IMPORTANT ISSUES AFFECTING MANHATTAN BEACH

By Charles D. "Chuck" Milam

During the candidate forums held to date, Chuck has reiterated that he "intends to keep the legacy of a strong city government and professional staff for the citizens of Manhattan Beach."

Protect our Unique Quality of Life- Manhattan Beach is one of only a few local cities that still maintain a small-town feeling. Chuck will work to maintain and enhance our unique quality of life by maintaining our downtown, protecting our beach and walk and bike paths, and encouraging hometown groups and organizations.

Control LAX Growth and Commuter Traffic- Chuck will work closely with South Bay cities and LA County to cap LAX growth and protect our environment and home values. As a former supervisor with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Chuck will work to keep commuter traffic out of our neighborhoods and encourage alternative fueled vehicles and public transportation options.

Save LA Air Force Base and Maintain Local Businesses- Chuck is a member of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and he will work to keep the LA Air Force Base and other key aerospace firms in our community. He supports keeping and expanding the local entertainment industry, restaurants, small commercial, and emerging businesses.

Protect our Environment & Neighborhoods- Chuck was appointed to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board by Governor Pete Wilson. Chuck will work closely with other council members and the community to resolve traffic, construction, noise, building standards, storm water, street runoff, as well as air quality and water quality issues. He will discourage any increase in residential allowable height, density, or bulk and would enforce or reduce certain construction hours as a way to protect our neighborhoods.

Oppose Term Limits Ballot Measure- Chuck Milam is a firm supporter of our existing term limits.

Preserve our Top Notch Public Schools- Chuck has two sons who attended Manhattan Beach public schools. He knows that our schools are one of the key reasons we live in such a great city. As City Councilman, he will continue to find ways the city, school district, and Beach Cities Health District can work together to improve opportunities for our youth.

Look Out for Manhattan Beach Taxpayers- Chuck is a fiscal conservative who believes in financial responsibility, balanced budgets, and forward-looking financial planning. Chuck is concerned about the need to sustain reserves since existing reserves are being depleted to pay for the police and fire facility. More than ever, a watchdog City Council is needed to look after taxpayers' dollars! Before the city adopts any new fee increases or program funding, old programs must be reduced or phased out to maintain adequate financial reserves. Unlike what one candidate is proposing, Chuck strongly opposes a utility-users tax to fund city programs or school programs.

Reform City Land Acquisitions & Underground Utilities- Chuck opposes further land acquisition or land development projects by the city. Many residents view the prices paid for Metlox and Santa Fe as way over fair market value. He strongly supports underground utilities where residents have voted to underground. He wants Edison to re-bid construction costs to a wider list of construction firms to get costs more in line with the initial construction estimate submitted to the residents.

Insist on Smart Growth- Chuck favors mixed-use development with retail on the first floor and condos/apartments on the second or third floors along MB Blvd, Manhattan Blvd and Sepulveda. He would strongly support community input on this issue. He strongly favors private property rights and an owners right to remodel his/her home within current building standards. If the MBUSD declares the Ladera school site as surplus property, the city should put restrictions on the zoning to encourage low-intensity uses, such as senior housing, and not develop new homes or park facilities (too close to San Dune Park). Whatever route is chosen, it must be a win-win situation, with community hearings, and not put the city at financial risk.