City of Wildomar
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
Wildomar City Council - District 5
Ashlee DePhillippo
1. In 100 words or less, why are you running for office?
We've made real progress since 2022, and I want to see it through. I guided the City through a tough City Manager transition, advocating for a more efficient permitting process that incorporate AI, modernizing our social media communications, and adopting Wildomar's first General Plan. I want to keep making City processes more practical and efficient for the businesses that operate here, while preserving the rural character that makes Wildomar worth investing in. Several initiatives I've championed, are still moving forward.I care about this community and want to keep making a meaningful contribution.
2. What impact will you have on this community if you don't win this election?
The community would lose a Councilmember who is deeply engaged beyond Council meetings. I’m out in the community, I participate regionally, I meet directly with residents, and I bring issues and ideas back to City Hall rather than waiting for them to come to me. I ask questions, challenge the way we’ve always done things, and look for practical and innovative solutions. I’ve also demonstrated that when something difficult or unexpected happens, I can step in, make decisions and help move us through it. I believe I bring initiative, follow-through and a strong, calm steady presence to the Council.
3. Tell us about a time you were convinced of a position on an issue, then learned more and changed your mind.
I initially advocated for eliminating our business registration fee altogether. My thinking was pretty simple: if we want businesses in Wildomar, why put another cost or hurdle in front of them?
But after talking with our Chamber and several small business owners, I changed my position. Interestingly, some of the businesses themselves felt there should be at least some level of buy-in. I also came to see the value in the City knowing who is doing business here and having a way to communicate directly with our business community.
So instead of eliminating registration altogether, I shifted my focus to making it less burdensome and more practical. We eliminated the requirement for individual vendors at open-air markets to each obtain a city business registration. I’m also advocating to exempt young entrepreneurs 21 and under, and I’ve proposed giving new businesses their first year before registration is required, with an optional no-cost way to connect with the City during that first year.
I still believe we should keep costs low and make permitting and regulation as simple and efficient as possible.