I will remain accessible, responsive, and dedicated to offering support and encouragement whenever needed. My vision encompasses both the immediate needs of our community and the long-term growth that will ensure Rancho Santa Margarita continues to thrive. go to www.rivera4rsm.net for more.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

As Mayor, my top priority would be to ensure the effective governance of Rancho Santa Margarita by focusing on strategic leadership while working closely with the city council and the city manager. While the city manager handles the day-to-day administration, my role is to drive the city’s broader vision—ensuring that our community remains economically stable, services are delivered at a high standard, and residents' needs are prioritized.

One of my key priorities is economic development, which includes making sound financial decisions to maintain a balanced budget, build reserves, and support long-term growth. I will advocate for a forward-thinking approach to financial management, ensuring that Rancho Santa Margarita remains economically solvent and thriving.

I also believe it is crucial to maintain a high level of accountability and transparency. As Mayor, I am accountable to the people, ensuring that decisions made by the city council align with the community’s best interests. My focus is to safeguard the well-being of our residents, acting as both a protector and advocate for their needs.

Additionally, I will be committed to ensuring that city services are provided efficiently and effectively, collaborating with the city manager on the operational side while continuously seeking ways to improve the quality of life for our residents. I bring strong values of integrity, ethics, and responsibility to this role, balancing both the immediate needs and the long-term vision for Rancho Santa Margarita.

Ultimately, my leadership will be about being responsive, upholding the laws and policies of our city, and providing the support and encouragement that the citizens of Rancho Santa Margarita deserve. Go to www,rivera4rsm.net

What do you love most about your city?

Rancho Santa Margarita is a pristine, master-planned urban village nestled in South Orange County. Designed by the late Richard Reese, it boasts a "summer state of mind" with year-round recreational activities and park entertainment. Within its 12-mile perimeter, residents enjoy convenient access to shopping centers and a wide range of dining options. The city is well-connected by two main thoroughfares, making travel to neighboring cities easy.

Rancho Santa Margarita is known for its natural beauty, featuring a 13-acre man-made lake, numerous hiking trails, regional parks, and 50% open space with picturesque views to the east. It also has its own power water electric plant, ensuring self-sufficiency. Recognized as the safest city in California by multiple sources such as Reolink, Safewise, and Yahoo Finance, the city is clean, with well-maintained streets and neighborhoods.

The city’s educational offerings include 6 public elementary schools, 1 middle school, 4 private elementary schools, and 1 private high school, providing diverse options for families. Rancho Santa Margarita truly offers a high quality of life with its natural beauty, safety, and community-focused amenities.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

For an elected official, integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to serving the community’s best interests are vital. As I’ve previously emphasized, integrity means leading with strong values and upholding high ethical standards. As Mayor, I would be accountable to the people, ensuring that city services are delivered at the highest level, with a focus on transparency in decision-making. Leadership is about being responsive to the needs of residents and safeguarding their well-being and that means working hand in hand with our law enforcement as well as our fire department.

In addition, maintaining economic stability is essential. I’ve highlighted the importance of making sound financial decisions to improve the city’s economy, such as keeping a balanced budget and building reserves. This reflects a forward-thinking approach to financial management, ensuring Rancho Santa Margarita's long-term prosperity while addressing immediate needs.

An elected official must also collaborate effectively. My commitment to working closely with the city manager demonstrates a focus on efficiency and effectiveness in daily operations, ensuring city services are provided to improve the quality of life for residents.

Lastly, I view my role as a protector and advocate for the community, driven by strong values of duty, responsibility, and personal courage to stand up for what is right. Rancho Santa Margarita deserves leadership that exemplifies these principles, with a vision for both the present and the future. Go to rivera4rsm.net

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AS of now, the endorsments are the individuals that I have met since my return to California, individuals that live in RSM, and my professor from CSUDH in Arbitration, Mediation, Facillitator and Dispute Resolution.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita

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