By RICHARD BLOOM
I have dedicated my five years on the city council to preserving and improving Santa Monica’s unique heritage and quality of life.
I have presided over unparalleled improvement and expansion of our parks. Only two weeks ago I voted to acquire the Fisher Lumber site (the business is closing) that residents want for more playfields.
I have led the fight against the negative impacts of jets at Santa Monica airport. I promise to do whatever it takes to solve this problem.
I have worked tirelessly to keep Santa Monica safe — we have our lowest crime in 43 years. But, gun and gang violence persist, and I will work with residents to stop it. Homelessness CAN be solved. All candidates support the regional approach of Bring L.A. Home. Only I am actively working on it. Anti-social behavior cannot be tolerated, and I will continue to work to stop it.
I negotiated the historic compromise that adds $3 million in new city funding for our public schools. I promise to maximize the value of this agreement and do even more for Santa Monica’s children.
Through it all, I’ve used my skills as a mediator to bring opposing sides together. As your mayor, I ensure that council meetings are respectful, conducted without rancor, allowing every person to be heard.
There is more work to do, and I have much, much more to contribute.
I respectfully ask for each resident’s vote, so that I may continue the important work of making Santa Monica a great place for all of us.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 1, 2004. Read the original PDF.