Candidate for
Member of the City Council; City of Malibu

SUSAN M. TELLEM

Age: 62
Occupation: Public Relations Executive

Malibu needs change. We must liberate the lock step City Council and bring diverse opinions and fresh ideas to refl ect the will of Malibu residents.

Move ahead with me. Together we will bring important changes to Malibu.

Since the early 70s, I have been a dedicated volunteer and leading community advocate. Whether serving homeowners associations or rescuing animals, I have been visible and vocal.

As a mother of four fantastic kids, I started numerous Neighborhood Watch programs and served as an LAPD reserve officer specialist (now retired). As an RN and member of the Medical Reserve Corps of LA, my commitment to Malibu’s health and safety is a priority.

My 30 years as a successful business owner and public relations executive give me the tools and experience needed to lead and make smart decisions for successful outcomes. As a crisis expert, I help companies, nonprofits and government agencies overcome legal issues and barriers to communication. Malibu desperately needs these skills.

In 1990, my husband and I founded American Tortoise Rescue, a respected international animal rescue organization. As volunteers with California Wildlife Center, we rescue many stranded turtles on Malibu’s beaches.

I am aggressively leading the charge to stop overnight camping in our narrow canyons and parks. As an elected Council member, I will be your advocate with the Coastal Commission.

Our recent wildfires point to Malibu’s need for greatly improved emergency preparedness and communication infrastructure.

Public safety measures are woefully inadequate. During the fires, telephone notification, Internet servers, local TV and backup power all failed at City Hall. So did local leadership. This is inexcusable. Once elected, I will move to expand and equip our city and communicate effectively and efficiently to protect our residents in disasters. I will ensure that technology to assist hearing and visually impaired residents is available so that they can participate as full citizen advocates.

Increased traffic and unsafe, unreasonable development magnified by the huge La Paz project must be addressed as there are precious few ways to evacuate especially with the inadequate roads in the civic center area. Should a fire occur, our grammar schools would be at risk. Evacuation plans, currently missing in action, are critically important. This is a priority for me.

Elect Tellem for City Council. Move ahead with me, and together we will bring change to Malibu.