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By TR Robertson
Vince Hinojosa III has decided to channel his active community involvement and leadership skills into a run for a District 4 Vista City Council position. A 22-year resident of Shadowridge Heights, Vince said he came from humble beginnings in Texas where he learned a solid work ethic from his parents. He arrived in California in 1989 via the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines he served as a crew chief/door gunner with HMLA 367, 169, 267 and (FREST) Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training prior to a medical retirement due to a mid-air collision on August 16, 1993.
Vince and his family began living in Vista in 1999 where he began serving with various community voluntary organizations. He has three grown children, Michelle, Karina, and Vicente, all who graduated from the Vista Unified School District and who are now productive members of their communities.
After serving in the military, he began his career as a financial professional in 1996. Working with several firms and being exposed to a variety of forms of financial education he attended the Pacific Coast Banking School at The University of Washington Campus, with an emphasis in banking and finance. Vince joined SagePoint Financial as an independent financial advisor, furthering his education in the world of finance, and helping others. All of this would lead him to becoming a fully independent financial planner, opening Advanced Financial Solutions at 122 Civic Center Drive, Suite 103, in Vista. His goal remains to help others achieve their financial goals.
Since arriving in Vista, Vince wanted to not only become a successful, independent business owner, but he wanted to give back to the community in any way he could. He served as President of the Vista Education Foundation, a member of the Vista Optimist Club, the Vista Sunrise Kiwanis, Past President of the Rotary Club of Camp Pendleton, chaired the Audit Committee for the Combined Health Agency for the United Way, the Vista Chamber of Commerce, is on the Supervisory Committee for Frontwave Credit Union and on the Finance Committee for the City of Vista. As a Vista Chamber of Commerce member, he is on the Education Committee, the Heroes of Vista Committee and will soon be helping start a committee to engage Hispanic businesses in Vista. He was also a board member of the North County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
When asked why he wanted to run for a City Council position Vince said he is an advocate of leadership and “always taught my children that we need to be the change we want to see.” He pointed out that City Council members have a significant responsibility to represent their constituents and to make their city a healthier and safe place. One concern he has is the increased homeless issue the city is dealing with, pointing out that he has personally seen the number of homeless in District 4 increase. He gave an example of a piece of property the Optimist Club owns in District 4 where homeless encampments have had to be removed or the Optimist Club risk being fined. Vince mentioned partnering with other organizations to help deal with homeless issues and the importance of organizations like Solutions for Change in dealing with homeless families. He has volunteered with Solutions for Change and pointed out the incredible work Chris Megison has done. It was mentioned that the redistricting of District 4 will potentially include increasing the number of areas where homeless encampments exist.
Other issues he wanted to include as important dealt with the city collaborating with the Sheriff’s Department to continue an ongoing dialogue with educating both sides about working together for a safer city. He said, like a quality insurance team making sure everything is followed toward a safe outcome, the same should be done with law enforcement and the city. Another issue he wanted to emphasize was making sure businesses had a voice in city affairs, as long as they brought “emotional intelligence” to the problems. He said more Hispanic businesses need to become involved with the city and the Chamber of Commerce. Each side needs to understand the struggles they both go through to make change.
Vince said, “I don’t know how to give up. I know there is a solution to every bad problem, you just have to step back to see it.” He wants to be as proactive as possible so outcomes will be favorable. He wanted to remind everyone that he has been “Doing Good for Vista” for years and will continue to do this if elected. His current endorsement includes current Mayor Judy Ritter, District 4 Councilmember John Franklin, former Vista City Councilmember John Aguilera, and Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall. He pointed out the website www.vinceforvista.com has areas for donations, volunteering, submitting issues and for contacting via messages.
