Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Westlake Village

Chris Mann has the right combination of proven experience, fresh ideas and the right priorities for Westlake Village. He has earned a reputation for bringing people together to get results, which is why he is supported by so many of our local leaders, including a majority of the current City Council.

Fiscal Responsibility

Chris is committed to maintaining a balanced budget, keeping spending in check, not taking on unnecessary debt, and investing prudently in the infrastructure and services that residents expect, without raising taxes or fees.

Protecting Our Schools

Despite these difficult times, quality education must remain a priority. We simply cannot afford to sacrifice the education of those who will become our next generation of business and civic leaders. The City and the School District have separate and distinct roles and responsibilities. While City Hall should not interfere with the operation of the School District, the City should provide assistance wherever practical to ensure the continued high quality of our local education system. Chris understands that the future success of our community is tied to the success of our schools.

No New Taxes or Fees

Chris will fight for Westlake residents by opposing all efforts to increase taxes or fees. Chris has an established history of working to protect taxpayers. While on the City Council Chris led local opposition to attempts by Sacramento politicians to raise the vehicle license fee. Under Chris' leadership as Mayor, the City expanded cultural and recreational programs, opened a new park (Foxfield Park), invested heavily in public safety, maintained a balance budget and grew its fiscal reserves to the largest in the City's history up to that point, all without raising a single tax or fee. While living in Riverside County, Chris founded and served as President of the Inland Empire Taxpayers Association, which successfully fought local bond measures, directly preventing the creation of over $1.6 billion of new public debt. Chris Mann is dedicated to protecting Westlake residents and business owners from higher taxes and fees.

Public Safety

Public safety is local government's number one priority. Chris has an established record of working with law enforcement to keep our community safe. As a City Councilman Chris worked with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to help create Westlake's Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program. Chris will work hard to ensure that Westlake Village remains a safe place to live and work.

Enhance Community Services

Chris Mann believes in expanding the services Westlake provides to its residents. As Mayor, Chris worked closely with the YMCA and residents to establish a partnership for the development of a sports park. During his first campaign for City Council Chris promised to work toward establishing a park next to the fire station on Foxfield Drive. He kept his promise, and residents now enjoy Foxfield Park. Chris believes that the City should work to bring a community center/senior center to Westlake Village.

Pro-Business

As Mayor, Chris Mann strongly supported Westlake businesses. As President of Mann Communications and a Principal of ADR/Preferred Business Properties, Chris is a local small business owner himself and an active member of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Westlake Village has historically been one of the most pro-business cities in California. Chris supports the City's policy of not charging a business license tax, and will work to attract new businesses to Westlake.

Protect Open Space

As Mayor, Chris Mann led efforts to protect Westlake's remaining open space, such as "Lot 79." Chris understands that business and recreational development must be balanced with the need to preserve open space and protect existing residents from increased traffic, noise and other significant impacts.

Westlake 2.0

Westlake residents and businesses deserve the best in city services and amenities. Chris believes it's time for the City to start better utilizing modern technology. Providing free city-wide wireless Internet, for example, would likely cost the City relatively little but could save the average household and business around $600 per year. The City should also make use of the latest social media tools as a way to improve communications between City Hall and residents.

"Unify Westlake"

Chris believes that the City should seriously look into the possibility of moving from Los Angeles County into Ventura County. Currently our village is divided. The County Line even cuts Westlake Island right in half. Unifying Westlake Village in Ventura County will likely lead to lower taxes, a higher level of County services and less confusion. Current school district boundaries would be unaffected, and the City would still have the option to contract with Los Angeles County for law enforcement, fire protection and other services.

Putting Residents First

As a City Councilman and as Mayor Chris gained a reputation for listening to the residents of Westlake Village. No matter the issue (e.g. a proposed new development project, a cell phone tower or a water storage tank), Chris will listen carefully to all sides and act in the best interests of residents.