Rancho Cucamonga’s Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember, District 4, Lynne B. Kennedy 

As part of Inland Valley News’ Your Vote, Your Voice election coverage, the newspaper is introducing candidates seeking to represent communities throughout the Inland Valley in the November 3 general election.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Lynne B. Kennedy is seeking election as mayor of Rancho Cucamonga. Kennedy currently serves as mayor pro tem and represents District 4 on the City Council, where she has served since 2014.

Kennedy said her candidacy is rooted in more than four decades as a Rancho Cucamonga resident and her desire to guide the city through its next period of growth.

“I was inspired to run for Mayor because I care deeply about Rancho Cucamonga and believe experienced leadership matters, especially as our city plans for its future,” Kennedy wrote in her response to Inland Valley News’ candidate questionnaire. Pasted text

Quality of Life, Public Safety and Fiscal Responsibility

Kennedy identified protecting quality of life, maintaining public safety and preserving fiscal responsibility as three of the most important issues facing Rancho Cucamonga.

As the city continues to grow, Kennedy said development should not outpace roads, infrastructure and other services or negatively affect established neighborhoods.

She also identified public safety as a priority, including support for law enforcement and fire services as well as attention to traffic enforcement, crime prevention and emerging concerns such as e-bike safety.

On city finances, Kennedy said Rancho Cucamonga should maintain healthy reserves, address long-term financial obligations and pursue economic development that expands employment and strengthens the local tax base. Pasted text

Responsible Growth as a First Priority

If elected, Kennedy said her first major priority would be protecting quality of life through responsible growth.

She said future development should be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods and supported by adequate roads, infrastructure, public-safety resources and municipal services.

“My goal is balanced growth that creates opportunities, strengthens our economy, and keeps Rancho Cucamonga a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Kennedy wrote. Pasted text

Council and Education Leadership

Kennedy pointed to her 12 years on the City Council, including service as mayor pro tem, as preparation for the mayor’s office.

During that time, she said she has participated in decisions involving public safety, city finances, infrastructure, housing and economic development.

Kennedy also spent decades working in public education as a teacher and administrator, including service as a superintendent.

She said those roles required her to manage budgets and personnel, lead complex organizations, build consensus and remain accountable to the communities she served.

Kennedy has also held statewide leadership positions with the League of California Cities. Pasted text

The City of Rancho Cucamonga’s biography of Kennedy likewise identifies a 40-year career in education that included work as a teacher, principal, district administrator and superintendent.

Giving Residents a Seat at the Table

Kennedy said residents should have opportunities to participate in major city decisions before those decisions are finalized.

If elected mayor, she said she would establish a Residents’ Advisory Council with representation from throughout Rancho Cucamonga to provide ongoing feedback about neighborhood concerns and proposed initiatives.

She also supports additional community meetings and multiple ways for residents to communicate with City Hall.

“Listening cannot end on Election Day or be limited to three minutes at a public meeting,” Kennedy said. Pasted text

She said her approach would emphasize listening even when residents and elected officials disagree and explaining the reasoning behind city decisions.

Experience as a Distinguishing Factor

Asked what distinguishes her from the other candidates, Kennedy pointed to her combination of City Council experience, professional leadership and established relationships throughout the region.

She said her time on the council has given her firsthand knowledge of city operations and experience working with residents, city employees, public-safety agencies, businesses and government leaders.

“I am not running simply on what I hope to accomplish,” Kennedy wrote. “I bring a record residents can evaluate and the experience to lead on Day One.” Pasted text

Faith and Service

Kennedy said one aspect of her life that may not be evident from campaign materials is how strongly her faith and career in education shape her approach to leadership.

She said working with students, families, teachers and staff taught her to listen before reaching decisions and to treat people with dignity and respect.

“My faith in God continues to guide how I approach leadership,” Kennedy wrote, adding that she views public office as a responsibility to serve others rather than simply hold a title. Pasted text

Beyond the Ballot

Kennedy declined to identify a single favorite local restaurant or small business, saying she enjoys supporting businesses throughout Rancho Cucamonga.

Her favorite community event is the Founders Day Community Parade, which she said brings together families, schools, businesses, community organizations and public-safety partners. Pasted text

Her seasonal drink of choice is pumpkin spice coffee.

Kennedy recommends both Victoria Gardens and the historic Etiwanda area as places residents and visitors should experience, describing the two as representations of Rancho Cucamonga’s growth and history. Pasted text

She is currently reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke.

Asked for one word her friends or family would use to describe her, Kennedy chose “committed.”

Endorsements

Kennedy reported endorsements from public-safety organizations and elected officials, including the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association, Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Association, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre.

She also listed San Bernardino County Supervisors Jesse Armendarez, Dawn Rowe and Joe Baca Jr., Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael, and Councilmembers Ryan Hutchison, Kristine Scott and Ashley Stickler among her supporters. Pasted text

Her Message to Voters

If elected, Kennedy said she wants residents to say that she listened, kept her word and placed Rancho Cucamonga residents first.

She also said she hopes to leave the city “safer, stronger, and better prepared for the next generation.” Pasted text

In her final message, Kennedy emphasized experience and continuity.

“Rancho Cucamonga has been my home for more than 40 years and serving this community has been one of my greatest privileges,” Kennedy said. “I offer proven experience, steady leadership, and a commitment to listen. I’m ready to lead on Day One and work with you to keep Rancho Cucamonga safe, strong, and thriving.”