Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Long Beach; District 3

Public Safety:

-We need to be vigilant in working with law enforcement to ensure that the rate of property crimes is decreased in our community. Based on my law enforcement background, I know that theft-related crimes are entry-level crimes that are closely related to drug and violent offenses. We must reduce this activity and maintain high public safety standards in the 3rd District.

-Our fire Department has experienced dramatic cuts to its staffing and resources in the past few years. We need to return our fire department operations -- manpower, engine companies and paramedic trucks -- to their traditional levels in order to maintain high public service and patient care standards.

-Our police force has also suffered deep cuts in recent times and is short of the number of officers we have historically needed + in fact, it is 20% short, which equates to more than 200 officers. We cannot expect our police department to maintain high public safety standards in the 3rd district without proper funding.

-We need to find efficiencies in our City government and create new revenue through economic growth. That revenue can then be dedicated directly to restoring public safety services.

Business and Jobs:

-I want to work with our local business owners to find solutions and ideas that will help them prosper and improve their operations in this competitive economic market.

-I will work with City staff and local experts on plans to develop and grow our business community, especially the entrance to our bustling beachside community at 2nd and PCH.

-We must update our local master plan -- the South East Development Improvement Plan (SEADIP). I pledge to lead a robust community outreach effort on the plan and to complete it in a timely manner, so that we can move forward with needed improvement in this dynamic area.

Fiscal Responsibility and Imagination:

-While our City budget is in the best, most balanced condition that it has been in some time, we must continue to manage our fiscal operations responsibly, like a well-run household.

-We can be fiscally responsible, anticipate the future and grow responsibly.

-Throughout my years in public service I have learned that if you use a little imagination and think "outside the box" you can find cost-effective solutions to many public service issues.

-This is the time for us to build and strengthen both our infrastructure and our City budget. Being careful guardians of the environment is consistent with this goal. I will partner with all interested parties to develop successful strategies for our financial welfare.