South Gate City Council

South Gate population: 86,284

Election: April 14

On the ballot: Six candidates for two at-large seats

INCUMBENTS

Robert A. Philipp

Age: 60

Occupation: Semi-retired land-use consultant

Remarks: “I’m running again because there’s a lot of unfinished business in both projects and organizational structure in the city that needs to be completed. When I ran (in 1988), I said I would increase the Police Department if the funds were there and we added 10 police officers. I said I would support clean water and we now have filtration systems on line.” He voted for the Gotham Bar and Grill and Home Depot redevelopment projects at South Gate Towne Center, and he advocates more revenue-producing developments for the city. He supported reopening the State Street Fire Station and obtaining a new $250,000 fire engine for Station 54. Negotiations to reopen the State Street station are being conducted with Los Angeles County. “I was mayor when we became the All-America City and I had a great deal to do with our being selected.”

Gregory Slaughter

Age: 44

Occupation: Sergeant, Santa Monica Police Department

Remarks: “I want to continue the vision and goals that I had in 1989 to bring the best possible government to the citizens of South Gate, to have an open government, to try to continue to have an effective Police Department.” Slaughter was elected three years ago in a special election after serving on the Planning Commission. Among his accomplishments he lists eliminating pre-sale home inspections and approving an amnesty program for homeowners with garages that had been illegally converted into living space. He supported the addition of 10 police officers and a police information center in Hollydale. “I was instrumental with Bob Philipp in getting the Gotham Bar and Grill open, and in Phase 2 of South Gate Towne Center, which will bring us Home Depot and a major theater complex.” He supports efforts to upgrade and attract business.

CHALLENGERS

Herbert W. Cranton

Age: 68

Occupation: Community relations representative, Southern California Rapid Transit District

Remarks: “I served two terms on the council, from 1982 to 1990, and two terms as mayor. With the condition of the city, I felt it was time to get back in there with my experience and see what I can do about it.” He said the city is losing business because of increased license fees, and the council is overspending on non-essentials and facing a deficit. “I want to try to give business an incentive to stay. Unemployment is great in the city.” Cranton said he contributed to the All-America City award, “although Philipp and Slaughter took credit for it.” He said he played roles in business revitalization, including Tweedy Mile and Hollydale business areas and Towne Center. He advocates working with the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to use a portion of the old General Motors plant to manufacture light rail cars.

Jerry M. Garcia

Age: 43

Occupation: Budget controller, Northrop Corp.

Remarks: “I have a knowledge of the budget and the ability to make cuts where they are needed. I ran in the last two (council) elections (1989 and 1990) and I’ve become well recognized. Money is being spent on consultants and I don’t see any things being done in the city. The roads need major repair and it’s the same with sewers and water. Nothing is happening.” He said he wants better fire and police protection and improvement of the street parking situation. He was active with the Commission on South Gate Youth in 1990 and 1991, and helped start the Teens Town dance for junior high school students. He was on the Montera Avenue School Advisory Council from 1989 through 1991. He wants to attract new retail business to improve the tax base, and he proposes cracking down on liquor stores that sell to minors.

Dale A. Robertson

Age: 45

Occupation: Business and rental property owner

Remarks: “There’s a need for new leadership in city government. Decisions should be made fairly, not as favors for campaign contributors. I ask to serve the city as an individual and ask nothing for myself. I am willing to listen and help small businessmen in the city.” Robertson was prompted to run for the council, he said, because of a dispute with the city over his tire business, which burned in 1990. “They need someone honest to represent businessmen and the small people. I’ve seen more small people stepped on to do things the way the City Council wants it done.” He advocates a nonprofit corporation to pay young people to mow lawns, trim bushes and beautify the city. He said there should be a cap on spending by each city department. “The city should not cut services, but (the staff) should make better use of its time.”

Albert T. Robles

Age: 27

Occupation: Field deputy for Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson (D-Los Angeles)

Remarks: “I’m running because there have been a great many problems. We must begin to create jobs and begin to beautify the city. It has become an eyesore for many people, with graffiti, crime, overpopulation and no adequate parking laws. We have a council that is not responsive to citizens.” He criticized the council for giving a loan and grant to auto dealer Pete Ellis in an unsuccessful attempt to keep him in business, and faulted last year’s failed card casino proposal because investors were not publicly named and the project would have eliminated a major company through eminent domain. He opposes the trash contract with Western Waste Industries because there was no open bidding. “There are 28 rubbish haulers in Los Angeles. If you don’t open bids, you can’t guarantee the best bid.”