My Thoughts on Local and Regional Issues

By Mary Ann Lutz

IMPROVED EDUCATION: I applaud our citizens for their foresight and commitment to the future of our young people and the improvement to the campus of Monrovia High School by passing Measure M last spring. Teamwork with our School Board is paramount to achieving our educational goals. I recommit to support our schools and to work hands-on with my two adopted schools, Santa Fe Middle and the Adult/ROP, and youth groups such as Youth in Government, Monrovia Youth Commission, and DARE.

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE FOOTHILLS: I support and encourage the process now underway to provide for a comprehensive management plan for our precious Hillside Preserve, and to have our City be a model for urban environmental sensitivity.

DEVELOPMENT: Noted Sociologist Herbert Spencer wrote, "Progress, therefore, is not an accident, but a necessity -- it is a part of nature." I believe that progress should be planned to meet our needs. With my fellow Council Members, I share a sincere desire to balance individual property rights with the development goals of the community as a whole, seeking a balance between retail, office and residential projects. During my term in office the City Council has:

● Approved Historical Land Marked properties to bring our total to more than 120.

● Initiated the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Program, Phase 1.

● Authorized more than $3 million in Old Town for improved infrastructure and hard scape.

● Approved developments adding more than 200 new homes and condominiums.

● Authorized the Station Square Project providing housing, business and retail to Duarte Road.

● Commenced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity for an affordable housing project.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Continuation of the Gold Line through Monrovia is a major focus of our City Council and the region. I applaud and support Mayor Rob Hammond for his leadership on this project.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: Moving our community toward a healthy, green environment while balancing our economic responsibilities is a challenge. We have made inroads but must continue to be more sensitive to our environment, and I pledge to continue my work for a "green" Monrovia.

COMMUNICATION: I'm proud of my accessibility to the citizens of Monrovia. In my tenure, we have taken many steps to improve communication by reopening City Hall on Fridays, raised the bar of communication to residents and businesses regarding new and improving development projects, and improved the City's website (http://www.cityofmonrovia.org). As a member of the City Council I have and currently represent our city in the following capacities:

• Mayor Pro Tem
• LA Regional Water Quality Control Board (Vice Chair); Gubernatorial Appointment
• San Gabriel Council of Governments
• LA County Integrated Waste Management Task Force City Liaison Positions: Planning, Community Services and Old Town Merchants Commissions, Monrovia Chamber of Commerce, Monrovia Day Association, Monrovia School District, Adopt-a-School: Santa Fe Middle and Monrovia Adult/ ROP