LWV League of Women Voters of California
Los Angeles County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Matthew M. "Matt" Van Dyk

Candidate for
Member of the City Council; City of Palmdale; Unexpired Term Ending 11/06/01

This information is provided by the candidate

I have lived in Palmdale since 1987 when my family moved here from the San Fernando Valley (Reseda). Not long after, my grandparents followed. My parents told me that we moved to the AV for many factors such as a safer environment, better schools, affordable housing, just to list a few.

While growing up, I was involved with AYSO and continue to support this activity for the youth through my sister who is currently participating.

I completed and graduated High School in June 2000. I played football during my high school years to where we won the Golden League Championship three years. My mother was the hostess for our weekly spaghetti night for one year to where the entire team came over on Thursday night.

I am currently attending AV College to where I am a full-time student enrolled in 13 Units. Even though I have not chosen a major, I am looking forward to what a higher level of education and learning experiences have to offer.

As one can tell, I am 18 years old. I am running for City Council, as I believe our City Council has lost sight of what our valley should have grown into. Over the past 10 years, our valley has gone through so many changes, some good and some bad, to where hard working people lost their jobs, homes, and some dignity. Palmdale has not upgraded itself enough.

I did not know what it truly meant to be inside our local government. Studying in school does not even compare to the world of actuality. I decided to run as a candidate without being funded by developers, groups or other City officials that would most certainly expect something in return for their contributions or support. I believe that being a person supported by the people is the only way to be elected.

It is my desire to hear the people first prior to making a vote. Too many times our City Council have made up their minds prior to the meeting. People are not being heard and are in essence being told that we do not understand the bigger picture.

Being young is not a handicap; it is an advantage as we all can grow together. That is what my parents have taught me, and this is what I want to apply to the position.

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ca/la Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 18, 2000 17:48
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