Wrigley Association

6th District Candidate Statements

March 2007 Responses from the Candidates

Any substantive errors resulting from the transfer of information to the Newsletter may be corrected in a letter signed by the candidate. It will be reproduced as written and mailed with the April 2007 issue of the Newsletter provided it is received at the Post Office Box or by email to no later than midnight March 19, 2007.

Joan Greenwood, Wrigley Association President
Sixth Council District Candidate Questionnaire Created, Distributed and Consolidated by Gavin McKiernan

The Wrigley Association developed a questionnaire that was sent to each of the seven candidates for the 6th District along with an invitation to attend our forum on March 5th. All of the candidates responded that they would attend. Answers are consolidated below exactly as they were submitted. The only editing done by the Wrigley Association was formatting for inclusion in the Newsletter as an insert. Content and grammar were not edited. All candidates were given the same questions with the following instructions:

"Many of these are yes/no questions but feel free to elaborate if you like.

Please return this by Feb 15th by fax to 562-xxx-xxxx or email to wrigleyvillage@hotmail.com so we can prepare it for our newsletter and for distribution at our general meeting. If you aren't able to get it back by then please let me know. Call me at 562-xxx-xxxx with any questions."

Responses were submitted by six candidates listed in alphabetical order based on last name and identified by initials as indicated below:

Al Austin ("AA")
Ahmed Saafir ("AS")
Dee Andrews ("DA")
Jer Caruthers ("JC")
Lee Davis ("LD")
Lillian Parker ("LP")

As of February 27, 2007, Edward Acevedo had not submitted a completed questionnaire. Lee Davis' responses were given orally over the phone to a Board member. All other candidates emailed their responses as attachments. Answers were rotated for each question in fairness to all candidates.

Questions

1. How long have you lived in the 6th district?
AA: I have lived in the City of Long Beach since 1995. Over the years, I have been a resident of the 3rd District, 4th District, 8th District and currently the 6th district.
AS: I have lived in the 6th District for 40 years.
DA: I have lived in the Sixth District for 60 years.
JC: I have owned my home since 1975
LD: Since my home was illegally, fraudulently, taken from me Sept 19, 2005
LP: Approx. 37 years. I'm a 3rd generation 6\th district resident who was raised here, attended local schools, was married, purchased a home, raised my children and still come home every night to the 6th district.

2. Discuss an event or accomplishment that you played a role in that took place in or affected the 6th district that you are most proud of.
AS: An accomplishment in the District that I am very proud of is Atlantic Renaissance. As Chairman of the Board of the Atlantic Community Economic Development Corporation (ACED), I led the board to envision the current bank and community service center at 19th & Atlantic. ACED partnered with the City to secure a grant for development of that project.
DA: Given the era in which I grew up in the Sixth District I think my greatest accomplishment was being a part of the initial group of young people involved in athletics that helped our community to adjust to the changing demographics of our District and City. Athletic success provided me the opportunity to interact with community members and leaders throughout the City that resulted in me being able to serve as an advocate for the residents in the Sixth District.
JC: Neighborhood Program on 16th street (secretary for meetings), Trees cut and Gutters cleaned by the city that were long overdue.
LD: I cared and wrote the guidelines for Wrigley historical districts and chaired the Mexican fiesta on Pacific in August 2006
LP: I've been a volunteer in numerous community activities, including organizing Neighborhood Watch, participating in clean-ups throughout the city, volunteering in the Cambodian New Year and MLK parades, being part of many community organizations and taking a pro-active part in improving the quality of life in my community; however, I am most proud of my role on the Youth Gang Violence Task Force, Weed and Seed Committee.
AA: Chairman, Academic Uprise, Inc (CAHSEE Prep Sessions); Co-Chair, Long Beach MLK, Jr. Parade 2007; Volunteer, Daisy Lane Christmas Parade; Advisory Board, Long Beach Midnight Basketball Program

