6 candidates run for seats on Crescenta Valley Town Council
Six candidates — four incumbents and two newcomers — are running for six open seats on the Crescenta Valley Town Council.
Voters can cast their ballots from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.
The following are excerpts from statements filed by each candidate with the town council regarding what they hope to achieve.
Ruben Gonzalez, small business owner (challenger)
“I believe the town council should serve two critical roles. First, serve as an open forum for our community to decide its priorities. Second, once our priorities are set we must act as the chief advocate to elected decision-maker and appointed officials and staff to make our goals a reality.”
Harry Leon, business owner (incumbent)
“I would like to see [the Crescenta Valley Town Council] continue enhancing the communication methods and tools with [the] community. I would like to see the [council] be a better advocate of our town and community members. I would like to see [the council] pursue the idea of building a new community center for our youth.”
Donna Libra, Realtor (incumbent)
“Continue working with fire council on fire safety forums and events, continue to do more outreach on behalf of the council attending local events and meetings. Continue to work together with L.A. County officials to improve the conditions of our streets. Work with the sheriff department to establish more community [meetings] to inform the community about crimes and public safety. Work with organizations to establish more senior activities in our community.”
Aram Ordubegian, attorney (incumbent)
“In order to convert the concerns of the residents and businesses into concrete actions by [L.A. County], I want the town council to better advocate for our community before the county and its various departments. The town council needs to remain vigilant to help beautify Foothill Boulevard and park areas to attract businesses and residents to our main street and to give residents opportunities to enjoy nature … I want the town council to help the community remain an inclusive melting pot and to maintain all of the positive elements in our community.”
Jeffrey Rodriguez, legal electronic records coordinator (incumbent)
“I would like the town council to continue its efforts to make the streets in our community as safe as they possibly can be. In my opinion, this will be accomplished by continuing to work with ... [L.A. County Supervisor] Kathryn Barger’s office to see if various improvements (such as speed feedback signs, additional stop signs, flashing crosswalks, crossing guards) can be implemented.”
Ted Yu, professor (challenger)
“I would want us to consider the different perspectives of the issues in order to make the hard decisions that positively impact our community. As the technology evolves, I would like our city to evolve with new trends in technology … As a professor in engineering, I hope to facilitate the council in understanding the technology issues facing the [community].”