Communication Is the Remedy for Change : Striking a balance between over- and underdevelopment is just one of many problems that require vision.

When I decided to take on the challenge of being a public servant, I enthusiastically looked forward to improving this great city. I was born in Los Angeles, and I feel an obligation and desire to give back as much as I can.

Today, I am a candidate in the most diverse district in the city of Los Angeles. I will work diligently to find a careful balance among the many responsibilities of this office, and equally important, I will work to achieve the consensus of the people who I will represent.

In my 31 years of public service, I have developed a vision for what I feel would be necessary to properly serve the citizens of the 6th District.

I have never forgotten who I serve--you, the public. That is also why I have such a broad base of support.

The most important issues that need to be addressed, in the 6th and in the entire city, are basic needs such as public safety, adequate transportation and minimum public services. Our city’s infrastructure is deteriorating. Over the past four years we have not seen any improvements in these areas, which are so critical to each and every household. This needs to change, as does the problem of under- and overdevelopment.

I truly believe that the only way to help find that careful balance in such a diverse district and obtain the true consensus of its citizens is through communication. My remedy for change is based on excellent communication. Public servants must take the time to listen to the citizens they are accountable to.

It is my promise to be accessible to my constituents, and I will work hard to bring City Hall to them. I plan to have regular town hall meetings at which I will listen to their concerns, the issues that are important to the unique communities in the 6th District, and then work to find that careful balance to fairly serve the needs of the entire district.

My opponent has attempted many Band-Aid remedies for critical issues throughout this election year. To prove her ineffectiveness, simply ask if the 6th District has improved or deteriorated in the past four years. The answer is clearly “no.” This is why the citizens of the 6th District need to change their City Council representation.

I will strive to improve the economic climate in the Venice and Crenshaw areas, while working equally hard to preserve the liveability of the communities of Playa del Rey, Westchester and Mar Vista/Del Rey.

Overdevelopment has plagued the communities on the west side of the 6th District, while communities that need and deserve more development have gone without. I will listen to the consensus of the people before making decisions on development and also make certain that they are involved in the decision-making process.

As the next City Council member, I plan to work with all 6th District areas to increase community participation in the planning process. I will work to stabilize and control residential and commercial overdevelopment. I will reject inadequate environmental impact reports. I will support existing zoning laws and community plans. I will work to provide adequate planning staff to serve the 6th District. I will extensively consult with the community before making planning decisions.

And I will fight to obtain maximum services for the 6th District. My proven resourcefulness will help bring the greatest benefits to the 6th from the city, as well as from state and federal government.

Commitment, leadership, experience and accessibility are what I am confident I can bring to the 6th District.

The citizens of the 6th deserve the best possible services for their tax dollars. They can improve their representation on June 4.

LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6

AT A GLANCE Population 1990: 210,466 Racial / ethnic mix White (non-Latino): 44% Latino: 21% Asian: 7% Black: 32% Annual income Median household: $27,638 Household distribution Less than $15,000: 27.8% $15,000 - $24,999: 21.0% $25,000 - $34,999: 16.7% $35,000 - $49,999: 15.6% $50,000 - $74,999: 12.3% $75,000 - $99,999: 3.2% $100,000 +: 3.5% SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau, City of Los Angeles Community Development Department and Times statistical analysis by Maureen Lyons