3. Had you been the 10th city council member, which city council person would you have voted with the most often in the past two years?
DA: Tonia Reyes Uranga
JC: Councilwoman Schiske
LD: There really isn't anyone I would vote with, there are things that every council member has done that I would support. The Lowenthals, Gaeblich, Uranga and O'Donnell are the most vocal to me.
LP: There are many issues that are unique to the sixth district; but if I had to choose any councilpersons, I would probably have voted most with either Councilmembers Tonia Reyes-Uranga or Rae Gabelich.
AA: Suja Lowenthal
AS: I cannot say that I would have voted exclusively with one City Councilperson, or even a majority of the time with a single Council representative.

4. List one vote that Laura Richardson made in the past 6 years you disagreed with her on and one where you agreed with her completely.
JC: To endorse Cambodian town
LD: I don’t agree with the way that she spent the money for the 6th district on the MLK day, I would have liked to see the money spent more on education for the children not just on a one day event, it could have been expanded. The absence of activities for the kids is something I don’t agree with her on.

Revitalization of the Atlantic corridor is vital for the city and is very positive and she championed that
LP: I was really torn by the vote on the park bond, knowing that there were so many areas, especially in the 6th district, that needs parks and park improvements; but I don’t believe that putting the General Fund in jeopardy by guaranteeing the repayment of this bond if CDBG dollars go away, or tying up CDBG dollars that were earmarked for ADA accessibility on streets that are not completed was an appropriate decision. After all, we still have streets that are not ADA accessible and there are no public works dollars for these improvements.

I agree with Laura Richardson’s stance on new liquor licenses, due to the over- saturation of liquor stores, especially those within 100 feet of residences. She was always consistent on that issue.
AA: Laura was a strong advocate and representative for the residents of the 6th District. She voted in the interest of her district and the city. As a Councilmember I will do the same.
AS: I disagreed with Laura Richardson’s handling of and vote on the Cambodian New Year festivities in the 6th District several years ago. I completely agreed with her vote on requiring the City to go out to bid on a financing institution to handle City money rather than continue with the current contractor without solicitation of new bids.
DA: The Redistricting vote. Purpose of the process is to create population balance between districts while also keeping in mind maintaining a “community of mutual interests”. That was not achieved.

Two votes I support completely were the votes to expand and rehabilitate California Recreation Center and the vote to expand and construct park facilities at Chittick Field (Hamilton Bowl)

5. List three endorsements of your candidacy and why you are proud to have them.
LP: Residents of the 6th district who are committed to their community;
Laborers Union, Local #777, and Teamsters Joint Council 42, because they actively represent working people; and The Pastor of my church, Pastor Michael Ealy.
AA: Assemblymembers Laura Richardson and Betty Karnette Councilmembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Suja Lowenthal, Patrick O’Donnell Los Angeles County Federation of Labor (COPE)
AS: Honorable Beverly O’Neill, because she truly knows & loves Long Beach Doris Topsy Elvord, Port Commissioner, because she is my friend
Don Westerland, Executive Director, Long Beach Community Hospital Foundation, because he is a gentleman’s gentleman
DA: I have at least 20 endorsements that can be found on my nominating papers and am extremely proud to have them because they are the people who reside in our District. Through the course of this campaign, I am confidant that there will be others.
JC: Pending
LD: I haven’t really pushed endorsements, I have been walking and talking to people, I have votes, but I haven’t worked to get endorsements. I believe the people are the best endorsement I can get. The endorsements come from people who can’t vote, in the 6th district the people who can’t vote pick the person and no one addresses the core problems which are jobs, predatory lending, parking and felons who return to our community without being rehabilitated

6. If the opportunity arises, will you seek higher office either in the city or the state government?
LP: No. I plan to serve the people of the 6th district.
AA: I want to focus on issues facing the 6th District for the foreseeable future.
AS: I have no plans to seek higher office. Long Beach is my City and the 6th District is my home – has been for 40 years.
DA: NO! The extent of my aspirations is to be the best representative ever elected to serve the Sixth District.
JC: Yes
LD: No. I am running because of predatory lending, rent control and the ethics commission. I like being a publisher, I don’t see myself as a professional politician.

