Candidate for
Councilmember; Proposed City of San Fernando Valley; District 10

Dear Neighbors,

My name is Richard Perry, and I am a candidate for the Tenth Council District of the new proposed City in the San Fernando Valley. As a resident of the Valley, this November 5th, you have the opportunity to be an integral part of something very special, the birth of a new City, independent of Los Angeles.

Although some people have their doubts that this can work, what is important is that the people of the Valley work as one, united, in the effort to bring about meaningful change.

In November of 2000, after the Presidential Election, I had the opportunity to work for the Election Division of the City of Los Angeles. In the span of one year, I learned that people have lost interest in the voting process, primarily when it pertains to local issues and especially City government. People tend to place higher importance in the election of a President, and far less where I feel it counts most, in their own communities and neighborhoods.

I believe the lack of interest to be that they feel out of touch with the officials that have been elected to represent them. I can't think of even one time, any of my elected officials ever asked my opinion on an issue they were to vote on. Are they representing their constituents on important issues or are they basing their decisions and their votes solely on their own feelings and beliefs?

Once voted on, and approved, the formation of the new City will take time to evolve. The issue of secession should not only be of getting our fair share of police and fire protection, but of giving back to the people the power to control their own destiny. The foundation of our new City government should truly be of the people, for the people, and most importantly by the people.

When elected your representative, I fully intend to represent every resident of the Tenth Council District. I plan to maintain a web site which will give the residents of the Tenth Council District the opportunity to voice their opinion on every issue brought before me. Phone calls will be made and questionnaires mailed to every registered voter. Once the information is gathered and tabulated, then and only then, will any decision be made on a vote on your behalf. My opinion is my opinion, but my vote should be your vote.

Unfortunately, all our best intentions mean nothing if the voters reject Valley Cityhood. I urge everyone to look closely at all the facts, become informed, and after exploring both sides of the secession issue, you believe the Valley would be a better place, I urge you to vote YES on Valley Cityhood. After your yes vote on Valley Cityhood, continue the effort to bring about meaningful change and support me as your Councilmember for the Tenth Council District.