Patch Blog: It's Nearly Impossible to Vote Based on Issues

With very little really differentiating the candidates for South Pasadena City Council on our stances on the issues, basing a decision on these views is very difficult. Taking a look at the point of view from which those options are formed and how they will blend with other council members on future issues may be a more reliable method of choosing.

Let’s be honest. For the most part, we are all saying the same things: No 710, Fix the Infrastructure, Transparency in Government, Develop Business District, Preserve our Community, Revitalize the Rialto (though the City does not own it and can only provide guidance).

We may be for or against the UT to a greater or lesser extent, and believe in some form of downtown redevelopment, also to a greater or lesser extent, and we may include that we need to keep up the standards of our quality schools. These do not provide significant information to separate us from each other.

When it comes down to it, some of these issue are out of the hands of the future council, having already been decided, or are ones that we all agree on. This being said, how does a resident pick between the 9 of us?

Instead of looking solely at the issues presented, which allows for very little in the way of difference, take a look at the background and thought process of the candidates, as well as how each could possibly fit into a future council as a whole (keeping in mind the two sitting council members as well).

Having a broad spectrum and a variety of voices will provide the most comprehensive representation of the people of South Pasadena. We do not want a homogenous council, we want a diverse one. Let’s bring together a group of people who provide perspectives from a variety of age groups, educational backgrounds, vocational backgrounds, and regions of the City. Having the council in consistent agreement on issues does not provide for the correct level of discussion to provide a real in-depth analysis of the whole picture of future issues in order to ensure the correct decisions are made.

We need council members that are open-minded and have not already taken the stance of “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!” While I am generally open-minded, I will be honest; there are only 3 items which I will state that I am “closed-minded” about: No 710 freeway (promoting real solutions to regional issues), complete Transparency in government (a real responsibility to the residents of South Pasadena), and preserving the amazing community which I grew up in as we progress into the future.

On November 8th (or before then if you are voting by mail) you get 3 votes to help form a new City Council. Please consider including me as one of your votes to bring an increased diversity of opinions and views on our future City Council.