Candidate for
Member of the City Council; City of Port Hueneme

I am Murray Rosenbluth, currently Mayor of Port Hueneme and a candidate for reelection to City Council.

If reelected, I will continue to preserve the history and heritage of Port Hueneme, to maintain our small town friendly atmosphere while effectively and efficiently delivering all the public services demanded of a modern city.

We ARE a friendly small town. Just look at the way the People of Port Hueneme responded to the Alaska Airlines tragedy. Remember the outpouring of grief and support for the families. Many of us participated at the candlelight ceremony at the pier. I doubt if that would happen in Los Angeles.

However, being a modern city is challenging is these days of gangs, guns, and drugs. We even see lack of civility and short tempers in otherwise solid citizens, for example, road rage.

That's why Public Safety is my first priority. The recent upset in our Police Department is on the mend. Our new Chief, Fernando Estrella, has taken charge. He will be implementing the recommendations of our special police consultant. I will work with the Police Department as it continues to build its professionalism and be responsive to the needs of the community.

Many of you know that I am passionate about the Port Hueneme Library. I believe that an excellent public library is a hallmark of civilization. It's part of our total education system as well as offering opportunities for adults including seniors. I will be working with our U.S. Congressman in January to go after a Federal Grant for an after school Homework Center at our library.

I will introduce a city ordinance to license retail cigarette sales in the City. In 1998/99 a county sting operation found that 33% of the retail stores that were tested in Port Hueneme sold cigarettes to underage decoys. Today underage sales are punished only by a fine. Tobacco is an addictive killer drug. The new ordinance would put repeat underage sales offenders out of the cigarette sales business.

Economic development is essential to provide healthy businesses, good jobs, income growth and new revenue for the City. Joint partnerships and projects among the City, the Port of Hueneme, neighboring communities, and the Navy will strengthen our economy. For example, I support the City providing water supply and waste disposal services to the Navy and sharing emergency dispatch services with them.

I will always listen, evaluate, and act as needed on citizen input. I directed the City Manager to reevaluate the sand retention wall project and bring a comprehensive report back to Council in the near future. We are in the process of redesigning our citizen commissions so they will offer citizen volunteers a better opportunity to advise Council.

Proven leadership that solves problems and creates opportunities is essential. I am proud of my record and pledge to continue giving my personal best for the people of Port Hueneme.