Candidate for
Council Member; City of Escondido

My Name is Dennis French. I was born and raised in Westminster, California. I served in the US Navy from 1980-1987. I was discharged as a disabled vet and moved to Escondido in 1988. I found myself working and doing whatever it took to make ends meet. I moved around a few times increasing household sizes and better locations for my family but always within Escondido. In 1991 I was licensed as a General Contractor and started a company called Classic Kitchens and Baths. When Home Depot opened I fased out cabinets and focused on countertops later renaming the company InCounters Inc. Presently we fabricate and install Acrylic, Quartz and Granite Countertops. I also perform remodeling for those in need.

Family... In 2002, I married my lovely wife Sara. She's a teacher, a mother, a wonderful wife and great friend. Together we have a blended family with nine children. We have eight boys and one girl. Their ages range from 24-3. We have only four remaining at home. And my yellow lab MAX.

Locally... I have spent nearly 18 years coaching or managing Little League Teams at Kit Carson Park. Working with the children of the community is a plus. The Firestorm was the turning point for me to give all I can to the community I live in. I was strongly involved setting up the Evacuation Center at Escondido High School with many key people. Utilizing my resources, I was responsible to bring in donations of food, clothing, supplies, hot meals from many local companies and assisting one company to provide helicopters that would assist in putting out fires. I had sent my family away as I was compelled to help all the people I could. I stayed awake for over a week providing help and anything I could to help their day be just a bit better. Governor Schwarzenegger even came by, thanked me for my work and played with my children on his visit. During the two weeks I was there, It was the most heart-felt days of my life and is the reason I chose to get involved in the City Council. I want to represent the people of Escondido and be a voice for all of the community that I feel has been missing for many of the people through the years. Im not the best at giving speaches like most politicians and I wont have all the right answers for everyone all of the time. The position I seek, is to work for you "the people of Escondido" by listening, making well thought-out and reasonable decisions by weighing all possible angles before acting on it. This alone will save the taxpayers thousands of dollars. I am a man of action with a common sense and a drive to do whats ethical and honorable with positive outcomes. If you wish to find out a bit more about me you can find me at the following links:

http://cfx.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071028-9999-1n28people.html http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/government/election/french.html

http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/print/95594545.html

http://www.incountersinc.com

http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2008/08/30/news/inland/escondido/z9d049ffec2bd5e46882574b6000d2e0e.txt

My goals... To reduce or eliminate the waste of tax dollars caused by poor planning and lack of common sense. Renegotiate certain contracts at city level. To get out and communicate with the people of Escondido and work on cleaning up and creating safer parks and neighborhoods through volunteer programs. To cut back on the amount of multi-unit homes being built until our sewer and water systems get uprgraded. To work on generating revenue with the Arts center by privatizing and co-op the advertising expenses. The venues need to be more family oriented. To have a larger penalty on the graffiti taggers and end the gang violence. To have a sports park for the Mission area. This could be built through donations. To have an olympic size pool that will be utilized for the High Schools and CIF Tourneys along witht a water park for the community and surrounding community to enjoy. This could be built through donations.

In closing... I am a republican and married to a democrat. We both find it challenging and at times very rewarding. Needless to say our nights around the dinner table can be quite lengthy... I am willing to listen and would love to hear your thoughts and comments. I am a very hard worker at everything I do and I am willing to work on gettting this city on a better track...I would like your support and please feel free to call me anytime on my cell at 760-801-4634 should you have any questions. Thank you again! Dennis French