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Los Angeles County, CA May 15, 2007 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Matthew J. "Matt" Kilroy

Candidate for
Council Member, Council; City of Redondo Beach; District 5

This information is provided by the candidate

My priorities if elected;

  • Modernize and Expand the North Branch Library The City needs to use its expertise in cooperation with the Redondo Beach Library Foundation to secure grants and funds from State and Federal sources. If these are not available within the next year then the City must take a leadership role and provide the funding. If allowed to wait indefinitely the costs for the modernization and expansion will continue to grow, making the modernization a reality even more difficult. After the modernization is complete the City must continue to fund the libraries at a level that will ensure that they are open reasonable hours and given appropriate resources.

  • Anderson Park Community Center This project is long overdue and sorely needed. I have already started conversations with members of the Redondo Beach School Board to see what assets each entity can bring to the table and what benefits each can attain. I work constantly with many of the community groups that would utilize these facilities and am uniquely positioned to make sure their needs are met. Any addition to Anderson Park should attempt to maintain as much open space as possible while at the same time providing a multi-purpose facility that meets the needs of the residents and community groups.

  • Community Safety I have low cost, concrete, proven ideas to improve community safety. Many of these ideas can be put into place almost immediately. A sense of community, knowing your neighbors, their patterns and who belongs in your neighborhood and who seems out of place is essential in keeping our communities as safe as they can be. Redondo Beach has a "Block Party" program that was put into place to achieve this goal, but there is only one block party trailer for the entire City. If elected I will make sure that District 5 has its own block party trailer, complete with everything needed for a first class block party. I have already contacted numerous members of our District who are willing to promote this in their neighborhoods.

The second priority under Community Safety will be to stockpile emergency supplies at accessible points in each neighborhood. It is said that everyone must be prepared to be on their own for the first 36 hours of an emergency. The City could help in that regard by stockpiling modest amounts of medical supplies, water purification equipment, sanitary equipment, food, and shelter. Schools and parks are a logical place to store these supplies. I have already had positive conversations with School Board Members who are in agreement with the idea.

  • Communication If elected I will not just hold periodic meetings in the Senior Center but also hold barbecues during the year at Anderson Park. This will allow residents to express their ideas and views in a less formal and less intimidating setting. Residents can just come out for a hot dog and soda and hear what is going on or they can have a one-on-one conversation about a particular issue or problem.

Of course I will always be available by e-mail or cell phone to address questions and concerns.

I will also be found, and be available, at community events such as Opening Day for Little League, Awards Ceremonies for Soccer and Scouting, Business Organization meetings such as the NRBBA, and school functions.

It is important to not only have lines of communication but to actively reach out and draw the citizens into the process. I have a plan to do just that.

  • Tax Increases

I am not for any increase in tax rates or fee increases that already have a built in adjustment for inflation. This includes sales taxes, utility taxes, occupancy tax, or property taxes.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: March 19, 2007 11:40
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