WHY A RECALL FOR DISTRICT 4?
A recall is not a step we take lightly. It is a significant democratic tool reserved for extraordinary circumstances.
Like many engaged residents, we first pursued the traditional avenues of civic participation. We attended City Council meetings, offered public comments, wrote letters and emails to our elected officials, met with city leaders, organized our neighbors, and asked questions in good faith. Too often, our concerns about the budget deficits, missing money, and justification for decisions made were dismissed by those we aim to recall.
As many residents felt their concerns were being dismissed, it became clear to many of us that simply continuing to participate through the usual channels was unlikely to bring about meaningful change.
Some have asked why we are pursuing a recall now instead of waiting for the next election. The answer is straightforward: we are in a freefall and Mayor Fred Jung and Councilmember Jamie Valencia still have nearly two years remaining in their terms. The continued damage they can do to our city’s finances and the deterioration of our infrastructure means we cannot wait.
Valencia is frequently underprepared for council discussions, routinely deferring to Jung for guidance. Valencia and Jung have consistently voted together on many of the city's most consequential decisions and have received support from many of the same political donors. We believe Fullerton deserves better, and we believe residents have both the right and the responsibility to act when they conclude their city is headed in the wrong direction.
D4 is yet again paying the price for lack of community representation.
Jamie Valencia was elected to represent the residents of South Fullerton. Instead, she has repeatedly sided with Mayor Fred Jung and powerful special interests while residents face a growing budget crisis, deteriorating roads, struggling businesses, and a council member who refuses to listen.
District 4 Needs a Voice and a Vote at City Hall. Instead, we have another vote for Fred Jung.
Fullerton is facing one of the most consequential moments in its history.
A budget deficit approaching $13 million already threatens the services residents depend on every day. Roads continue to deteriorate. Difficult decisions about public land, city finances, economic development, and neighborhood priorities are being made that will shape our city's future for years to come.
This is exactly when District 4 needs a strong, independent voice fighting for its residents, who have constantly been unrepresented and left behind.
Instead, District 4 is once again without meaningful representation.
Jamie Valencia was elected to represent South Fullerton—not Mayor Fred Jung, not political insiders, and not campaign donors. Yet time and again, she has acted as a reliable vote for the council majority rather than an independent advocate for the people who elected her.
When residents speak out, she ignores them.
When difficult issues come before the council, she does not understand them.
When independent leadership is needed most to advocate for District 4, she has too often simply voted yes in line with Fred Jung.
Under Jamie Valencia’s leadership, Fullerton has faced:
Misallocation of Funds + $13.7 million budget deficit
Near sabotage of Union Pacific Trail
Closure of Walk on Wilshire
Anti-small business decisions
No city support for families impacted by ICE
Land giveaways to campaign donors
Deteriorating infrastructure and worsening roads
Cancellation of City Council Meetings
Significant reduction of Public Commission meetings
Advisory boards and commissions filled with campaign donors and political allies rather than experts and residents who represent their neighbors.
Poor Stewardship of Public Resources and Failure to Support Small Businesses
While Fullerton's budget deficit has continued to grow, Valencia has supported harmful decisions involving public assets, including discounted transfers of city-owned land and below-market lease arrangements for donors.
Walk on Wilshire (had to give back money, voted against)
Unprepared for the job– appears unprepared, misunderstands agenda items, asks few substantive questions.
Failure of representation – immigrant families, small businesses, and District 4 residents repeatedly left without an advocate.
THE PATTERN
Valencia is a representative who too often appears unprepared, does not challenges the council majority, frequently aligns with politically connected interests, and has failed to provide the independent leadership District 4 needs during one of the most difficult periods in Fullerton's history. District 4 deserves an independent representative, not a rubber stamp.