weren’t what you are, what would you be? In my fantasy world, a shortstop on a professional baseball team, or, if I could carry a tune, a Broadway musical theater star (though I’d try drama, too).
Favorite CD: I’m more of a radio and TV person. So for radio, KPCC for national and regional news, KUSC for music.
Favorite movie: For TV, mysteries (i.e., Poirot, Morse, Nero Wolf) and Law and Order (anytime, any channel), and great baseball (like the Angels this year) and CNN when there’s fast-breaking news.
Favorite thing about living here: All that goes with a Mediterranean climate Have you ever been arrested? If so, for what? No Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had financial insolvency issues? No Endorsed by: Santa Monicans for Renters Rights, Santa Monica Police Officers Association, Santa Monica Firefighters Association, Coalition to Protect the Living Wage, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Santa Monica/Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, Santa Monica Democratic Club, National Women’s Political Caucus, Stonewall Democratic Club. 1. What is the single biggest issue facing Santa Monica? What do you intend to do about it, if elected? Be specific.
Economic uncertainties are having an impact on the budget. How we manage the downturn is critical. We face tough choices and I bring knowledge and experience with the city budget to the table as we face the unknown economic future. I will maintain a solid foundation (adequate reserves, not funding ongoing programs with one-time monies, maintaining AAA rating). I’ll also maintain core services such as police, fire, and paramedic protection at their highest level to ensure a safe and secure community. 2. Where is the city spending money that, in your opinion, should be used for something else?
To develop a city budget that supports a range of services for residents who expect, and deserve, quality services, requires balance and compromise. During my time on the council the community has been involved in developing spending priorities — and the budget has usually been adopted unanimously. Of course, there are areas where I would shift amounts, but currently there is not a need for structural changes. Declining revenues will challenge us as a council and community to make choices. I’ve noted my priorities above. 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?
The work of the consultant is to build on what is downtown with a focus on keeping a mix of retail, restaurants and services downtown. It’s been 13 years since the Promenade was renovated and it’s time for adjustments. The process involves community (a workshop in November) and suggestions for improvements — both short and longer term will be developed. City staff developed a defined scope of work and prepared an estimate of what reasonable costs for professional services are currently in the market. 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?
This isn’t about “taxpayers.” It’s about our community’s decisions as to how (and how much) we are going to fund shared services, like maintenance of streets, parks and libraries. And children are not taxpayers, but they need to grow up in a safe, clean environment to thrive. I’m not going to dictate what should be cut; rather I’ll work with the community to determine priorities and maintain core services at a high level. 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?
Running any type of organization requires a range of personnel. Police officers require special skills and much is asked of them. In a moment’s notice they may be asked to put their life on the line. As a nation we experienced that unwavering commitment on 9/11. Our challenge is to fairly compensate our officers so we can retain officers and high quality service in a competitive market, and not lose them to safer occupations. 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?
I’m sure historical analysis would show similar patterns in the evolution of the U.S. over the past century. I think it’s unfair to call the neighborhood “blighted.” Generations of families who have contributed to our community live there. During the first part of the 20th Century the neighborhood did not receive its fair share of resources. That has changed but it will take ongoing aggressive reinvestment to catch-up. I am and have been committed to this.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 29, 2002. Read the original PDF.