jeffrey GERHARDT's Open Letter

By Jeffrey B. Gerhardt

Read below to learn more about my forum as a candidate for Placentia City Council

For the past 25 years, I have been a public servant. As a proud law enforcement officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, I served the community with honor, integrity and professionalism. Now retired from my career, I continue my public service as the Cultural Arts Commissioner for the City of Placentia. I am honored to serve with the same level of commitment. With the help of many others, I am proud to say we have increased community participation in cultural events such as Concerts in the Park, we have raised funds to support educators academic and cultural studies, and we rang in the holidays with a town hall celebration respecting and appreciating all cultures and faiths.

I know that accountability is a necessary component of city government and those entrusted with public confidence must act responsibly. Unfortunately, the City has seen some irresponsible actions by some staff and City Council members in the past few years. The once "touted" OnTrac agency, now disbanded, resulted in embarrassment and tremendous debt to the City. The result described as "plunged city accounts millions in the red". Two top city officials have been indicted regarding this debacle, the former City Administrator and the City Public Works Director retired, the Chief of Police has been replaced. Now with the potential government's use of eminent domain to acquire the necessary land to construct a Metrolink station and railway grade separations, the community has a right to be concerned and a right to be cautious about the decision making of those elected to represent their interests. Our community has a strong voice when we stand together. In opposition to the threat from the City Council to disband our Police Department, the residents successfully united and expressed their desire to keep in tact "our" Department of fine men and women that protect our community.

As your representative, I pledge to provide an open and transparent government, and to:

Serve honorably, with integrity, ethics and professionalism

Respectfully listen to and be responsive to residents

Carefully evaluate City services to assure cost effectiveness in delivering those services

Hold staff and contract providers accountable for their actions

Increase support for residents, especially seniors and youth

Support development and revitalization in our City

I have been a proud Placentia resident for many years, and have chosen to raise my family in this fine community. It truly is a "pleasant place to live" and with your help, we can keep it that way.

I am asking for your support as I pledge my service to the community as a member of the City Council.

To learn more about me and my family, please watch TLC's Trading Spaces October 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm and again on October 12th.