City of Menifee
The Southwest Riverside County Biz PAC sent every candidate the following candidate questionnaire. The intent was to cover as many business issues as possible to get to know the candidate better. We recognize that some response choices may not fully reflect the candidate’s position, but we acknowledged that and asked them to submit the option that most closely reflects their view.
Meet the Candidates
Office Sought
Menifee City Council, District 2
Ben Diederich
1. In 100 words or less, why are you running for office?
I’m running because Menifee is at a pivotal point in its growth, and I want to ensure we grow in a way that improves residents’ quality of life and strengthens our local economy. My priorities are investing in roads and infrastructure, attracting quality employers and businesses, maintaining public safety, and keeping the City fiscally responsible. After six years on the Planning Commission and my service on the City Council, I understand both the opportunities and challenges facing Menifee. I want to continue bringing practical, experienced leadership that gets results and keeps residents at the center of our decisions.
2. What impact will you have on this community if you don't win this election?
My commitment to Menifee does not depend on holding elected office. I served this community for years before joining the City Council, and I would continue finding ways to contribute if I were not reelected. That said, I believe losing my seat would mean losing an experienced, pragmatic voice on the Council at an important time in Menifee’s growth. I have worked to support economic development, infrastructure investment, public safety, and responsible fiscal management while remaining accessible to residents and the business community. I hope to continue that work from the Council dais.
3. Tell us about a time you were convinced of a position on an issue, then learned more and changed your mind.
Earlier in my public service, I tended to evaluate development primarily by looking at whether an individual project was appropriate for the property in front of us. Over time, particularly through my service on the Planning Commission and City Council, I came to appreciate much more strongly how development decisions are interconnected with transportation, infrastructure, public safety, jobs and the City’s long-term fiscal health. That experience changed how I approach projects. I still support growth and development, but I now place much greater emphasis on whether infrastructure and services can support that growth and whether a project contributes to the broader community.
Office Sought
Menifee City Council District 2
Laz Peterson
1. In 100 words or less, why are you running for office?
My wife and I moved to Menifee to plant our roots and raise our family. We now have 5 children, ages 4-11, and I feel that there is a sense of urgency for Menifee to get on the right track due to the rapidly increasing cost of living. We have to get it done now, because there won't be an opportunity later. Menifee families deserve a better quality of life, and I'm dedicated to making that happen.
2. What impact will you have on this community if you don't win this election?
I will continue to dedicate my time to building our youth and developing our community.
3. Tell us about a time you were convinced of a position on an issue, then learned more and changed your mind.
I was previously against high density housing projects. But I now believe very strongly that we need to build our community development around well-planned high density housing to ensure that we have the ability to better utilize other undeveloped land and to improve our economy.
Office Sought
Menifee City Council, District 4
Frank Sandoval
1. In 100 words or less, why are you running for office?
My family moved to Menifee in 1990, and today my wife and I are raising our son here. I’m running to protect our quality of life and make sure growth improves daily life for residents. That means safer neighborhoods, roads and services that keep pace, and attracting the businesses residents want, like restaurants, shopping, medical services, and employers that bring good jobs closer to home. We should spend more time enjoying our own city and less time sitting on the freeway.
2. What impact will you have on this community if you don't win this election?
My commitment to Menifee does not depend on holding office. I will stay involved in local decisions and advocate for responsible growth, safer roads, and attracting the businesses and services residents want closer to home. I will bring my experience in business and technology to discussions about making government more efficient and everyday life easier. My family’s future is here, and I will keep working toward a city where more of our needs can be met locally.
3. Tell us about a time you were convinced of a position on an issue, then learned more and changed your mind.
I used to think the answer to Menifee's growing pains was to stop approving new homes. Then I read the budget, met with councilmembers, and learned that the state sets our housing numbers and even our income mix. I also realized my own district's real problem was not too many homes. It was that roads, shops, and jobs had not kept up. I changed my mind. The issue is pace and local control, not rooftops. Growth planned well is how my neighbors get a grocery store closer to home.