"Take Back Our Valley"

All of my life, I have gotten the most satisfaction from giving back to others. Public service is one of the highest callings a person can do in this country. I feel the need to answer that call. I have lived in the third district for 43 years. I know this district very well, but I do not claim to know everything. I work by consensus, I take input. Some of the best decisions are made by brainstorming. That is how legitimate public policy gets formulated. I graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1978. I was active in the Junior Statesmen of America. I got my Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge in 1984, majoring in political science. I did play a role in campus politics while in school. After having grown up in both Canoga Park and Woodland Hills, I lived in Reseda while attending CSUN. I have owned my own residence and resided at that residence in Winnetka since 1985. I did not just move to the district and run for city office. I am seeking this position because I care about the district I already know and have lived in for many years. I will be a councilman for the people. I will have open office hours and will get together with my constituents on a regular basis. I want to open up city hall to the people. In addition, I will do my best to have more city council meetings in the San Fernando Valley. After all, the West Valley is not near city hall. The San Fernando Valley does not need right wing demagoguery, but real progressive leadership. I intend to do what I can to fill that niche, and make improvements when necessary.

In terms of my professional career, I have been involved with a small family business since I came of working age. My parents started this company in the early 1970s. We sell all kinds of audio and video equipment, primarily to various governmental agencies, public schools and universities. Our business has been successful by maintaining loyal customers. We have done this by remaining ethical and saving our customers huge amounts of money over long periods of time. My business philosophy has always been to make a profit while still offering huge value for the customer in the hopes that they would become a repeat customer. This is what I like to call true business relationships.  I have so many loyal customers because I try to save them money and try to get them the best deal in an open and honest manner. This is how I would operate as a member of the city council. I would try to save the taxpayers money by cutting costs, not corners. If we cut out the fat, we can put the funds into programs that really need it, like more police, fire fighters, longer library hours, and saving the animals in addition to other worthwhile projects.