A Vibrant Santa Monica

By Pam O'Connor

I've been a leader on the City Council. I have a proven track record of supporting education. I provided the crucial vote for the $6 million ongoing grant to our public schools--and I ensured that the agreement included accountability. I continue to foster cooperation among the City, our schools and Santa Monica College.

Our neighborhoods needed to be protected from overdevelopment, so I initiated revision of outdated land use laws with a process that includes broad public involvement including student/youth participation.

I've fought to retain affordable housing for community members and am working for housing opportunities for our youth. And of course, the root of homelessness is lack of housing. Renewed energy and participation from LA County is resulting in Housing First and family reunification programs with an empahsis on helping the chronic homeless.

As Mayor, I led the search for our outstanding City Manager. I've worked for enhanced public safety, adding more parks and trees, innovative environmental programs and strong fiscal management. Especially critical are providing programs for our youth and our seniors.

And I'm doing something about traffic congestion in my role as First Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Metro (MTA) Board with new transit services (Rapid buses) and more funding for signal and street improvements.

I've worked tirelessly to bring Light Rail to Santa Monica and construction has just started on the first segment. As incoming Chair of MTA, I'll bring the leadership to finish the job of building Expo Light Rail all the way to Santa Monica.

I ask for your vote so we can work together for a vibrant future.