THis Election is About Keeping Faith With Cityhood Goals

By Walter F. "Walt" Keller, Ph.D.

I'm running to bring back the goals of Cityhood and repair the damage done by the present City Council.

First, I'm disappointed in the current Council because, in their mad, misguided rush to get the Bay Co. Development Agreement (Measure M) approved, they ignored the interests and needs of those who matter most - the residents. They acted like the distant, disinterested County government that I and others worked so hard to replace. We must return to the original goals of cityhood and run our city for the residents - not special interests.

I would not be volunteering if I didn't believe it is critical for the survival of Malibu as we know it to bring back a leader with experience, knowledge and wisdom to correct the damage and lead this city with integrity.

Here is additional information about me, the critical issues and my devotion to Malibu.

I was Co-Chair of the group responsible for cityhood, first Mayor and am committed to the reasons for, and the ideals of cityhood.

I'm a retired Ph.D. Engineer, have lived in Malibu 43 years, raised two children here and have worked for Malibu as a community activist most of that time.

A draft Malibu Coastal Land Use Plan, submitted under my administration, was killed by the 2000 City Council. This misguided action led to the state passing AB 988 giving authority to the Coastal Commission to write our LCP. I opposed AB 988 and will work to resolve the impasse affecting so many building plans.

The current Council, in unanimously advocating the Malibu Bay Co. development agreement (Measure M), did a disservice to our community. Even the Planning Commission they appointed recommended against it's approval. I'm not opposed to Development Agreements IF they provide fair benefits to the city. We all know excessive development will further clog PCH and lead to expensive sewers.

The future will bring more developer's plans before the next Council - I will hold them to strong environmental, building and zoning standards - and put our residents interests above all else.

I've researched and know how to provide amenities like a community center and playing fields without allowing excessive commercial development.

I have always supported good schools as essential to a good city, and actively participated in acquiring funds to maintain a quality education for our children.

I'm dedicated to keeping Malibu's natural, rural neighborhoods and the environment that's so important.

I want government responsive to residents - friendly to homeowners and renters, while controlling high density development. I oppose unnecessary regulations or overzealous code enforcement.