Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Sierra Madre

Philosophy of Government

I believe that the City Government works for the citizens and not the other way around. The City Council exists to bring the will of the people into government, to set the policies reflecting that consensus, and to hold the administration strictly accountable for achieving clear cut performance targets in service to those policies.

Development--The Monastery Property

My family lived on Sierra Keys Drive for 14 years before we moved to Ramona Avenue. We were literally five houses below the big field owned by the Monastery. I wish I had a nickel for every time we went for hikes on that property. When my son was about 3, eight years ago, I would take him on walks in that field several mornings a week before I went to work. That field, that whole retreat, is deeply embedded in my heart. Our community needs to find a way to protect this precious resource while respecting the prerogatives of the property owners.

Fiscal Philosophy

Sierra Madre faces serious fiscal challenges now and in the coming years. I will always push to squeeze maximum value out of every last dollar received by the citizens. Many of our biggest fiscal challenges involve shouldering the costs of long-term deferred maintenance (See Water Infrastructure, Tree Trimming, Streets and Sidewalks below). Wise long term planning now will reduce fiscal pressures on the City in the future.

Public Safety

I believe in local control and am committed to maintaining our own police department and do not support contracting out to the Sheriff's Department. Our police, fire and paramedics should be our top priority and should be properly supported.

Water and Water Conservation

Water Infrastructure

New water revenues from the increased water rates must be spent wisely and transparently on water infrastructure that currently suffers from decades of deferred maintenance. Any monies not spent on repayment of bonds should be targeted at replacement of the 90 year old water mains in the city that are a major source of lost water. This will entail a long term plan with yearly targets. The plan will be transparent and posted publicly for easy access by citizens. Management will be held accountable for these targets.

Water Quality

Citizens have expressed to me extreme frustration with the poor quality of water we are receiving from MWD. The City asserts that the water discoloration problem with our newly hooked up MWD water will stabilize in about two months (six months after we hooked up to MWD last fall). If the problem persists, a city wide water quality forum should be held in early June, which would lead to implementation of some sort of feasible water quality abatement program as directed by the consensus of the forum. Our long term solution involves more careful stewardship of the East Raymond Basin below us, so that when it is finally recharged by rains, we can better assure its long term viability.

Water Conservation

New city ordinances are needed to encourage and allow for gray water systems, rainwater catchment systems, and reduction of hardscapes (like concrete and pavement) to increase water percolation into the East Raymond Basin below us. Also, xeriscaping (using low water requirement natural indigenous plants) needs to be encouraged by the city. The permit process needs to be streamlined and simplified so that homeowners are not discouraged from using water conservation innovations. We should work closely with the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District in planning and implementing water conservation programs.

Our Library

As a Trustee on the Board of the Sierra Madre Public Library, I know very well that the Library has a special place in the hearts of Sierra Madreans. The City should do everything possible to maintain and improve this amazing community resource.

Tree Trimming

Our trees are suffering from years of deferred maintenance. The City needs to commit to a multi-year plan recommended by the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Commission that would prioritize, target, and expedite tree trimming.

Streets and Sidewalks

The miles of streets in need of paving need to be put on a long term plan easily accessible to the public, so that the public can see progress being made. Sidewalks must be properly repaired with re-pouring of concrete. Asphalt patches are not acceptable to our citizens.