Mary is a third generation resident of the Historic Stonehurst community. She has been involved in community political issues since 2001. Her background as a Small Business Owner and Neighborhood Council Member have given Mary experience in how to get things done in the City of Los Angeles and in the real world. She has been involved in district and citywide issues for 10 years and is ready to begin work the first day on the job.
Mary’s Political Platform:
By the People, For the People – It’s Time for Someone to Listen!
We must forge a policy that gives a balance of power to local communities, businesses and individuals. We must bring the public back to the table. We don’t need to spend a lot of money to get things done. This area is Mary’s home, it always has been, and it always will be. She wants to see communities that serve the people that live, work and play there.
Bring Jobs to CD2
Work has become scarce and Los Angeles seems to have forgotten that only profitable companies can create jobs. The San Fernando Valley is the perfect place to attract many of the new “Green Collar Jobs” and Outdoor Tourism both of which can bring in federal stimulus money to our neighborhoods. Permanent policy changes are needed though to keep the jobs here. Many employers who have fled Los Angeles cite the competitive disadvantage caused by LA City red tape and taxes. As a small business owner, Mary knows too well how difficult running a business in LA has become.
Infrastructure
You can not build a city on inadequate infrastructure. Businesses lose millions when power outages prevent them from doing business. Water has become a topic of concern in recent days. The LADWP has told customers to cut water usage, however as hillsides of once green and lush landscaping turn into dangerous fire hazards, why are responsible gray water systems still prohibited in LA? Mary is pushing for sustainable development and accountability from the agencies responsible for our infrastructure.
Preserving Communities
Mary is running to improve and preserve the communities of Second Council District. She knows that there are many wonderful and unique communities here and that they should remain wonderful and unique. Mary wants to facilitate self-determination on the future of the local communities. We should be working to forge a common vision for each community.
50% Solution & Out of Control City Spending
Mary is for a charter amendment that reduces Councilmember salaries to 50% of Superior Court Judges. LA needs to look critically at the bureaucracy and scale it to reflect the economic down turn. As a private sector accountant, Mary knows that success is never found in red ink!
Transportation Systems that Work
Easing congestion MEANS getting cars off the road, not just people out of their cars. Reducing off-street parking has driven business to neighboring cities, causing hardship to the businesses trying to make it in LA. Los Angeles’ 468 square miles was designed around the car. We can't model a solution after a 7 square mile city like San Francisco without our communities and the businesses that operate in those communities being devastated in the process. Before LA City tells people to get out of their cars, how about we start with how people get to work at City Hall?
Funds Accountability & Restructuring
As a member of the Mayor's Neighborhood Council Budget Committee, Mary presented some innovative ideas that would save Los Angeles millions of dollars. We need to implement accountability and performance standards. We can't afford to keep programs that are not working.
Want to know Mary’s position on items not covered here? Send her an E-Mail mary@benson4cd2.com
