It’s clear from talking with a broad base of citizens throughout Santa Monica that residents want a change on the council. They want effective leadership, responsive government and a fresh perspective. Matt Dinalfo, Josefina Santiago Aranda and Kevin McKeown are the best candidates to reach that goal. ❑ Matt Dinalfo is a proven leader and will bring a change in city politics. He has helped lead UCLA-Santa Monica Hospital, which not only requires leadership skills but also gives him a strong background in large budgets that require fiscal responsibility. We expect Dinalfo, a moderate, to be the voice of reason on public spending and business representation. ❑ Josefina Santiago Aranda provides a fresh perspective in the political arena, and it’s important to maintain female representation on the council. The Pico neighborhood, where Aranda lives, has never had representation. It seems scarcely coincidental that the neighborhood doesn’t have council representation and is plagued with gang violence and drug activity. A member of the Green Party, Aranda is about as grassroots as they come. She has a perspective that represents diversity that is not on the council now. ❑ Kevin McKeown has proven that he is genuine when he says he cares about Santa Monica. His passion for making Santa Monica better is evident. This is a council member who really does enjoy public service. While some argue that he doesn’t listen to his constituents, his recent vote to ban sleeping in downtown doorways was a direct result of an ear lent to frustrations about the homeless population in the Bayside District. McKeown, a Green Party member and incumbent seeking his second term on the council, has the experience needed to help the city undertake important decisions in challenging economic times. He understands the city’s enormous budget better than most and has a firm grasp on policies within City Hall.
We do believe McKeown could be more responsive to his own vow to protect locally-owned stores. He deserves a second term to strengthen his track record on that issue.
All Daily Press endorsements came after considerable debate. That is to say two things: We hope we’re right, but we also trust that those candidates who aren’t elected this time around will continue to stay involved.
Because the Daily Press generally opposes slates, we couldn’t support Pam O’Connor and Abby Arnold, who have been endorsed along with McKeown, by Santa Monicans For Renters’ Rights. O’Connor and Arnold are strong thinkers and have shown they listen to their constituents. Unfortunately, their campaign platforms have been too vague. Incumbent Bob Holbrook has proven he is a voice of reason on the current council. We wish there was a fourth seat open because he is an asset to city politics. But it’s time for new blood.
Candidates Pro Se and Chuck Allord are effective watchdogs of government. They are seen at nearly every public meeting held and ask tough questions of our elected and appointed officials. They are unapologetic about being aggressive. But it is this trait which can mask a difficulty in coming to terms with opposing views and sharing in strong leadership.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2002. Read the original PDF.