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# Proud to be last
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/proud-to-be-last-editor-20061130/
- Published: 2006-11-30T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T23:11:37.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica Airport, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Jonathan Mann*

Before the election, I was told by Daily Press editorial staff they could not publish a column by me because that would obligate them to do the same for all the candidates. They had no problem giving Kevin McKeown massive press coverage, more than any other candidate, even the other incumbents.

Well,the election is over and I am not ashamed to have come in last, even finishing behind the single-issue homeless candidate Linda Armstrong.I ran a negative campaign and refused to suck up to any special-interest group (except for the residents).

Even the dog beach advocates turned on me for being honest.I felt I had a responsibility to all the voters in Santa Monica to consider both sides of the dog beach issue before making a decision. I support clean money, ranked voting, Proposition Y and opposed Proposition W. I want to prevent council members from using their positions for personal gain.

I was the only candidate that did not pander to any special interests to seek their contributions or endorsements. I was the only candidate who advocated citywide free wireless and forums on the city Web site to give voters a voice and hold city government accountable for gross mismanagement. I was the only candidate that advocates electronic democracy to poll the public — that is direct participatory democracy in action! I was the only candidate that dared to advocate closing down the airport when the lease expires and turn it into a park, and the only candidate that would audit the entire city (including the school district and college) online.

The “People’s Republic of Santa Monica” (SMDP, Nov. 11-12, page 1) is a myth. Pasadena is more progressive. Santa Monica, Inc. is a political accommodation between growth advocates and the social service pimps (who also benefit from the increased revenues and taxation). Machine politics as imposed by Santa Monica Renter’s Rights and the city employees determine the majority on the council. (City Councilman Bobby) Shriver is the swing vote.

I oppose the special interests on both sides and that is why I am proud to have finished last. “The last shall be first and the first shall be last...”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 30, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/113006.pdf?ref=smdp.com)