Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Long Beach; District 8

There are numerous challenges currently facing the City of Long Beach, which is why I want to contribute my three decades of local government experience and knowledge to serving my community. My active local involvement in Long Beach, combined with my economic and environmental expertise, makes me uniquely qualified to face those challenges as our next City Councilmember.

As a member of the Long Beach City Council, I will work to:

Spur Economic Development

The City of Long Beach has been hit hard by the recent economic downturn, currently facing an unemployment rate of over 13%. My highest priority will be to increase local jobs by retaining and attracting new businesses and developing job training programs to address unemployment and underemployment. It is absolutely critical that we continue to revitalize the Atlantic Avenue Corridor and Long Beach Boulevard Corridor to spark neighborhood and business revitalization.

Promote Safe and Livable Neighborhoods

Residents of Long Beach's 8th District deserve safe neighborhoods and safe streets. I will support gang injunctions, after-school activities, and gang prevention programs to reduce gang recruitment of our youth, violent crimes, and residential burglaries. I will focus on improving our local infrastructure, to fix potholes, trim trees, reduce speeding and traffic concerns. I will also be a strong ally of our local schools, libraries, parks and arts community.

Responsibly Steward Our Environment

I have the experience necessary to lead the way in protecting our environment, improving air quality, and responsibly managing our natural resources. I will work to preserve our green and open spaces such as along the L.A. River. I will expand on tree-planting efforts and median improvements, and work to promote more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.

Increase the Efficiency, Transparency, and Accountability of Local Government

We need to improve government transparency in the City of Long Beach. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being allocated and how recent cuts have affected the various programs and services we rely on. There needs to be open and meaningful participation from the community on the issues that affect our day-to-day lives. I will work to ensure that the Long Beach City Council is accessible and accountable to the people it should be serving.

With your support, we can work together in positive partnerships to strengthen our community and our City!