Election FROM PAGE 12 you might not agree with him on everything, you may find some comfort in his scrutiny and intellect. One of his foremost arguments is that a major land-use document passed in 2010 allows for too much office development. If elected, he says, he’d amend that document. We think Gruber, with his ability to parse the minute details, would be an excellent advocate for those who want to see the airport closed. Gruber claims he’d like to see a park built there.
Phil Brock: Whatever residents are yelling about, Brock will yell with them. The Recreation and Parks Commission chair has a flair for the dramatic issues. Brock, who has vocally opposed a number of development agreements in recent years, is a favored candidate of the very, very, very slow-growth group Residocracy and the relatively pro-development retiring City Councilmember Bob Holbrook. Like Holbrook, Brock was born and raised in the city by the sea. As a lifelong resident, Brock’s been a strong supporter of the Boys and Girls Club. Brock’s viability has been questioned throughout the campaign, but so was the referendum that ultimately overturned the controversial Hines development agreement - a referendum for which Brock collected the most signatures. Brock said early and vehemently that he wouldn’t accept campaign contributions from developers, but then he did. When questioned about it, he returned the $650. We expect from Brock: Fire and brimstone speeches, more green space. We don’t expect: New developments, nuance. Nick Boles: The new kid on the block sounded pretty green at the start of the campaign. He’s since developed the controlled, sound bite responses of career politicians. Something about the middle-class, millennials and education. We’re no fans of the political machine or the “get in line” expectations of its insiders. But Boles could stand to sit through a few more years’ worth of city meetings. Tangible plans and stances would be great, too. Whitney Scott Bain: If you want a candidate who will fight to keep the airport open, for the rights of senior citizens, an ice-staking rink (which we already have) and not much else, vote for Bain. Zoë Muntaner: Muntaner has a knack for rants on facebook, via email and public comment at city meetings. She’s not happy with the council or City Hall. We’re not clear on any tangible plan to change the status quo.
Kevin McKeown: The other incumbent, McKeown is the closest thing to a sure bet this election. Of the current council members, McKeown is arguably the most vocally “slow-growth.” He’s gotten a lot of endorsements this campaign season, notably from SMRR. McKeown can be abrasive on the dais and has never been appointed to mayor by his council mates. Expect him to be effective in voting down big developments if, and only if, he is elected alongside another slow growth candidate. Richard McKinnon: McKinnon is another planning commissioner who opposed the Hines agreement. McKinnon is charismatic and combative on the dais. On the campaign trail, though, he’s been more politically on
13
message. He vocally supports green energy, biking and pedestrian-friendly measures. He vocally opposes the hotel expansions and developments proposed along Ocean Avenue. He supports 84-foot height limits downtown. In the instances that McKinnon does favor a development agreement, we expect him to fight eloquently for stronger community benefits.
Jon Mann: For a guy who wants to buck the system, Mann tries every two years to be a part of it. Another perennial candidate, and perennial loser, Mann has gained a bit of steam from the crowd that thinks everything City Hall does is wrong. He’ll be the first to call BS but, like many of the other unhappy candidates, he has few coherent plans to mend the system. Vote for Mann if you want a councilmember who will bash his colleagues, bash city employees and make council meetings really weird. Oh, and net neutrality.
Michael Feinstein: If former Mayor Feinstein didn’t exist in Santa Monica politics we’d have to invent him. Feinstein’s views can’t be pigeonholed as easily as many of the other candidates. A co-founder of the Green Party, Feinstein hasn’t run for council since he lost his reelection bid in 2004, but he’s stayed active in Santa Monica. Some of his ideas sound strange at first but, as he speaks about them (and he will speak with you about them), you may find your mind changing. His dialogue is refreshing in a city divided. He might disagree with you but that doesn’t mean he won’t listen. Feinstein isn’t a no-growther - he’s said he’d accept campaign contributions from certain developers - but he does oppose several of the controversial development agreements in the pipeline. Expect: Negotiation, conversation, smart analysis, green ideals and the unexpected.
Jennifer Kennedy: Another planning commissioner who opposed the Hines development agreement, Kennedy cut her teeth in Santa Monica civic life working and volunteering for SMRR, whose Steering Committee voted to support her campaign. She’s not as loud as some of the other candidates and at times this year it’s felt like she’s been lost in the loud election shuffle. Prior to her current stint on the Planning Commission, she served on the Rent Control Board. Expect dedication from Kennedy who hasn’t missed a single Planning Commission meeting in the last two years. That’s a Cal Ripken Jr.-like 55 straight meetings, which often go late into the night (and sometimes early into the morning) on vitally important issues that are as exciting as watching paint dry. If you agree with Kennedy - keeping most new Downtown projects at 84-feet-tall or less, more affordable housing, stronger rent control policies - expect her to vote with you. But if you’re looking for fist-pounding declarations, look elsewhere. BOARD OF EDUCATION:
We are going to use this space to endorse one candidate for the Board of Education. This shouldn’t be interpreted as a slight to the other six candidates but as a philosophical belief that Malibu should always - but especially now - be represented on the board. Craig Foster, who has advocated on behalf of Malibu schools, is — in our opinion — qualified. The environmental issues at Malibu aren’t going away anytime soon and many Malibu parents feel their voices aren’t being SEE CHOICES PAGE 14
RECYCLE NOW! CRV Aluminum Cans $ .75
1
per pound
with this coupon
expires 10-31-14
CRV Aluminum Plastic Glass Bi-Metal Newspaper CardboardWhite/Color/Computer Paper Copper & Brass
Santa Monica Recycling Center 2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica
(310) 453-9677
MICHIGAN 24TH
PROFILE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
CLOVERFIELD
Visit us online at www.smdp.com
X
DELAWARE AVE. 10 WEST