My name is Renage Garrison and I am running for Lancaster City Council because working families deserve a city government that protects their hard-earned dollars and strengthens trust in how public money is managed.

I was born and raised in the Antelope Valley, and I’ve proudly called Lancaster home for the past 14 years. This community shaped me, supported me, and gave me the opportunities that led to my career as a management analyst at Edwards Air Force Base. Before that, I spent 16 years working in a faith-based nonprofit, where I learned the importance of service, stewardship, and integrity. I’m also a committed mental-health advocate, working to reduce stigma and ensure that people in our community feel seen, supported, and valued.

I’m not a career politician — I’m a regular citizen who works a full-time 9–5 and feels the same financial pressures many Lancaster residents face. Rising taxes and the growing cost of living affect all of us, and I believe affordability must be a top priority.

When voters approve a tax increase for a specific project, they deserve transparency, accountability, and a guarantee that the increase won’t become permanent. I’m committed to requiring sunset clauses for any special project that raises taxes. If a tax is increased to fund a particular initiative, it should automatically return to its previous rate once the project is completed.

To ensure that happens, I’m proposing an independent oversight committee dedicated to monitoring project deadlines, budgets, and spending. This committee would provide clear public updates and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used exactly as voters intended.

I want to be clear: I am not attacking or accusing the current council of dishonesty or doing a poor job. I respect anyone who steps up to serve their community. My goal is simply to bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a renewed focus on affordability and accountability to the council. Lancaster is growing, and with growth comes the need for innovative approaches to fiscal responsibility and public trust.

I’m running because I believe in this community and in the power of honest, transparent leadership. With your support, we can build a city government that listens, acts responsibly, and puts residents first — because I believe, we are better together.

 I would be honored to earn your vote.