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

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For 35 years, I have been dedicated to serving the residents of Manhattan Beach through my work in the City’s Finance Department, most recently retiring as your Finance Director. I have attended over 200 City Council meetings and presented to the Council and Community more than 100 times. 

During my term as Finance Director, I successfully reaffirmed the City’s AAA bond ratings, allowing us to secure the best possible rates, which saves the taxpayers money. I increased policy reserves from about $14 million to nearly $20 million, and managed the City’s finances to ensure your tax dollars were handled responsibly. I provided balanced budgets and financial guidance to the City Council, facilitating prudent decision-making.  

As the City prepares to transition away from two experienced, long-term Council members, and welcomes a new City Manager and recruits for a new Finance Director, I bring essential institutional knowledge and expertise. 

Before my retirement, I presented a balanced $184 million budget for 2024-2025 and collaborated with Public Works to secure funding for a nearly $200 million five-year capital improvement plan.

I am the candidate who will bring common-sense leadership, a community focus, and solution-oriented approach. 

My wife and I have proudly called Manhattan Beach home for the past 12 years, and our two young sons are actively engaged in our community through schools, sports, and activities. As a dedicated PTA member and Chamber of Commerce participant, I believe in fostering strong ties within our community. Together, let’s keep Manhattan Beach thriving.

I am the only candidate who will hit the ground running from Day 1. I possess a thorough understanding of municipal government operations, having collaborated with all nine City departments, including Police, Parks and Recreations, Public Works, Fire, Community Development, Human Resources, Finance, IT, and Management Services. As your former Finance Director for the City of Manhattan Beach, I carefully reviewed every staff report for fiscal impact and ensured the integrity of your Tax Dollars. I also served as the City’s finance liaison to stakeholders, including the Downtown Business Improvement District and Professional Association, and the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District Advisory Board  

My top commitment to the residents is to enhance public safety by increasing visibility and presence throughout our City.  The City has faced challenges in hiring Police personnel.  I propose hiring a private recruiter who specializes in public safety, particularly for recruiting Police Officers.

My focus will be on attracting lateral transfers with competitive incentives packages. This strategy would allow us to quickly deploy officers, as lateral transfers do not require academy or extensive training. Typically, it takes at least 18 months from application to having a trainee ready to patrol independently, while lateral transfers can be onboarded in a fraction of that time. Additionally, I would prioritize hiring more Community Service Officers and ensure that the job description includes a pathway for internal promotion to a Police Officer trainee.

My other commitments are to:

• Focusing on E-Bike enforcement, safety and education
• Funding for street repairs, crosswalk and sidewalk improvements 
• Local funding for Not contracting our Police and Fire Departments
• Local Business Initiatives and keeping tax dollars local
• Keep working with our local partners on homelessness programs
• Continuing partnerships with the City and MBUSD

As your City Council candidate, I offer trusted leadership, experience, fiscal responsibility, and expertise in local government.  I am endorsed by over 10 current and former City Council Members and Mayors along with the current and former City Treasurer.   

Your voice will always matter to me, let's keep Manhattan Beach thriving together.