Common Sense Spending for Rancho

Rancho Cucamonga is a great city. But like every city, it must make choices about how taxpayer money is spent.

When major projects are approved — whether for equipment, parks, buildings, or entertainment facilities — residents have the right to understand the full cost, long-term impact, and trade-offs involved.

This page is not about attacking anyone. It is about asking reasonable questions and encouraging responsible stewardship of public funds.

Because fiscal responsibility is not political. It's common sense.

Electric Fire Engine – Innovation or Financial Tradeoff?

Rancho Cucamonga Fire District has added an all-electric fire engine to its fleet.

Supporters describe this vehicle as innovative, environmentally forward-thinking, and beneficial for firefighter health and emissions reduction.

However, electric fire apparatus typically carry a higher upfront purchase cost than traditional diesel engines. Long-term maintenance, battery replacement cycles, and charging infrastructure must also be considered.

Residents may reasonably ask:

• What was the total purchase price?
• How does that compare to a standard diesel engine?
• Was a lifecycle cost analysis presented before approval?
• What are the projected long-term maintenance and battery replacement costs?

Public safety is essential. The question is not whether firefighters deserve the best equipment — they do.

The question is whether every major purchase reflects the best balance between innovation and fiscal responsibility.

(Insert verified cost data and council agenda links here once researched.)

Dog Park Investment – Budget Priorities

The City received grant funding to construct a new dog park. Grants can be helpful in supporting community amenities.

However, when projects expand beyond original grant funding, residents deserve clarity about total costs and funding sources.

Residents may reasonably ask:

• What was the original project budget?
• What was the final project cost?
• How much came from grants versus City funds?
• Were additional enhancements added beyond the original scope?

Public art and sculptures are often included in civic projects. When added, residents may ask:

• How was the decision made to include these features?
• What was the cost?
• How were competing priorities evaluated?

These are not criticisms. They are accountability questions.

(Insert verified budget and sculpture cost details here once researched.)

New Library Expansion – Long-Term Financial Impact

Rancho Cucamonga is investing approximately $28 million in the expansion and relocation of a library facility.

Modern libraries today often include expanded programming, community spaces, and equipment lending services.

Residents may reasonably ask:

• What are the total construction costs?
• What portion is covered by grants?
• What is the long-term annual operating cost?
• How does this investment compare with other infrastructure priorities?

Libraries are valuable community assets. But every large capital investment should be evaluated in the context of roads, public safety, and infrastructure capacity.

Fiscal responsibility means weighing long-term commitments carefully.

(Insert verified cost breakdown and council documentation once researched.)

LoanMart Field – Community Asset or Financial Tradeoff?

LoanMart Field has been home to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for decades.

The City recently renewed a long-term lease agreement to keep the team in Rancho Cucamonga.

Public reporting indicates that the team's annual lease payment does not fully offset renovation and maintenance costs.

City officials have described the stadium as a "loss leader," meaning the facility may operate at a financial loss but is expected to generate secondary economic benefits for surrounding businesses.

Residents may reasonably ask:

• What are the total public renovation costs?
• What is the annual maintenance cost?
• What is the annual lease revenue?
• How often is the stadium used outside baseball season?
• Could expanded events increase revenue?

Baseball is enjoyable. Community identity matters.

But so does understanding the full financial picture.

(Insert verified lease amount, renovation cost, and usage data here once researched.)

What Should Come First?

Every city faces trade-offs.

When millions of dollars are committed to major projects, those funds are not available for:

• Road and infrastructure improvements
• Traffic congestion mitigation
• Public safety staffing
• Neighborhood improvements
• Emergency preparedness

Residents may ask:

Is this the best use of our money right now?

That question is not negative. It is responsible.

David's Common Sense Approach

If elected to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council, David VanGorden will:

• Support transparent cost-benefit reviews before major expenditures
• Prioritize infrastructure and public safety
• Encourage broader public input on large capital projects
• Ask clear questions about long-term operating costs
• Explain his votes openly and honestly

David is not running to criticize the past.

He is running to ensure future decisions reflect common sense budgeting and the priorities of residents — not politics.

Because growth without fiscal discipline is not progress.

And representation without accountability is not leadership.

Learn more about the Rancho Cucamonga City Council, districts, and how meetings work →