Candidate for
Council Member; City of La Palma

Biography for LARRY A. HERMAN

Candidate for La Palma City Council

Incumbent Larry A. Herman was elected to the Council in November 2002. Larry had previously served La Palma from 1986 to 1994, including two terms as Mayor. For 18 years Larry has represented La Palma as Trustee of Orange County Vector Control.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Larry attended Washington High School followed by Woodbury University, majoring in Business Administration. He is retired after 34 years with Monsanto Chemical Co. in Long Beach where he worked as Quality Control Laboratory / Industrial Health and Safety Manager.

A mere 45 years ago Larry married his sweetheart, Swedish born, Ulla. They are have one son, Michael, who is married. A La Palma homeowner since 1974, Larry has continually taken pride in the city and supported the rights of its residents.

Serving as President of the La Palma Homeowners Association in 1985, Larry along with fellow members worked to protect the rights of La Palma's homeowners in dealing with city-wide issues. As a Neighborhood Watch District Coordinator and Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 10 years, Larry helps provide a safer and more compassionate community for our residents.

Larry and Ulla have committed their lives to community service. Serving as Legislative Ambassadors for the American Cancer Society, they recently attended events in Washington D.C. Closer to home, they both drive cancer patients to doctor appointments and radiation and chemo treatments. They are both involved in the annual Daffodil Days and the La Palma/ Buena Park Relay For Life, ACS fundraising activities to increase cancer awareness and support research in the quest for a CURE.

For these and many more efforts Larry and Ulla have separately received the prestigious Americana Citizen of the Year Award, representing La Palma. Both were also recently honored by the American Cancer Society with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

What motivated you to run for City Council?

I want to continue the work I have begun. I want to restore accountability and fairness to our dealings with residents. I care deeply about my community and I am constantly striving to improve our services. I have diligently worked to be "A Voice of Reason" on the Council. The desire to ask for and expect better services for our residents has motivated me to seek re-election. It is important to work hard and devote the time necessary to understand the issues and then, and only then, make informed decisions. I am fiscally conservative and I believe we must operate within budgets while we protect our reserves.

What are the major issues facing the City in the next few years?

1. Selection of a City Manager to carry out Council direction, lead, train, and motivate Staff
2. Attract and retain businesses, to protect and/or enhance our City sales tax revenues
3. Renovation of our Community Center to meet community needs - within approved budget
4. Street rehabilitation using cost effective methods, such as Rubberized Asphalt Concrete
5. Improve Code Enforcement by using fair, consistent, and impartial formulas
6. Improve Senior health and recreation programs
7. Increase resident participation in meetings by upgrading Webcasting to include Video