Candidate for
Council Member; City of Manhattan Beach

My Vision: Goals for Our City

Many of us have been drawn to Manhattan Beach because of all that it has to offer - ocean breezes, active beaches, high scoring schools, the endearing sense of community offered by our residents and the small town atmosphere of which few California cities can boast.

As progress brings evermore traffic and businesses to our surrounding area we must keep our eye on the future as well as dollars and sense ! I believe that a city council should be responsible and accountable to its community.

• The current California state budget has over a $34 BILLION deficit. Our community will be faced with some tough choices. Local services and city money is at risk as increasing amounts of revenue are given to the state. We must consider the future in order to be financially responsible and accountable. We must look at REDUCING city spending. Our city should be run more like a business to be cost efficient. When elected, I will be diligent in researching alternatives, scrutinizing budgets and guarding our tax dollars. Research and being informed are two things I take seriously.

• Local development needs to be controlled carefully. We currently have no limit on the number of lots that can be combined. In maintaining the low profile, safe beach community we need to implement measures to limit neighborhood traffic and force through traffic onto the major arteries that were meant to handle such traffic. When new development applies for permits, there should be strict adherence to the parking space codes so that we do not continue to expand development without regard to the impending traffic and parking problems that are created.

• Our citizens should be well informed of issues that face our community. Manhattan Beach takes pride in the residential interaction of its citizens with our local government. Without a better form of communication, many citizens do not know what decisions need to be made until after the fact. Regular publication of issues and agenda items on a weekly basis in the Daily Breeze would be one answer. As challenging as it may be, I'd like to bring back community involvement in our local government. Neighborhood meetings, electronic bulletin boards and regular posting of issues in a daily paper are proactive ways to give the community a voice. I want to be reflective of the people in our community - to listen and find solutions. When elected, I will make it top priority to introduce better communication methods to our community.

• Our unique hometown merchants not only create small town charm, but also serve as a tax revenue source, a parking meter revenue source, and sponsor for many Manhattan Beach public events. Without these businesses, many of our local festivals and events would not be possible. A liaison commission should be instituted for mutual benefit of the local businesses and the City. When elected, I will work toward establishing a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship between the City and our local businesses.

• As the South Bay continues to develop and attract more people, increased traffic is a natural by-product. Stop signs are not the only solution. Each of our neighborhoods have distinct traffic concerns. Citizens who are directly affected should be part of the solution finding process. Neighborhood meetings are one way we can develop citizen-based solutions that appeal to the community. I urge the use of radar speed monitors, which are effective in slowing down drivers. A plan to develop a future LEV or ZEV trolley to run on one or two main arteries of town would encourage residents to leave their cars at home, reduce traffic, increase local business and free up some parking spaces. These are just a few innovative ways to manage traffic.

• As a former construction development coordinator for a commercial firm, I can bring a unique perspective to capital improvement projects. I understand the business as well as the aesthetic details involved. Having been in the construction and design industry, I am able to interpret a one-dimensional drawing as a full-scale building. This ability is important when looking at plans for any project or building. When elected, I will look with a critical eye at the economic and aesthetic features of any plans put before the council to ensure appropriate development.

• Our city needs to partner with our local schools to address the needs of our youth. We are facing tremendous budget cuts in our schools. Many residents may not realize that the school district is its own distinct entity and our local city government has no control over the decisions that are made by the schools Board of Trustees. Our city government should have a beneficial relationship with our school system because our property values are directly related to quality of education and because our students are part of our community. We need alternatives for our teens in extracurricular activities that enhance not only the individual but also our community. Our local schools are facing a dilemma in eradicating drugs and alcohol from their campuses. I believe that our City has a responsibility to support our schools, help bring in government monies and to foster an anti-drug campaign to bring the message into the homes of our community. When elected, I would like to establish a committee that unites our schools with our city to find effective ways to benefit our children.

• Our senior population is part of our city's heritage. I believe we must ensure a safe haven for our seniors as well as our children. A program that brings our seniors in contact with our community's youth would enrich both. When elected, I'd like to promote programs that provide a nurturing environment for our seniors.

• Manhattan Beach's emergency response time to reach an emergency situation is incredibly short -with an average response time of 4.5 minutes. But in a life threatening emergency a more immediate mode of transport to Harbor UCLA or Daniel Freeman Hospital is crucial. Our community should have some method of transporting victims in this situation. When elected, I would like to put together a team to find solutions to this dilemma.

• Underground utilities create a safer, more aesthetically pleasing environment in communities where such provisions exist. If there was no cost involved, everyone would most likely support underground utility placement in our city. However the cost involved in instituting this program makes this issue an economic one. As surveys of the Assessment Districts are completed, there are choices to be made. It is up to the City to find the most economical ways to approach this project. The City should be proactive in seeking cost containment and helping to defray projected costs. I believe we can find ways for the City to help alleviate any hardships that might be caused to those who cannot afford the fees. Ultimately the voters will have the opportunity to decide on this issue once the costs have been determined. A second vote will give our residents an opportunity to make their voices heard and render a final decision for their district. When elected, I will look for ways to make underground utilities an affordable choice for our community.

• City Council serves the people of Manhattan Beach. Your voice deserves not only to be heard, but for someone to listen. We must all work together. If elected, I will listen to your concerns and work to find realistic solutions. I will read your letters and e-mails and be prepared with the necessary knowledge. Your voice and your vote count.

• Most importantly, I love the community that we live in. I want to give something back to my community. The future belongs to our children and I'd like to see them enjoy Manhattan Beach as we do today. With feet firmly planted in today, I believe we must carefully sow the seeds of tomorrow.