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Tired of watching decisions happen to you instead of with you? We sat down with Apple Valley District 4 candidate Matthew Rutledge to pull the curtain back on how town hall can move from box-checking to real transparency. Matthew shares why he’s running, how being raised on integrity shapes his approach, and what follow-through should look like when residents bring real problems to the mic.

We get specific about the Brown Act and how it’s too often treated like a mute button. Matthew lays out a simple blueprint: acknowledge concerns in public, exchange contact info, and follow up after meetings unless it’s a closed-session item. From there we dig into the budget shortfall, the risks of leaning on reserves, and smarter ways to prioritize spending. Measure P takes center stage as we examine oversight that feels anything but independent, why committee selection matters, and how to rebuild trust with clear criteria, public minutes, and visible outcomes.

Land use and quality of life are on the line with a proposed truck and trailer parking site near homes. Matthew makes the public health and traffic case for relocating heavy uses away from neighborhoods, while we also revisit the “free” Sing Center and the costly realities of deferred maintenance. For residents asking what they can do, we map out real steps: attend meetings, contact council members directly, organize neighbors, and push for regular town halls and accessible contact info. We close with a practical plan for durable road repairs that serve wheelchair users, cyclists, and drivers alike, plus Matthew’s commitment to take calls, return messages, and document progress.

If you care about accountability, budgets that add up, and decisions that reflect community voice, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a neighbor, and tell us the top issue you want addressed next. Subscribe for more local deep dives, leave a review to help others find the show, and send your questions so we can take them straight to the people in power.

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