[#item_full_content] ORLAND, Calif. – 5 candidates for Orland City Council outlined their positions on spending, growth, leadership and cannabis dispensaries at a forum. The candidates offered different visions for the city’s future.Sharon Lazorko emphasized financial discipline and preserving Orland’s character. She prioritized essential services, road maintenance and a cohesive city staff.”We’re in a position where we have to spend less,” Lazorko said.Defending Orland’s wide streets, she asked, “Why don’t we preserve them? That adds to the charm of our town.”Alex Enriquez emphasized planning changes to address infrastructure costs and improve quality of life. He proposed a west-side park, more shade trees and safer pedestrian crossings.”The current way we do things makes it expensive to live here,” Enriquez said.On council deliberations, he wanted fuller information. “Sometimes our agenda items aren’t fully fleshed out,” Enriquez said.Andy Ramirez emphasized recreation and community input. He proposed using Measure J funds to make youth activities free for local children, along with more free senior activities.Ramirez wanted to protect services and avoid eliminating employees’ jobs. Downtown, he suggested better lighting and businesses staying open later.John McDermott emphasized rebuilding employee morale, protecting public safety and responsible growth that creates local jobs. He identified selecting the right city manager as central to restoring morale.In contrast to Enriquez’s call for fuller deliberation, McDermott emphasized shorter, more focused meetings and “being more respectful of people’s time,” McDermott said.Wade Elliott emphasized restoring trust, long-term financial planning and attracting investment through broader housing choices. He joined Lazorko in opposing dispensaries.Cannabis dispensaries produced the clearest division among candidates. Lazorko opposed them.”It wasn’t right for Orland, in my opinion, and my opinion hasn’t changed,” Lazorko said.Enriquez said he would support dispensaries but would not initiate the proposal. “I’ll vote for it,” Enriquez said.Ramirez said a regulated dispensary “could work,” subject to community input. McDermott expressed personal support for legal sales and potential revenue.”I just don’t see it right now,” McDermott said, citing community opposition.Elliott opposed using cannabis revenue for city services. “I think funding city services with vice industry is a mistake,” Elliott said. 
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