Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of El Segundo

BALANCE AND EQUITY

I believe in a balanced approach to how we support our businesses, downtown development, public safety, and other vital services.

I believe in a balanced approach to solving problems between the schools and our residents. I do not favor any one entity. Again, moderation and respect for the mutual concerns and issues is critical. Where there are options to resolve issues, the city must take more pro-active steps to communicate and resolve these issues.

I do not favor any one service over the other. They are all important issues in our community. I do not believe any one business or business type should be favored.

I believe our city codes, ordinances, and laws should be applied equally, objectively, and fairly.

Our residents deserve to be treated equally. There is some inequity to some members of the community, and I will do my best to ensure equality to all members of the community, and to be objective in how I deal with the community.

Balance is important. I believe our Council should represent our vital interests and favor no entity in particular. This maintains objectivity, and demonstrates equity, character, and integrity.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY>

I am fiscally conservative.

I do not believe in raising your taxes or service fees unless the issue is put to a public vote in the ballot box. I believe the Proposition 218 process was not applied in manner that was fair and equitable to the community.

The El Segundo City Council is a paid position, however, I believe that service as a Council Member is about public service. The El Segundo City Council raised their pay 86% in 2007 to $900.00 a month. I disagreed with the raise percentage. It was excessive.

The Council should have made a reasonable hike based on the cost of living. Council Members should lead by example. The 86% pay raise sends the wrong message to our employees, taxpayers and residents.

I will donate a portion of my monthly salary to the El Segundo High School Student Scholarship Program to offset higher education costs for our students entering college.

TRANSPARENCY

I believe in transparent governing. Our City Council needs to improve how it communicates with the residents.

I was compelled to run, because as a resident I was disappointed in some of the limited communications and responses expressed by the Council to our residents. People bring valid issues to the Council and need to know they are heard and never need feel they are being ignored. I will address your concerns with heartfelt respect and earnest resolve.

PARKING

Parking in El Segundo has not addressed consistently. The City needs to establish a plan, that is supported by the community.

Foot traffic cannot be supported by the current parking problems. Foot traffic is needed in the downtown area to support businesses, and you need diverse businesses to attract people. People won't patronize or be attracted to businesses in the downtown area if they cannot park or walk the area.

I will work to improve the issues surrounding parking and support our businesses. I believe the parking problem is detrimental to new development.

DEVELOPMENT

I support development, as long as the residents and community are involved and support the proposals submitted for development. I want sensible development that provides for the greater good of our community, and enhances our lives. I want to maintain our "Mayberry" roots, look, and feel.

It is hard to frame your entire campaign around a 30-second sound byte. I favor downtown development that does not detract from our small town look and feel. I do not support the current 48" plan, and similar efforts of mixed-use construction (example 426 Main Street). Before I can approve or disapprove, I will communicate with the residents and conduct a two-way exchange to ensure our residents support the proposed development. I believe we should be sensible and reasonable in our approach.

I will work with our developers, Realtors, Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders to improve and modernize the community. The residents input is vital. I am a good guy, I hope that you will trust that I would not do anything to to hurt our town. That is my pledge, and my ethical duty.

I have an open mind, and communication is essential. I look forward to open dialogue and working to improve our community.