Candidate for
Council Member; City of Temple City

WHY RUN FOR OFFICE?

After spending nine months with the Commercial Task Force Committee charged with: seeking additional revenue sources; seeking ways and means to revitalize the commercial corridors of the city; and considering land-use and zoning changes, the recommendations after tweaking by the Planning Commission sat with the City Council and nothing was done.

This total lack of understanding and indolence should not be tolerated in this era of diminishing sales tax revenues, rising unemployment, business closures, reducing real property valuation assessments, business flight from the city, public infrastructure replacement needs, all these and more, show that different leadership styles are required.

Yesterday's skills developed in a growing economy and "as usual" politics of installing cronies and "yes men" on Commissions and Boards will ensure continuity of the "same old, same old."

In truth, a lackadaisical outlook for the return of normalcy with tomorrow's challenges will inevitably doom the city to fiscal bankruptcy and loss of quality of life.

The citizens of our city should ask what the city council is doing for the city today and what are its plans for the future. Resting on past laurels when times are good does not say too much when the rising tide lifts all boats.

Good leadership means more than keeping the financial house in order. It involves leadership with vision for the next 20 years with commercial retention and promotion and growth. While embracing the tradition of small town values (house with a white picket fence) we accept change and growth. As without such selfless ambition the city will gradually decay with expenditure outpacing revenues.

Inevitably, utility tax, parcel tax, additional sewer tax, and so on will be imposed on the public, all because the City Council lacks the leadership and vision to seek a different strategy different from the economic models of yesterday.

If existing council offers not a promise and hope then they are conspirators in maintaining the status quo of "do nothing" with no vision for the future of our beloved city.

Radical thought, creative and innovative ideas are needed in working towards a common goal for the city.

GOALS FOR THE CITY

 Reversing the current political clime of alleged "pay to play" and disdain for public queries on acts and plans

 Reducing closed-door sessions and make public meetings more transparent with more accountability for elected and salaried officials

 Reversing our City's indolence and lack of promotion and support for the business community

 Promoting local ownership and growth of businesses (thus avoiding "big-box" retail economic fallouts ) and restoring pride of ownership of our city, by the people for the people

 Engaging and promoting public consciousness and participation in the political process

 Seek additional revenue sources without implementing general tax levies on the public

 Encourage land-use changes through responsible developments

 Promoting and embracing the diversity of our cultures with respect to all

 Adopting a 20-year vision and plan for our city with infrastructure and land-use changes