CITY PLANNING
7. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE APPLICATION OF ...

7a. A check cashing establishment within your district?

LD: Never

LP: Rarely, there are already sufficient check-cashing facilities in the district and we must encourage people to open bank accounts and build up equity.

AA: Limited to none

AS: Under no circumstances would I support a check cashing establishment

DA: None

JC: Based upon study and need to for the for community

7b. A new liquor license?

JC: I would not support New Liquor License

LD: For a store never. For a restaurant that wants to serve wine and beer with dinner I have no problem with that. Wrigley has too many bars and some should be shut down but a restaurant is a different story.

LP: Rarely; however there are exceptions to every rule and they should be decided on a case-by-case basis. If a restaurant wants to work in our community and responsibly serve alcohol, then they should not be denied outright.

AA: Limited, and I would solicit community input before approval

AS: I might support a new liquor license if it were connected to an up-scale entertainment venue, but only in that situation

DA: None

7c. A variance to allow a business to operate with insufficient parking?

DA: None. I am not anti-business but I do feel strongly that it is important that those businesses that are operated in our community are an enhancement and add to the overall quality of life of those who reside in the area served by that business.

JC: Variance would be allowed only by the nature of the business

LD: Never. The parking in the 6th district has been poorly planned. There is no parking and at the same time there are empty lots on Pacific that need to be utilized but aren’t. New developments should not be able to be built if they don’t have parking.
Continued from Previous Page: A variance to allow a business to operate with insufficient parking?

LP: Rarely. If the community wants a business and it fits within the nature and intent of the master plan and requires variances, then we would consider approving it, as long as it didn’t negatively impact the neighborhood.

AA: Limited to none

AS: Under no circumstances would I support a business parking variance

8. List three businesses that should be recruited to the 6th district and list three locations where they would be a good fit.

AS: The 6th District could use a nice neighborhood family restaurant. Pacific Avenue would be a great location. Also, a national brand retail clothing store on or near Atlantic Avenue. Development in the District is difficult due to shallow lots and new requirements of many stores for multiple establishments with a recognized anchor store.

DA: The District is in need of a number of businesses that would both increase the level of services provided in our area and create employment opportunities for our residents. What immediately comes to mind is additional banking institutions and more major grocery stores. I would support establishing these resources along the southern border of our District.

JC: Businesses that provide some type of job training program for youths, and

LD: Some kind of Chucky Cheese or skate boarding place for kids to go to, right now there is no place in the strategic plan for these types of places to go, that needs to be changed.

LP: My campaign headquarters at Pacific and PCH is the ideal location for a restaurant or an In’N’Out Burger. We need banks and services in our community and the RDA owned property at Pine and PCH would be an ideal location for a bank or a credit union. It’s a Grind Coffee House. There are many buildings for sale on Pacific Ave. – any one of them would be suitable.

AA: Bank or Credit Union (anywhere), Grocery Store

9. Do you support the $129 fee for citizens to appeal planning board decisions to the city council?

DA: No I do not. I think that this fee was established to discourage residents who would otherwise appeal decisions made by the Board.

JC: No

LD: No. Why should we have to pay to have voice? This is almost like the old poll tax for blacks.

LP: No. There should not be a fee for concerned citizens to petition their government. The city council has the power to alter planning board decisions and in order to be well-informed, we need public opinion and input.

AA: No

AS: I understand that there is an expense associated with appeals of Planning Commission decisions, but is it any different than the expense of operating government? The extra fee charged to citizens, after their tax dollars have already been provided, can have the effect of discouraging appeals, which should be a right.

