Local firefighter Dominick Bei has filed paperwork to run for City Council.
Bei is the first non-incumbent to file the initial paperwork and joins current councilmembers Gleam Davis and Ted Winterer as declared candidates. Incumbents Terry O’Day and Tony Vazquez have yet to file.
Bei said he was excited to open an exploratory committee and utilize his first hand knowledge of the fire service as a councilman.
“For over seven years I have served as a Santa Monica firefighter and emergency responder. I have seen first hand the challenges our city faces with regards to public safety, transportation, homelessness and smart growth,” he said.
Bei said he would rely on his experience as a Santa Monica resident and renter to inform his campaign.
“As a renter, I am all too familiar with the challenges of the housing market, seeing as how it forced out residents and businesses alike. We want our incredible workforce to have the opportunity to live alongside us as neighbors. The city has also added the metro - which brings with it additional benefits and challenges,” he said.
“As a public safety worker and advocate, I'm committed to bringing the stakeholders together to address these issues and keep our community safe.”