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Rusty Bailey looks to play a new role in the community, if elected mayor.
LEADERSHIP: Poly High School’s Rusty Bailey is running for mayor.
By Kate Weggeland, Staff Writer
Rusty Bailey, a government teacher at Poly, is a major competitor for the upcoming elections for Riverside’s new mayor.
Bailey was recently endorsed by current five-term mayor, Ronald O. Loveridge. Loveridge believes Bailey to be an effective leader who is able to identify and resolve problems. “It is important for the mayor to have a public rather than a private outlook—to pursue the public interest, not private gain,” Loveridge said.
“Riversiders don’t want to look back and do things the old way. They want to join arms to move forward and to help our City become the innovative, creative hub it can be to raise the quality of life, generate new jobs, fight crime and return a sense of pride to our great city,” Bailey said.
Bailey has set many goals he hopes to achieve if elected mayor. He focuses on Riverside’s economic future and education. He strives to get Riverside back to work by strengthening of the economy. He also hopes to expand efficiency and access to the city hall, which will result in increased traffic flow and major corporation deals.
Bailey has a strong opinion concerning education reform. The “4 for 4” program is one of Bailey’s major goals. This program guarantees graduating students who meet the program’s requirements entrance into one of the four local Riverside colleges. Implementing this would increase revenue for the colleges, which in turn would benefit Riverside’s economy. Bailey is also an avid supporter of Completion Counts, a program focused on assisting young children in their academics and increasing the high school graduation percentage.
Bailey graduated from West Point with a degree in political science. He later went on to study at UCLA, where he received his Masters Degree in public policy.
Bailey, according to Loveridge, “brings a tough, searching emphasis on identifying problems and seeking solutions. He understands complexity and strategy.” With the campaigning coming to a close, Bailey focuses on a strong finish.
Courtesy of blog.pe.com