Profession: Educational technology consultant for our Santa Monica public schools. I work with our teachers and our kids, so every day I see the future of our city in those kids’ faces.
Alternative career: If you weren’t what you are, what would you be? Probably what I studied to be at Yale, an astrophysicist; or I could go back into radio. I came to Santa Monica as general manager of KROQ, and once owned and operated a radio recording studio on Main Street.
Favorite CD: I’ve run rock and roll radio stations and could name dozens of favorite CDs (and vinyl albums … remember those?). My favorite Beatle was John. Wait, is this for the “Daily Press” or for “Tiger Beat?”
Favorite Movie: Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Blow-Up” and Francois Truffaut’s “Day for Night” had tremendous impact on my impressionable young mind.
Favorite thing about living here: Riding my bike along the beach bike path, walking out to the berm above the surf line, relaxing in the sun, feeling the breeze, listening to the waves and watching dolphins frolic … while knowing our incredibly vital and diverse city sits right behind me.
Have you ever been arrested? If so, for what? No. I did all the classic ’60s and ’70s antiwar protest actions like putting a flower in the barrel of a National Guard rifle, but was never arrested for my beliefs.
Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had financial insolvency issues? No, although I’ve had my layoffs and tough times like most of us. I know well the insecurities of being a working person who’s temporarily not working, and of being a renter one check away from the street.
Endorsed by: Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association, Santa Monica Firefighters’ Association, Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers’ Association, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, Coalition to Protect the Living Wage, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Southern California Americans for Democratic Action, Westside Greens, Sierra Club, Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Santa Monica Independent Committee for the Arts 1. What is the single biggest issue facing Santa Monica? What do you intend to do about it, if elected? Be specific.
The issue is quality of life. Overdevelopment threatens the character, livability and affordability of our city. We’re challenged to accommodate growth without losing our community’s soul. I’ll continue to side with residents against the speculators, and make sure our progress has a heart. Quality of life also depends on excellent schools, and I’ll stand close as a willing partner on mutually beneficial projects like our new school parks and the city-funded school energy efficiency program. 2. Where is the city spending money that, in your opinion, should be used for something else?
Last June in our budget I “found” an overlooked $70,000. I suggested restoring half the cuts we’d had to make in social services to youth and seniors. Over my protests, that money instead was diverted to fancy up a new visitors’ center for tourists. I support promoting tourism after 9/11, but this expenditure won’t bring travelers to our city. Tourism enhancements should benefit our residents as well, like the beachfront improvements near the big hotels. 3. The city has hired an urban design consultant for $54,000 to tell us how the downtown area could be designed better. Do you think the downtown commercial zone needs to be redesigned and how much would you allocate toward such an endeavor?
A world-class downtown is a laudable goal, but for a consultant to earn a fee it first and foremost must be OUR downtown. Phenomenal economic growth introduced unexpected competition for lucrative space, costing us the loss of beloved locally-owned resident-serving businesses. Unacceptable traffic and parking congestion have made our downtown a difficult destination. The economic engine of unrestrained “market forces” clearly conflicts with our own goals of sustainable development and a superior quality of life. 4. The city is facing a $9.5 million budget shortfall this year and future budgets look just as bleak. What are the top three items in the city’s budget that you would cut to ease the taxpayer’s pain?
Clearly we’ll defer city infrastructure in the next few years, which actually may be a relief to those of us weary of construction. Speculating further on budget cuts the week of an election is disingenuous. We’ll put the options before the community and let the folks who pay the bills share the choices. Virtually everything goes on the table except public safety. I’ll certainly argue for increased efficiencies and enhanced revenues before cutting needed services. 5. The Santa Monica Police Department has some of the highest paid officers in the region. Do think the salaries of Santa Monica’s finest are justified? Why or why not?
With all the vitality and activity and diversity of Santa Monica, we’re a challenging environment for law enforcement. We provide our officers with the tools they need to protect us and our loved ones, including extensive training. We compensate them well, to attract the best and keep the experienced. Getting great police personnel is very competitive among area communities, and we best serve our residents by protecting our investment in highly trained and dedicated officers. 6. The Pico neighborhood hasn’t had any formal representation on the city council in the history of Santa Monica. Do think the blighted neighborhood’s drug dealing and gang activity is reflective of that? How would you represent this neighborhood?
In a small town like Santa Monica, good council members serve our entire community. I’ve helped expand Virginia Avenue Park, supported Pico Boulevard small businesses, opposed a college traffic plan ignoring Pico neighborhood streets, and voted to fund the Pico Youth and Family Center. A Pico neighborhood native is on the ballot this election. Divisive districting and restricted voting (with each resident cut from seven council votes to just one) wouldn’t solve Pico’s problems or anyone’s.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 29, 2002. Read the original PDF.