Candidate for
Council Member; City of San Gabriel

I see the role of the City Council as a service position. I want to provide a voice for people who otherwise would not have one. In making my decisions I will always keep in mind the needs of those that cannot or do not participate in government. I have no outside interest motivating or funding me. My interest is simply to make San Gabriel a better place.

Through my community involvement I have noticed a slow degradation of the quality of life in San Gabriel. This is despite my efforts (through FOLL) to make improvements. This decline has been due to a lack of leadership and vision in the City from the top down. San Gabriel has been reactive rather than proactive. I want to change this way of thinking.

Some examples of the decline over the past few years can be seen in the long-standing businesses we have lost: Norms, AAA, Goody's and New Century Ford. We are about to lose the last regional supermarket (Albertsons). I have heard excuses for each situation, but no information on what steps the city took to prevent these losses.

The two ways I know we can change the city from its declining trend to an improving one are better community involvement and bringing in responsible businesses that enhance the community. I have a proven track record in both of these areas.

I believe that safety, security and education are the prime reasons that people choose to move to or remain in a city. One of the reasons I chose to come to San Gabriel was the fact that it has its own Police Department and Fire Department.

I want to make sure that the Council is working with other agencies and neighboring communities to provide regional prevention and protection. Our problem does not stop at our city limits; we must work with other agencies to have a cohesive crime prevention plan. This includes working closely with SGUSD to identify, educate and prevent gang membership in schools.

We can not solve our problems unless and until we take ownership of them. True leadership is just that, taking responsibility and resolving the problem. Prior to deciding to run for Council I have thought long and hard about many of these issues and more.

I believe I am the most capable and best candidate for the City Council Position or I would never have run. I am the type of person that does not sit back and complain, I get involved and solve problems. I promise to work hard with our community to make San Gabriel the best place to live that it can be.