10. Should the 710 freeway be expanded?

JC: No

LD: No

LP: I agree that some construction is needed or required on the 710 freeway, however, I am uncertain about the expansion, because it would take out large portions of neighborhoods and it could harm the breathing capacity for residents and their children. I’d like to review the EIR when it becomes available.

AA: Not if expansion negatively impacts neighborhoods and residents or increases air and noise pollution. I would like to see the idea of toll lanes on the 710 freeway studied closer. I would also favor re-examining options along the Alameda Corridor to help mitigate congestion and pollution along the 710.

AS: The 720 Freeway should not be expanded. I agree with the 710 Oversight Committee that an alternatives to expansion need to be explored.

DA: Not if it requires the demolition of homes and contributes to increased air pollution in our area.

11. Where in the 6th district should there be additional green space added?

LD: On Atlantic near the new homes especially. We can’t keep building homes without green-space.

LP: The riverbed and any other area that becomes available even for only a pocket park.

AA: Wherever possible. Preferably in some of the more densely populated residential areas of the district.

AS: I am a big advocate of pocket parks, which could provide additional green space without adversely impacting our housing stock.

DA: Although there is a critical need for more green space in the District, the most promising opportunity for additional green space is along the Los Angeles River. I support this project.

JC: …..

RECENT/CURRENT ISSUES
12. Do you support the charter amendments that are on the ballot?

LP: Not as they have been placed on the ballot bundled together.

AA: Yes

AS: I support some of the Charter Amendments and oppose others.

DA: Yes and No.

I support: Determining Councilmember’s salary by an Independent citizen board or commission. Extending Council and Mayor’s term in office. Establishment of Ethics Commission. Creating a Redistricting Commission. Increasing the Mayor’s power.

The remaining two require further discussion and analysis as to potential impact.

JC: not totally

LD: No

13. Do you support an LNG plant at our port?

AA: An LNG plant presents risks and benefits. However, the residents of Long Beach should have the ultimate say so over whether or not we have a LNG plant in the Port.

AS: The LNG issue is dead – at the present moment. I do not support the development of an LNG plant at the Port of Long Beach, or anywhere else in the City.

DA: Emphatically No. Given security issues alone this project would create a disaster in waiting.

JC: Yes

LD: I need more detail on the safety issues related to the district, the city and the water

LP: Not without the complete reports from the Fire Dept and the Police Dept. Our port is already one of the top terrorist targets in the world and putting such a potentially volatile operation there would make it that much easier for those who wish to do us harm to get maximum impact.

14. Should the city government play a role in hotel labor relations?

AS: I am not in favor of any government practices that interfere with management / employee relations.

DA: When there is a situation where commercial ventures are conducted on public lands, it is prudent for City government to insure that the public investment is protected.

JC: Yes

LD: The city should be involved in anything that impacts the quality of life in our city. When we invite guests in to the city we should be a hotel friendly city, whatever the city needs to do to make sure guests have the most comfortable and rewarding experience is the responsibility of the city government.

LP: I strongly believe in labor-management relationships and believe that for every problem, there is a solution. Whenever the rights of employees are affected, we must be willing to explore all options. We should make every effort to be fair to both the hotels and their employees. There are still legal questions that remain unanswered regarding the ordinance.

AA: Any hotel that leases City land should afford their employees with the right to bargain collectively for their wage, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment. There are benefits to ensuring that in the years to come, our hospitality industry will be burdened with organized employee walkouts.

15. Would you vote against a resolution, even if you agreed with the point made, that dealt with something that was not within the city’s jurisdiction like recent proclamations made against the war in Iraq and in favor of same-sex marriage?

DA: I would hope that resolutions adopted by Council would be germane to the governance of the City. However, there are times when issues transcend City boundaries and have the potential to affect our community.

JC: Yes

LD: I have learned a lot about jurisdiction and we should not speak on things that aren’t within our jurisdiction since we open the city to possible legal action.

LP: Council should stay focused and deal with issues within our jurisdiction, so that issues in our jurisdiction do not go unaddressed.

