West Hollywood Councilmember
I have lived in West Hollywood for over 20 years. The City doesn’t look anything like it used to. It is a shining example of local government that works for its residents. Most cities around the country are struggling financially, but West Hollywood is not one of them. We remain one of the few cities in the black, with substantial reserves and a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s.
During the past decade of my public service we have added 1831 new parking spaces in the City. We have seen 211 affordable housing units added to our community. Crime is down citywide and West Hollywood remains a desirable and safe place locale. We have added sheriff’s deputies on bike and foot patrols. We have built a new library, parking structure and expanded West Hollywood Park while neighboring cities have been forced to cut services and programs.
Some of my accomplishments include the establishment of the West Hollywood Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center. I authored the interim zoning ordinance that stopped the demolition of apartment buildings in residential neighborhoods. I authored the measure that provides economic incentives to owners of historic properties to maintain their properties. Furthermore, I increased funding for the arts in our community.
There is more to do. Many in our community struggle with addiction and we have seen new cases of HIV infection despite the undertaking of substantial outreach and education programs. We have seniors aging in rent controlled apartments who need special attention. We wish to continue to preserve historic structures and expand green space city-wide. Our City provides about $4 million in social services to our vulnerable residents, and in order to fund these vital social services, we must continue to have strong economic development while limiting the impact on neighborhoods.
There is still more urban renovation to be done on the City’s Eastside as our infrastructure and housing stock improves for the benefit of our residents and businesses. We are building a new parking structure behind City Hall to serve our Mid-City residents. The south side of Santa Monica Blvd. in historic Boystown is the perfect site for a civic center, an AIDS monument and a community theater.
By day, I am a civil rights/criminal defense attorney. I also serve my community on numerous non-profit boards. I respectfully ask for your vote for an additional term.
