EL SEGUNDO HERALD March 10, 2016 Page 5 Election 2016 Herald’s Candidate Q & A Carol Pirsztuk Don Brann Drew Boyles Marie Fellhauer Dave Atkinson We do not edit or correct the candidates answers. All answers are limited to 100 words and will be formatted into one paragraph. Good luck to our candidates. #1 How do you stand out from your fellow candidates—what do you bring to the table that is different? Carol Pirsztuk: I have extensive experience in strategic planning, board development, management and contract negotiations, as well as having an understanding of community culture. It is important to me that before making a decision, all short and long term effects are identified. As a Council Member, I would be able to lend these skill sets to the city as well as provide directional leadership in the development of a comprehensive vision and strategic plan encompassing all segments of the city. By creating this plan, it will ensure the residents are in the driver’s seat of managing future changes in our community. Don Brann: Characteristics that differentiate me from the four other candidates include extensive public agency leadership service and advanced educational achievements including an earned doctorate in Administration. As Superintendent, I have led six public school districts. The last one had 1500 employees. I have a history of working well with unions and keeping employees motivated and productive. My team has successfully balanced more than 30 public budgets over the decades. I completed Leadership El Segundo training, served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, chaired El Segundo’s LAX Commission, and recently served as Board Chair of Broadway in the Park. Drew Boyles: The depth and breadth of my business experience differentiates me from the other candidates. I have an MBA in Finance from USC. I was a Big 5 management consultant advising C-level executives at Fortune 500 companies. I am an innovator, having launched several entrepreneurial ventures. I create jobs. I have over 100 employees working for my companies. I understand what it takes to recognize marketplace needs, develop a compelling vision and brand, take risks, recruit talent, negotiate challenging transactions, start a business, sign pay checks, build a team and lead people and businesses through the best and worst of times. Marie Fellhauer: Given my last 4 years as a Councilmember, 7 years previously on Planning Commission and 19 years in law enforcement, I understand the importance of civic leadership within the community for our residents, business partners and employees. My unwavering resolve to do what needs to be done and my willingness to respond to the residents of El Segundo on issues, no matter how small, sets me apart from others. My fiscal conservativeness and vision for retaining our quaint feel while moving the City forward responsibly, make me the ideal candidate for those who care about the future of El Segundo. Dave Atkinson: I served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force learning the value of freedom and liberty. I stand out by the 12 years I have served the city, 4 years on the Senior Housing Board, 4 years on the Capital Improvement Board, and now 4 years on the City Council. My extensive business background in management, sales, marketing, strategic long term planning, and negotiating sets me apart from others. These skills enable me to communicate with our business community on an equal basis. I listen to their needs and assist them in getting tasks done in an efficient way. #2 What would you do to address increased crime and reduced police staffing? Carol Pirsztuk: It is important that the city provides the police department with the appropriate resources, technology and collaborative working environment needed to ensure the safety of the residents. On an annualized basis with a collaborative approach, the city should be assessing the structure of the police department to determine if the staffing at all levels is sufficient and optimal to manage the current and planned city dynamics. Additionally, the city should take a proactive approach throughout the organization to streamline processes, implement automation and provide training opportunities to optimize the workforce. Don Brann: El Segundo voters consider increased crime the number one problem today. The City needs to add officers to the force to fill current vacancies and to enlarge the current staffing level. We need police on patrol in our neighborhoods to prevent daytime home burglaries and car thefts. Crime has risen because criminals have been released from jail, because there are less police on patrol and because with new commercial/ retail developments east of Sepulveda, there are additional venues to protect. Importantly, our police department requires sophisticated technology tools to combat crime and I will advocate obtaining these tools. Drew Boyles: I will find the means to increase patrol cars’ presence and visibility while developing highly trained police professionals. I will analyze opportunities for streamlining costs and increasing efficiencies See Candidate Q & A, page 12 16-1584ps_sby-ie-16-010 ©2016 lacmta Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Now in Service Metro’s Gold Line Foothill Extension o;cially opened March 5, with large crowds coming out to enjoy live music, food trucks and more at the new Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte/City of Hope, Irwindale and Azusa Downtown Stations. The 11.5-mile rail line extension connects East Pasadena to Azusa and points in between, providing a relaxing and money-saving alternative to driving the busy 210 Freeway. Rediscover Gold at metro.net/moregold. New TAP Website At the all-new taptogo.net, you can load your card, register for free balance protection, see if you’re quali>ed for a reduced fare and search for a TAP vendor near you. Visit taptogo.net and unlock the full potential of your TAP card. Metro Eases Tra;c Everyone knows that congestion is bad, but we really can improve the way we get around. Right now, Metro is easing tra;c by delivering 1.4 million rides each day. And we’re planning future relief all over LA County by adding more bus and rail service, >xing freeway bottlenecks, funding local road improvements and updating our strategic transportation vision. We’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, but we still have so much more to do. Let’s get it done, together. Learn more about The Plan at metro.net/theplan. Take a Tour of the Expo Rail Line It’s easy to explore destinations like Olvera Street, the Broad Museum and Exposition Park on Metro. Learn how to get started with a FREE guided rail tour of the Metro Expo Line. You’ll get useful tips on how to plan your trip, buy a pass, and ride the Metro rail and bus system. To reserve your spot, visit metro.net/tours. metro.net @metrolosangeles losangelesmetro
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