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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: How Do We Select Our Council Members?

We need to get past the slogans and do a better job in selecting our representatives.

How do you evaluate the candidates for City Council? What criteria do you use to decide if a candidate is worthy of your vote?

It seems to me that some of us rely on second hand information, first impressions or name recognition. While it can be argued that the City Council has a more immediate impact on you than State or Federal officials, many of us fail to take the time to really get to know how our local candidates think and precisely where they stand on the issues. State and National elections get all the sizzle, while City Council races are treated more like high school student body elections.

I am making a concerted effort to clearly distinguish myself from the other candidates. I am taking specific positions and explaining my core beliefs and decision-making process. For instance, every candidate will be opposed to the 710 Freeway extension. But that is just an ante. Drill down to another level, and you might discover a hidden agenda or two. Who benefits from supporting the tunnel? What is gained by adopting an environmental position?

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I have clearly rooted my stance against the 710 Freeway extension—in any form—as a matter of preserving our rights as an independent City. I am not beholden to Caltrans or the MTA. I am not seeking the green vote. I stand for an autonomous South Pasadena, and this drives my opposition to the freeway.

I also hope you will consider each candidate’s political ambitions ad connections. Do they aspire to higher office? Is a seat on the South Pasadena City Council a mere stepping stone to the State Assembly, or a Congressional office? Who is funding their campaign? Are they members of the very unions they are charged with negotiating salaries and benefits? You deserve to have these questions answered.

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I am not interested in seeking higher office. My track record is one of dedication to my City and my neighbors, and I can think of no higher honor than service to the community we share. I am a businessman—not affiliated with any union. I will represent the taxpayers of South Pasadena, not special interest groups that might offer me upward mobility.

I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the on Tuesday, October 18 from 7pm to 9 pm.

The purpose of the event is to give you a chance to challenge me on the issues before us in a public forum. I am one candidate who is not afraid to tell you the basis for my thinking. I trust the judgment of my neighbors. Support me or don't support me, but your choice should be an informed one. I hope you will join us on October 18.

Let me know what you think.

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