Roderick Howell (Escondido City Council District 4, California, candidate 2024)

Roderick Howell

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Escondido City Council District 4

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Navy

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Roderick Howell (also known as Rod) ran for election to the Escondido City Council District 4 in California. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

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

Biography

Roderick Howell provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 17, 2024:

• High school: CW Hayes High School
• Military service: United States Navy
• Gender: Male
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Escondido City Council District 4

Judy Fitzgerald and Roderick Howell ran in the general election for Escondido City Council District 4 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Judy Fitzgerald (Nonpartisan)
		Roderick Howell (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

Howell received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Howell's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.

• San Diego County Democratic Party

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Roderick Howell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Howell'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.

As a Navy veteran and a longtime federal employee, I’ve spent my career in a team-focused environment, solving problems and delivering solutions that directly supported our military missions. My background in public service has equipped me with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. I understand the importance of working collaboratively, managing resources effectively, and addressing challenges with a level head—skills that are essential for effective leadership at the city level. I’m passionate about bringing that experience to Escondido’s City Council to help improve the lives of our residents.

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?

• The homelessness crisis in Escondido is getting worse, and I believe we need compassionate, long-term solutions that address the root causes of the issue, while also ensuring public safety.
• We need to explore creative ways to increase city revenue to fund essential services, improve infrastructure, and invest in community projects. This includes revitalizing underutilized areas like our downtown and promoting economic growth
• I see so much untapped potential in this city. From tourism to small business opportunities, we have resources like the California Center for the Arts, the 15 freeway corridor, and beautiful natural spaces that are not being utilized to their full potential. I’m committed to driving initiatives that will help Escondido grow and prosper.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about addressing homelessness with compassionate, sustainable solutions to ensure our most vulnerable community members receive the support they need.

I’m also committed to improving our city’s budget by increasing revenue and securing the resources needed to maintain essential services like infrastructure and public safety.

My vision for Escondido is to unlock its full potential by creating opportunities for businesses, generating jobs, and fostering a vibrant economy that improves the quality of life for all of us.

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

An elected official must have integrity, transparency, and a commitment to service. They should prioritize the needs of the community over personal interests and maintain open communication with their constituents. Accountability and problem-solving are also key qualities that build trust and drive positive change.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities include representing the needs of the people, making informed decisions to address the city's most pressing issues, and working collaboratively to ensure the city thrives. It also means overseeing the budget and ensuring that public safety, infrastructure, and economic development are prioritized.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

First historical event was in Birmingham Al during the civil right event/riots that happen when I was there

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at a grocery store bagging groceries

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, having experience in government or politics can be beneficial, as it provides valuable insight into how systems work and what it takes to navigate complex challenges. However, what matters most is a genuine commitment to serving the people and the ability to solve problems effectively, even if that experience comes from other areas like business or public service.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills include strong leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. Understanding public policy, budgeting, and community engagement are also crucial to making informed decisions that benefit the community.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

This office plays a critical role in shaping the future of Escondido by directly impacting local policy, city planning, and the allocation of resources. The decisions made here affect everyday life in the community, from public safety to economic growth, making it essential to have dedicated and visionary leadership.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

San Diego Democratic Party, Escondido Democratic Club

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I strongly believe in financial transparency and government accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and leaders must be transparent in their decision-making processes. Government officials should be held to high ethical standards to ensure public trust and ensure the best outcomes for the community.

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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Candidate

Escondido City Council District 4

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