Development and Partnership with our Schools

By David S. Burns

The solution to many of our problems lies in true leadership. The ability of this community to resolve our infrastructure problems is not going to be solved by one individual or one entity. It will only be solved by the collective efforts of our entire community working together to solve the problem. I will work with our residents, School Board, educators, developers, Realtors, Chamber of Commerce, and other vital stakeholders to improve and modernize the community.

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. Before I can approve or disapprove a proposal, I will communicate with the residents and conduct a two-way exchange to ensure our residents support the proposals being placed before us. 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. Resident input is vital. I have an open mind, and communication is essential. I look forward to open dialogue and working to improve our community.

Partnership With Our Schools

Our schools are perhaps the community's greatest asset. Schools provide the bedrock for our children's futures, and represent as a homeowner, much of our value.

The schools are not just a city or school district problem, it is a community issue. Our school leaders, City Council, corporate partners, and residents united to solve the problems facing school repairs and renovations.

Like any major stakeholder in the community, we must continue to support our schools. I believe in a balanced approach to how we support business, development, public safety, and other services. I do not favor any one over the other. They are all important issues in our community.

Our school performance scores attract families. Great schools lead to economic vitality, and enhance the investment held in our home values. The schools represent the character of our community, and the promise for our children's future. Our children must have the best schools possible to ensure they have a path to higher education, and the chance to earn a degree toward their profession and raise their families.

I learned some valuable lessons through my participation in the High School Facilities Planning and Renovation from 2008 through 2011, and implementing Measure "M." How the community came together and solved the schools facilities and athletic field renovations is a model for the entire community in addressing and financing our future needs.

The joint-use agreement established for facilities between the city and schools is a valuable resource.

The joint-use agreement is a winning strategy that supports the City of El Segundo, the residents, and the schools. The city has few public facilities. The shared-use agreement allows a fair and equitable arrangement that benefits the entire community. It is a sound and responsible financial arrangement that supports the greater good.

Rebuilding the High School Athletic Fields and Auditorium

The issue of the High School Infrastructure was centered primarily around public health and safety. I participated in this rebuilding process from 2008 to 2011. In the January 2008 meetings of the community and the School Board, I offered solutions to establish a formalized commission (Task Force or like body) of community stakeholders to review ESUSD infrastructure.

In May 2008, I was appointed to the El Segundo Unified School District Facilities Committee. The Facilities Committee evaluated the High School athletic fields and the auditorium. We conducted site analysis surveys, met with the architectural firm, and performed cost feasibility studies that would form the basis of justifying the health and safety issues, construction, and renovation issues that would be presented in the Measure "M" bond initiative. Initial costs were estimated at over $19 million dollars. The Facilities Committee evaluation process reduced the cost to $14 million dollars.

In November 2008 the community of El Segundo overwhelmingly approved Measure M.

In 2009, after the passage of Measure M, I was appointed to the independent citizens' oversight committee. I was honored to serve in this capacity and am delighted with the new El Segundo Performing Arts Center and athletics facilities.

The solution to many of our problems lies in true leadership. The ability of this community to resolve our infrastructure problems is not going to be solved by one individual or one entity. It will only be solved by the collective efforts of our entire community working together to solve the problem.

When elected, I will help continue to lead the community to seeking solutions to the problems and challenges we face with my fellow Council Members and other community stakeholders.

I stand ready to serve El Segundo. I respectfully ask for one of your 3 votes on April 10th.