Candidate for
Council Member; City of Manhattan Beach

Jim Aldinger Bio

Jim Aldinger is a homeowner in Manhattan Beach who has been a resident since 1985, has served on the Manhattan Beach City Council since 2001, and served as Mayor from 2003 to 2004. Jim has built his public service career on his commitment to preserving the quality of life and unique neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach, resulting in a breadth of experience and proven leadership on issues pertaining to public safety, fiscal responsibility, project management, and the environment.

Jim has spent nearly twenty years of his career with Boeing at its Satellite Systems division in El Segundo, mainly as a Department Manager in Spacecraft Design and Integration, and in Antenna Mechanical Engineering, with previous roles as Mechanical Engineer and Lead Designer.

His aerospace industry knowledge, paired with his role in local government, has allowed Jim to lend support and fight strongly on behalf of Manhattan Beach residents who may become affected by the pending Base Relocation and Closure (BRAC) proposal in 2005, possibly impacting the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo and causing the elimination of nearly 60,000 aerospace jobs.

Jim's appreciation for the environment served as his initial draw to civic duty in the early 90s. He continues to play an active role in the non-profit association, "VOICE" (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Communities Environment), and has served as Director for over ten years. VOICE focuses on environmental education in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay, hosting Earth Day in Polliwog Park every year.

Additionally, Jim has served as Director for the Ballona Wetlands trust since 2002, helping to save over 600 acres of the Ballona Wetlands from development. He also serves on the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee for the National League of Cities, which keeps abreast of local cities' efforts to maintain the environment by properly leveraging city policies and funding.

As Councilman, Jim serves as a Delegate to the South Bay Cities Council of Government, and as a Regional Council Member for the Southern California Association of Governments. Jim's regional relationships with neighboring cities are quite strong and help him to focus on regional solutions affecting Manhattan Beach + from LAX expansion, to the pending BRAC proposal, to reducing storm water runoff in Manhattan Beach from surrounding communities.

Jim is a member of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, and serves on its legislative committee in order to draft legislation that acts in the best interest of both business and the City. He is also a member of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society, and the Manhattan Beach Sister City Committee + which promotes cultural exchange with Santa Rosalia, Baja, Mexico. Jim is a Diaconate Board Member of the Manhattan Beach Community Church.