Catalina Election 2016

Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy

Occupation: Business owner and consultant

Age: 43

I’ve lived on Catalina Island for 10 years

Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy

Occupation: Business owner and consultant

Age: 43

I’ve lived on Catalina Island for 10 years

Running for mayor is a natural progression to the service I have given in our community.  I was appointed to the Harbor Commission within months of arriving on Catalina and then served for six years as a Planning Commissioner until I was elected to City Council. While I am still an elected official on the Council until 2018, I am running for Mayor of Avalon to bring leadership, transparency and long-term thinking to the position. With the right leadership in place, we can streamline our Council meetings, prepare strategically and accomplish more for our community while following a clearly developed plan that the Council works by. I am asking for the opportunity to lead our community and move us forward.  

Our community continues to face a multitude of challenges; addressing those challenges requires this type of leadership, a balanced economy and sensible government. This is going to take cooperation, vision and leaders who govern for the long-term success of Avalon. I feel our community’s future is too important to be sacrificed with short-term thinking. For too long decision making has been reactive rather than proactive – we need to be anticipating problems, planning for long-term solutions and strengthening infrastructure.

The role of mayor is best served with strong community involvement. I would like to see a community where citizens are not just involved, but are empowered to make a difference and contribute their skills and their voice. It is important to me that Council decisions are reasoned and that the community feels their voice has been heard on issues — whichever side of the decision they are on. Transparency and the equal application of city policies and regulations should be the expectation, not the exception.

While serving as a City Councilmember, I have proven to be a leader with a compassionate heart and a long-term vision of an economically strong and culturally diverse community of Avalon. I run several businesses and have a family in Avalon – my dedication to the spirit of this community is paramount.  

I am committed to serve our community by doing the research needed to make informed decisions – we must constantly seek various sides of issues to help determine the best outcome for the greater good of the community.  

My commitment as a volunteer is unwavering. I continue to serve with the Avalon Rotary Club, Catalina Island Women’s Forum and the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.  

Professionally, my background in accounting and human resource management complements the city’s need for financial oversight, practical organization and strong infrastructure.

Our vision for Avalon’s future should be one where the community’s needs are met while our visitors continue to discover the small-town charms that have made Catalina a world class destination.   Solving our water supply issues, infrastructure, housing and economic well being should be our focus. To do this we need leadership and focus that follows a plan we develop for our future.