Candidate for
Council Member; City of East Palo Alto

Larry for City Council- 1st Priority Public Safety

My wife Lisa and my four sons have benefited greatly from the vibrant diversity of our community, and we proudly represent EPA where ever we go. As residents, we have committed ourselves to being the best neighbors and advocates for the right values of our community. In 2004 my family hosted the 1st ever National Night Out event in our community. The goal then as today is to build relationships for those who serve the community in the Police, Fire, Ambulance, and public safety fields. It was a Hugh success; over 200 hundred people from all over the community attended that first event. Now today we have 7 sites participating in National Night events. What we learned that evening that people wanted to turn the corner from the destruction of the 90's in this community and move forward. Today people are sharing that once again they don't feel safe in their communities. Seniors are concerned about coming out in the evening. Businesses are concerned that attracting out side customers is challenging in some areas of town, because of the concern of safety in the community. My recommendation is its time to prepare the General Fund Budget to accomplish the goal of creating a larger Police force. Residents desire a department that can cover the whole community at once. All 2.5 miles; of EPA. We know that jobs creation for residents is a major issue. With unemployment raising to a high of 21%,for EPA, verses 12% for the rest of the county. We know firsthand the urgency of getting our community working. But jobs come with the relationship established by ownership &.community. If we are going to attract, businesses that will recruit local residents who's skill match the needs of the work, it comes with a price. We wish to front load the relationship not with gimmick policing: but with solid police work that provides coverage of the community 24-7... They have to be assured that EPA Today is SAFE for the residents, the businesses and the image of EPA. Once that investment is complete we will find a healthier more active EPA Community. IF Elected I will lead the charge towards a safe vibrant EPA...