I am running for City Council because I want to be a strong advocate for our neighborhoods. I want to use my experience to make sure our communities get their fair share from the city. And I want to make government smarter and more efficient so we can better deliver core services, such as police and fire protection, improved streets and sidewalks, cleaner parks and mass transit.
I have lived in this district since 1992. For the past 8 years I have been the chief deputy to Councilmember Bill Rosendahl. I have also worked for Congresswoman Jane Harman, Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, and as a grassroots organizer, fighting for progressive causes and for civil rights. I have been working for Westside neighborhoods for nearly 20 years.
I like to solve problems and get things done. I’ve fought for public safety, bringing more cops to this district and helping keep our streets safe. I’ve helped build new parks, libraries, senior centers and community centers. I’ve shaped environmental programs that have cleaned our beaches and helped improve the water in Santa Monica Bay. I’ve championed a government that uses technology so that it can more efficiently deliver city services. I’ve helped cut taxes for Internet firms, keeping good and smart jobs here in Los Angeles. And I’ve worked to make government open and transparent so that neighborhoods have a voice in development decisions.
I serve as a member of Expo Rail Line Construction Authority, and I’m working to bring mass transit and traffic relief to the Westside. I’ve secured funding for left-turn signals and traffic improvements. I’ve also helped win approval for a plan for an integrated network of bicycle lanes throughout the city.
I have a track record of delivering for this district and getting things done, which is why I have the support of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, former Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowsi, former Assemblyman Mike Feuer, former state Senator Sheila J. Kuehl, the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, most of the region’s leading environmentalists. I also have the support of community leaders and Brentwood residents, such as Liza Braude-Glidden & Reed Glidden, Nancy Freedman, Bryan Gordon, Jackie Raymond, Marilyn Krell, Cori Solomon, Ray Klein, Christian Irving, Leeor Alpern, Josh Stephens, Jarl & Pamela Mohn, Jim McDermott, Deborah Cincotta, George Kieffer, Tom Safran and many, many others.
If I am elected to the City Council, I will stand up for Brentwood and its concerns. I will fight for increased police and fire protection, and work to increase 911 response times. I’ll fight for traffic relief – especially along Sunset! I’ll make sure the City enforces its rules and codes, like the guidelines of the San Vicente Specific Plan.
I believe in the same things that you do: That we deserve clean and safe neighborhoods. That we need to end traffic gridlock and build mass transit. That Los Angeles deserves a vibrant economy with smart and creative jobs. I believe in Los Angeles. I believe in the ability of people to come together, to solve problems. And I believe that our future is bright and optimistic. I believe that we can move Los Angeles forward, do good, and get things done.
If you share that belief, I hope you’ll join me. Not just in this campaign but in changing and in governing Los Angeles. I would be honored to have your support, and I ask for your vote.
If you’d like to know more about me, or my plans to fight for our neighborhoods, please visit my website at www.mikebonin.com, or email me at mikebonin@mikebonin.com.
Thank you very much.
