Irvine City Council Candidates Address COVID-19, Housing, Environmental Issues

The parking lot of the Irvine Spectrum Center shopping mall stands empty in Irvine, Calif., on June 26, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Five Irvine City Council candidates who participated in the second of two debates hosted by the Associated Students of the University of California–Irvine (ASUCI), on Oct. 14, said they want to build more affordable housing, safely reopen the economy, and build on the city’s Climate Action Plan.

All 14 candidates were invited to participate in the virtual debate, however Vice Mayor Mike Carroll, Mark Newgent, John Park, and Hai Yang Liang declined.

COVID-19

When candidates were asked how they would handle reopening the economy amid the pandemic, most agreed a safe recovery will hinge on frequent testing, social distancing, and ample supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).