Why Am I Running for City Council?

Now is my time. 25 years managing business relationships; MB homeowner 17 years; 3 sons graduated MB public schools; own a small business in Manhattan Beach; annual MB volunteer chairing school events, Little League, MBYB, AYSO, Meals on Wheels, Hometown Fair, beach clean up days, fundraising, working on city wide projects; Neighborhood Watch Block Captain; organizing block parties; graduate Community Police Academy, Leadership Manhattan. I can provide reason and common sense to decision making. Decisions that are fiscally responsible, fair and just.

My views on managing the city:

  • We should keep in mind that spending does not have to match increased revenues. Treat our budget like its your own.
  • I believe we should have a MBPD substation East of Sepulveda.
  • I believe we must be resolute with the Manhattan Village developers to create something extraordinary that represents Manhattan Beach.
  • I think we need to continue to focus pro-actively on our infrastructure, not reactively.
  • Our older adults have great programs every day of the week. We should support those programs with first class facilities.
  • I think we can develop a master plan for Poliwog Park that would make that area incredibly special and still maintain open areas.
  • One for all and all for one. A rising tide lifts all boats. LETS NOT BUILD MONUMENTS TO OURSELVES; LETS ENHANCE WHAT IS ALREADY HERE IN FRONT OF US!
  • Undergrounding, Centennial celebration handled poorly and a million bucks spent on a MB Strategic Master Plan sits on the shelf.

Manhattan Beach is a well run city

Yet, on the good side we are a well run city. We have a triple AAA rating; we have untouched reserves; our #1 crime is bicycle theft; our public schools rank at the top. Our leaders need strong character when making decisions. No decisions should be self serving, influenced by political party or special interests unless fair and just for MB. Reasonableness and common sense. If in 8-years our #1 crime is still bicycle theft; our schools are still at the top; store owners are behind the counter and we still have our small beach town charm we are doing very well.

We need diversity of business. Our small business areas need to be thought of as a mall. What stores are missing that are needed by residents in those areas? Let's find out and go recruit those businesses (Chamber of Commerce). We need to create a desire outside of Manhattan Beach for small Conventions to be held at local hotels that will drive traffic to local business.

Regarding the pension issue. This is a big problem that hopefully is resolved. I have not studied this issue enough. I hear Long Beach has a good model. Hopefully we have looked at what is working and have a blueprint to proceed. This is not an overnight fix. This is a serious national, state and local issue that will be a process at all levels. Hopefully through attrition and hopefully not caving to unions, special interests or political parties and doing what is fair and just for everyone.