By Tom Viscount Santa Monica
As a 14-year Santa Monica resident and active leader in the community, I know how the homeless problem drains the city’s resources.
A national radio show refers to Santa Monica as “Home of the Homeless.” It’s a joke to outsiders, but it’s a serious problem for those of us who work and live here, and it’s getting worse. Parking, crime, traffic and other issues don’t receive necessary resources. These misplaced priorities decrease our quality of life in Santa Monica.
The “go-it-alone” demeanor of most members of the current City Council isn’t getting the job done. A City Council’s first responsibility is to ensure the public’s safety and provide essential basic services — not soak up time, energy and funds that could be used for real needs. We need strong, pragmatic leaders like Bobby Shriver and Herb Katz who will cooperate with others and reach out to the county, other cities and the state to help address the homeless problem.
Herb Katz and Bobby Shriver have displayed years of local, state, national and international leadership. Herb Katz is an architect and long-time public servant and community volunteer. Bobby Shriver currently serves as chair of the State Recreation and Parks Commission, and is a prominent civic and philanthropic leader.
An effective, common-sense solution to the homeless situation needs to be a top priority of the next City Council. Bobby Shriver and Herb Katz have distinguished themselves though their dedication to public service and are committed to making sure the City Council establishes and pursues sensible priorities to benefit everyone who lives and works in Santa Monica. They deserve your vote. Thank you.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 15, 2004. Read the original PDF.