Choosing a City Council Candidate based on Issues + Nearly Impossible

By Alan Reynolds

We do not want a homogenous council, we want a diverse one. Having a broad spectrum and a variety of voices will provide the most comprehensive representation of the people of South Pasadena.

Let's be honest. For the most part we are all saying the same things, No 710, Fix the Infrastructure, Transparency in Government, Develop Business District, Preserve our Community, Revitalize the Rialto (though the City does not own it and can only provide guidance). We may be for or against the UT to a greater or lesser extent, and believe in some form of downtown redevelopment, also to a greater or lesser extent, and we may include that we need to keep up the standards of our quality schools. These do not provide significant information to separate us from each other.

When it comes down to it, some of these issue are out of the hands of the future council, having already been decided, or are ones that we all agree on. This being said, how does a resident pick between the 9 of us? Instead of looking solely at the issues presented, which allows for very little in the way of difference, take a look at the back ground and thought process of the candidates, as well as how they could possibly fit into a future council as a whole. (Keeping in mind the 2 sitting council members as well)

Having a broad spectrum of a variety of voices will provide the most comprehensive representation of the people of South Pasadena. We do not want a homogenous council, we want a diverse one. Let's bring together a group of people who provide perspectives from a variety of age groups, educational back grounds, vocational backgrounds, and regions of the city. Having the council in consistent agreement on issues does not provide for the correct level of discussion to provide a real in-depth analysis of the whole picture of future issues in order to ensure the correct decisions are made.

We need council members that are open minded and have not already taken the stance of "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!" I will be honest, there are only 3 items which I will state that I am "closed minded" about, No 710 freeway (promoting real solutions to regional issues), complete Transparency in government (a real responsibility to the residents of South Pasadena), and preserving the amazing community which I grew up in as we progress into the future.

On November 8th (or before then if you are voting by mail) you get 3 votes to help form a new City Council. Please consider including me as one of your votes to bring and increased diversity of opinions and views on our future City Council.