Vision for the New Valley

By John Quinn

"Never doubt a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

We are in the midst of a very exciting and historic time, as the San Fernando Valley becomes the 6th largest city in the Nation. The people leading secession are a group of bright and deeply dedicated people who will do a tremendous job in organizing and running the new Valley government. As Councilman of the 11th District, I know that I will do my part in bringing government back to the people and establishing the Valley as one of the premier cities in the world.

Local control, lower taxes and a better quality of life are the essence of Valley Independence. With local control we can address the issues of crime, education, taxation and services. People who live in the valley and have first hand knowledge of the issues are better able to make decisions that affect Valley life. I was born in Los Angeles and have lived in Van Nuys for 14 years so I am aware of the needs of our community.

It is essential that we free ourselves from the shackles of LA City bureaucracy and reduce the cost of government. In fact, the residents of Los Angeles will also benefit with Valley secession, because Los Angeles will be a smaller, more manageable place and the residents there will have better access to their own elected officials. What's more, State law ensures that creating a new Valley city will not harm the remaining city of LA. Los Angeles will have plenty of money to provide needed services to a smaller, more manageable LA.

The Valley is a melting pot of cultures. People from all over the world come here seeking freedom and a better way of life. I support this diversity and am open to new ideas on how to meet the challenges of a multi-ethnic city. The Valley has always had its own identity and has been separated from the rest of Los Angeles geographically by mountains. It's time we managed our own city and controlled our own destiny.

I am a community volunteer and have worked with Guide Dogs of America and the American Red Cross. I have a love for nature and a special affinity for California and am a member of several ecological organizations, including the Sierra Club, Tree People and the Nature Conservancy. I am married and the father of two children. I graduated from UCLA's Film School and attended high school in Santa Barbara.