AA: No. I would not vote against such a resolution. I would take a stand. As a City Councilmember, one is expected to make decisions and take positions on contentious issues affecting their constituents.

AS: A “no” vote on a resolution would mean that I do not support the resolution, and not that I do not support the City Council’s right to consider the resolution.

16. Do you support a raise in sales tax or a parcel (property) tax increase?

JC: Only if the proceeds were going for Public Safety (Police Department/Fire Department or City Libraries

LD: I would like to see some other options because we are already paying a high rate

LP: When the city needs additional revenue, it should look to merge redundant positions within the city staff and upper city management as well as eliminate any waste that could occur, before asking the residents to pay more taxes. However, when that is exhausted, then the taxpayers can be asked to contribute along with the contribution of the General Fund.

AA: It would depend on the situation.

AS: I would need to assess the situation dictating the consideration of a sales tax or property tax increase, and could not say, without specifics, whether I would support or oppose such an action. In general, I believe that tax increases should be last resort measures. I would look first to assess whether the desired goal could be accomplished through more efficient government operations and practices.

DA: Not without a compelling reason. Before I would support a tax increase of any kind, I would have to be convinced that City government was using current resources efficiently. This could be determined thru the use of a comprehensive audit conducted by the City Auditor.

17. Should the council take over the RDA?

LD: RDA hasn’t been managed well and perhaps this would be a way for the council to justify the pay raise that they are proposing.

LP: No. It is important for redevelopment to be independent of political concerns and be more responsive to the communities through their PACs.

AA: No

AS: The City Council should not assume RDA functions. In some cities, this practice works well, but most of those established RDAs in that fashion.

DA: No. I think that the results would be a complete politicalization of a process that is already extremely political. In addition, to turn the process over to the Council would seriously reduce or possibly eliminate the opportunity for residents to participate in the decision making process.

JC: No

18. Should council members be full time?

LP: No. We cannot afford to have the council be full time. We are already in a budget crisis; and there is no room in the budget to support that.

AA: This is another matter that should be decided by the voters. If I was required to serve as a full time councilmember, I would make the necessary adjustment with my personal career. In the meantime, I am prepared to work aggressively for my neighbors and residents of the 6th District in a part time capacity.

AS: Long Beach is not a small city anymore. There should be an assessment of how full- time City Council members would affect our City government.

DA: Yes. The City of Long Beach has a population of approximately 500,000 residents. It is the 5th largest city in the State. We have a more complex community both economically and socially then some states. Our City covers 50 square miles. In order for our elected representatives to fully address the needs of our community, they need to be full-time.

JC: No

LD: Yes

19. With rising costs, what needs to be cut in the near and long term in the city budget for it to balance?

AA: Any identified wasteful spending.

AS: The cost of personnel is the City’s biggest budget item. Cutting personnel will yield the most savings over time.

DA: That is yet to be determined. Given that roughly 60% of the General Fund budget of over $350 million is expended on Public Safety, some very hard decisions have to be made in the future.

JC: …..

LD: Salaries, some of the management are making too much.

LP: The city should merge upper management positions in order to save money. Flex time for city employees and audit city offices to identify waste.

20. Would you support putting the entire Wrigley area in either the 6th or 7th district?

AS: I support our citizens’ perceptions of neighborhood, rather than objective lines drawn to serve one purpose or another.

DA: Yes. As I stated, as much as possible we need to keep communities of mutual interests together.
Continued from Previous Page: Would you support putting the entire Wrigley area in either the 6th or 7th district?

JC: Wrigley businesses owners should have the voice or say where they want to operate their business.

LD: Yes, it should not be split like it is, it would give the area more power and continuity to act as a whole as part of the 7th district.

LP: Yes. Whenever possible, communities should be kept whole within one council seat.

AA: No. If the two councilmembers work together serving the Wrigley area, residents should give a stronger voice at City Hall.

Links

LB Reporter 6th District Story
Press telegram article
Press telegram article