Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Anaheim

I'm Andrea Manes, resident of Anaheim for 44 years, City Commissioner for 11 years, business owner and a candidate for Anaheim City Council.

I will work for every citizen in Anaheim to insure

• Strong Anaheim neighborhoods

  Neighborhoods need greenspace for our families and our outdoor enjoyment. Safe, educational after-school programs are a priority and contribute to strong neighborhoods. Cooperation and collaboration between the city and existing organizations (Anaheim Family YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim) should be encouraged to make more programs possible for Anaheim's young families. Keeping the sidewalks and streets in good repair are the responsibility of City services. Removing graffiti and keeping Anaheim's open lots in good repair contributes to strong, attractive, livable neighborhoods and needs to be priority. I will work to insure that neighborhood needs are addressed and citizens feel welcome at Neighborhood Council gatherings.

• Outreach and assistance to Anaheim's senior community and their needs

  Our seniors need more assistance in maintaining their homes and their lives, as age makes them less mobile. Working with Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim and Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, talking to our Anaheim senior citizens has provided me an awareness of some of the needs of our older population. This includes housing and possible living arrangements when their homes become too overwhelming, keeping their existing homes in good repair, plus, services in the home - food delivery, housecleaning services, explanation and assistance in accessing city and government services available to them. Other needs are not as easy to identify or address - loneliness and being "out of touch" due to a lack of mobility, transportation needs to go to church, senior group gatherings, and medical facilities. Assistance with medical issues is a huge need. As a city, we need to reach out and provide services by putting seniors and those organizations together. I will work with existing organizations and agencies to link these seniors with those available to assist them.

• Anaheim's Youth Involvement

  Working with the Anaheim Family YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim, and Youth Leadership has provided an opportunity to see the need for leadership skills to be cultivated in our Anaheim's young people and creating opportunities for young people to work and serve the Anaheim community. Young people need to feel connected to city leaders and city government. Youth Leadership is one avenue to ensure that connection.

• Public Safety

  Quality equipment and resources for Police & Fire personnel must be provided to our outstanding fire and police personnel to keep our city safe for everyone, and to insure their continued success in keeping our city safe.

• Support for the Arts in Anaheim

  Volunteering with the Anaheim Arts Council provides an opportunity to see what arts programs are available in our city. Our libraries need renovation and, in some cases, replacement. Children's art programs are limited and need to be nutured and developed. The Anaheim Children's Festival brings all levels of art experiences to attendees but more is needed. This city should support a Youth Orchestra and make music available to all of Anaheim's children. Working with existing community programs developed by the Pacific Symphony and Orange County Symphony this kind of program can be developed.

I promise to do my homework and use every available resource to make good decisions for the Anaheim Community. I have the energy and enthusiasm to work together and work well with the residents, neighborhoods, businesses, & departments of this City. I have the advantage of 30 years experience working with the city on a series of successful projects that have benefited our Anaheim seniors, youth and community at large.

I am proud of my experience and accomplishments in Anaheim and look forward to continued success in serving on the Anaheim City Council. I invite you to call me and share your ideas, questions and concerns. I'm third on the ballot and I thank you for your vote!