Mark Lipps Campaign Statement

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Parent, husband, dog owner, homeowner, local business owner. I care passionately about Manhattan Beach and want to ensure our community continues to embrace the basic values of family, community, education, public safety and preserve our hometown feeling.

My family has lived in Manhattan Beach for 17 years. We put 3 sons through Manhattan Beach public schools. Our youngest is a freshman at MCHS.

My professional career in television was managing relationships. My last position was an executive with Fox Broadcasting for 17 years. I am currently spearheading an environmental business, S.A.G.E. (sustainable and green environment), and supporting my wife's catering company, THE RIPE CHOICE CATERING. Both in Manhattan Beach.

Small businesses are the backbone of our town. I will encourage thinking local in all areas of Manhattan Beach and strengthening local businesses.

My priorities will maintain our natural landscape and emergency first responders and ensure reasonable, fiscal responsible government. I will keep traditions available to everyone. I will listen and respond to you, my community.

I am and always will be about Manhattan Beach. I plan to bring fresh energy and dedication to serve you on City Council.

Credentials:

  • Leadership Manhattan Beach
  • Community Police Academy
  • Rotary
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • The Badminton Club
  • Journey of Faith
  • University of Evansville

"I AM MANHATTAN BEACH!!!"

City Council Priorities

  1. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MB CITY COUNCIL, CITY HALL , SMALL BUSINESS AND OUR CITIZENS.
  2. SUPPORT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS.
  3. I WANT TO KEEP THE SMALL TOWN FEEL AND VALUES THAT BROUGHT A LOT OF US HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
  4. CONTINUE THE SUSTAINABLE LIVING AGENDA
  5. CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE MB CHAMBER TO FOSTER NETWORKING AMONG VENDORS. BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AND THINKING LOCAL CAMPAIGNS.
  6. CONTINUE TO MAKE PUBLIC SAFETY A BIG PRIORITY.
  7. CREATE INCENTIVES FOR RESIDENTS TO RENOVATE MB HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
  8. CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ABILITY OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ATTRACT NEW HOMEOWNERS; CREATE LEADERS; AND SHOW WE CARE ABOUT OUR KIDS MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
  9. DON'T GIVE UP THE FLAG ON WHAT WE CHERISH ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY...WE ARE MANHATTAN BEACH!

Our Seniors

Regarding the fastest growing demo in the country and Manhattan Beach: My observations now that AARP has officially designated me a senior citizen.

1. Our older adults are the fastest growing demographic in our city.

2. Our older adults have a variety of interests.

3. Our older adults are probably busier now than when they were working.

4. Our older adults are a broad diverse group lots of energy who want CHOICES!

5. Many of our older adults do not have a large family or neighbor support group. They are lonely and need a community support group.

Manhattan Beach needs to support our older adults with first class facilities reaching a broad range of needs. It could be a large improved single area. I think Manhattan Heights would be perfect spot to build out to operate as a community specifically for seniors. Softball, basketball, shuffleboard in addition to indoor games, speakers, parties and field trips. A place to interact with peers in a variety of ways. A place that cures loneliness; a place that exercises seniors both mentally and physically. A place set up with first class audio/visual facilities. I would like to see an environment that is exclusive to seniors and meets the expectations of a broad age range of interests. A place that encourages passions not lethargy.

I also think we should have smaller pockets for seniors to meet, post notes, start clubs in heavy pedestrian traffic areas in our city. Manhattan Village, downtown, Northend, Marine Park, etc.

I would like to know if transportation is a real issue for seniors in Manhattan Beach. I cannot pretend to know all of the issues related to seniors. I can promise that once elected to city council I will listen.

If any older adults would like to discuss the issues please let me know.

WHY ME? "I AM MANHATTAN BEACH."

Lived in the tree section for 17 years.

I own a small business. I want to keep the small town feel of Manhattan Beach. Gentrification is part of evolution but that does not mean we have to lose our character and charm in the process.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE RAISED 3 KIDS FROM ELEMENTARY THROUGH HS IN MB PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Our youngest is just starting HS. We know this school system.

I have been a consistent volunteer from establishing our neighborhood block party & gourmet club to chairing school events to coaching kids for years in club and league sports to serving the community through MB Rotary projects (career days, landscaping, underprivileged,).

Graduate of Leadership Manhattan and the Community Police Academy.

My only agenda is what is fair and best for the citizens and community of Manhattan Beach.  Common sense and reasonableness will rule my thinking.