Philip Falcone, a senior advisor to Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 seat on the Riverside City Council on Monday. The announcement comes as current Councilmember Erin Edwards confirmed she will not seek re-election in 2024.
In his announcement, Falcone, a graduate of UC Riverside and oral communications professor at California Baptist University, emphasized his focus on tackling Riverside's homelessness crisis, particularly addressing mental and behavioral health challenges among the homeless population.
"I have a proven track record of service to Riverside," Falcone says, "Our city is at an inflection point with complex challenges and immense opportunities; Ward 1 needs a steady and experienced leader who can hit the ground running on day one to ensure our communities thrive."
He also pledged to expand economic development to create good-paying jobs and to accelerate infrastructure improvements, including road repaving and enhanced city services.
"In our city's current state, Ward 1 needs a steady and experienced leader who can hit the ground running on day one," Falcone said. "I look forward to continuing my dedication to this work on the City Council."
Falcone has received endorsements from Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, former Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey, and former Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. Lock Dawson praised Falcone for his "relentless service to Riverside," while Bailey and Loveridge emphasized his integrity and commitment to the city.
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