Editor's note: MB News has offered each candidate for city council the opportunity to publish a "closing argument." Three are to be published Monday, and three on Tuesday. The order of publication was randomly selected.

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Manhattan Beach is fortunate to have excellent police, fire and paramedics. 

Public Safety is my top priority: 

As your Councilmember and Mayor, I’ve provided consistent, proven support for:

• STRONG PROSECUTION of STATE MISDEMEANOR crimes- Opposed George Gascon with majority Council “No Confidence” and “Supporting the Recall of George Gascon” votes. I support and endorse Nathan Hochman for LA County District Attorney.
• STRONG, FULLY-FUNDED POLICE DEPARTMENT- Hired 7 additional Police Officers. Promoted recruiting at Military Bases for future Officers. Provided signing and recruiting bonuses. Provided updated equipment to fight crime. 
• STRONG, FULLY-FUNDED FIRE DEPARTMENT
• STRONG, PROACTIVE E-BIKE ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION- Organized training for 5,000 students on E-Bike Rules of the Road and E-Bike Safety; created new E-Bike ordinances and directed strong E-Bike enforcement. Promoted ongoing training and registration in cooperation with MBUSD.
• FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE City Government with balanced budgets and strategic in-sourcing of key services to save money.
• STRONG HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT- Promoted effective partnership with MBSAFE. Hired dedicated MB Homeless Navigator. Specialized Homeless Outreach training for MBPD Officers, Outsourced shelter beds. Our goal is to provide a compassionate and effective hand up not a handout.
• STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR SMALL BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS- Supported outdoor dining during the Covid shutdown and creation of Outdoor Dining Task Force. Increased Police patrols, rapid solutions for the loss of Parking Lot #3 and doubled the number of bike racks downtown.
• STRONG LOCAL ZONING CONTROL- Voted NO on High-Rose Project and blocked the developer's plan for Short-Term Rentals.
• STRONG SCHOOLS/CITY PARTNERSHIP- Worked on passage of the Measure MB Parcel Tax. Fully funded MBPD School Resource Officers and crossing guards

Experience and institutional knowledge of City operations, finances and effective government matters. 

Please vote for the candidates who have put in the time to learn how the City Council works and participated at City Council meetings. 

I am endorsed by three (3) current Council Members:

Richard Montgomery

David Lesser

Amy Howorth

and twelve (12) former Mayors:

Russ Lesser

Bob Holmes

Joyce Fahey

Nick Tell

Tim Lilligren

Suzanne Hadley

Jan Dennis

Linda Wilson

Mark Burton

Tony D’Errico

Wayne Powell

Dan Stern

“Joe is a believer in Manhattan Beach. Joe, for sure, wears it on his sleeve, and his effusiveness is contagious to those around him. He’s a great ambassador for Manhattan Beach.”

• Steve Napolitano, Easy Reader, March 27, 2024

I was elected to Council four years ago when unprecedented challenges faced our City. I have protected and will continue to protect the quality of life that brought all of us to this great city. I promise to continue bringing common-sense, independent leadership and positive results that put Manhattan Beach taxpayers, small businesses and schools first.

Promises Made. Promises Kept.

Please vote to re-elect Joe Franklin to City Council

VoteJoeFranklin.com