In Riverside’s upcoming City Council election, voters are presented with a stark choice between two very different candidates: Hass Ratnayake and Phil Falcone. Their candidacies illustrate the significant decisions facing voters this election.

Hass Ratnayake: The Local Business Leader

Hass Ratnayake is a Riverside native who has earned his leadership stripes through entrepreneurship and community engagement. His approach to governance is rooted in his experience as a business owner, where taking risks and innovating are part of daily life. Ratnayake’s campaign is focused on hands-on solutions to improve Riverside, emphasizing grassroots involvement and direct action.

Community Involvement and Grassroots Approach

Ratnayake’s strategy involves working closely with local communities and neighborhoods. He is known for his “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude, actively participating in city clean-ups and other community improvement initiatives. His focus is on making tangible improvements in the lives of Riverside residents, addressing issues like homelessness, crime, and city maintenance proactively.

Phil Falcone: The Establishment Candidate

In contrast, Phil Falcone represents a continuation of the status quo. His candidacy is supported by the so-called “old boys’ club” – a group of elite, privileged individuals who have historically influenced the city’s politics. Falcone’s campaign is marked by high-dollar fundraising events and significant endorsements from unions and other influential organizations.

High-Profile Fundraising and Endorsements

Falcone’s campaign strategy involves hosting exclusive, expensive fundraising events, with tickets costing up to $1,000 per person. Such high-ticket prices raise questions about the expectations of donors and the potential for undue influence in city governance. Additionally, his endorsements from various unions and associations, while impressive, hint at a potential alignment with specific interest groups rather than a broad-based commitment to all Riverside residents.

Record and Controversies

During Falcone’s tenure as a Senior Advisor to two mayors, Riverside has seen increases in homelessness, crime rates, and city debt. Under his watch, local businesses have struggled, parking rates have soared, and the city has faced challenges in basic services like trash collection and street maintenance. Moreover, Riverside grapples with one of the highest sales tax rates in the state, compounded by controversies over utility costs.

The Choice for Riverside

The contrast between Ratnayake and Falcone could not be more pronounced. Ratnayake’s candidacy represents a shift towards a more engaged, community-driven approach to governance, focusing on the direct improvement of city services and quality of life. On the other hand, Falcone’s campaign seems to perpetuate a system that has been criticized for prioritizing the interests of a few over the needs of the many.

The Need for New Leadership

Riverside’s current financial and social challenges demand a new type of leadership. The city needs leaders who understand the value of both generating revenue (writing checks) and responsibly managing expenditures (cashing checks). This election offers a clear choice between a candidate who embodies grassroots, proactive leadership and one who represents established, elite-driven politics.

In conclusion, as Riverside voters head to the polls, they face a decision that goes beyond individual candidates. This election is about choosing the direction for the city – whether to continue on the current path or to embrace a new approach that prioritizes direct community involvement and practical solutions to the city’s challenges.