Oath of Office Speech

On April 2, 2019, I was sworn in for a second and final term (as our city has a two term lifetime limit for the Council or Mayoral positions) representing the residents of District 3.

Here are my remarks from that night:

Thank you all for being here tonight. I would like to take a few moments to share some personal thoughts.

About 11 years ago Michelle, Kylie and I received news that would alter our lives in more ways than one. While expecting for the second time we learned we were having twins. During that first Ultrasound, my initial thought was focused on the big picture of “we need a larger house.” Michelle’s reaction was focused on the immediate and impending thought of “I have to carry and deliver them.”

While we didn’t move, we went through a period of preparation, transition and change. This included the decision to start a business here in Redondo. I could work from home and have the flexibility to be available to Michelle and our growing family, which has been a true blessing.

As a result of our 3 kids and new business, we began to develop ties within the community. Park visits begat neighborhood acquaintances and I joined the local Chamber in efforts to expand my network and grow the business. I believe that
real relationships are built upon foundations of authentic engagement in a shared purpose – not just passing out cards.

And so I began to volunteer and get involved which organically led to more volunteering and a decision to learn more about our city by enrolling in the Leadership Redondo program. While some in our community have unnecessarily chastised this program for political purposes, I found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. I began to see our city in a different way and was full of gratitude for how lucky we were to live here… raise a family here… own a business here. A diverse community with a rich history, so many wonderful people and organizations was now our own little slice of paradise.

I realized that I needed to engage as a greater part of that fabric and learn more about the ways I could help ensure it continued to be that paradise.

So I applied to be on a city commission and eventually served on 3 different commissions over a four year period. In 2014, knowing that my district’s councilperson was termed out, I decided, with the support of Michelle, to throw my hat in the proverbial ring. No one asked me to run… groomed me or even planted the seed. I simply felt that I could offer a fresh and balanced perspective to a community that was amidst its’ own period of transition and change – and hopefully ensure that we properly prepared and safeguarded it for the future… for my children’s future… for your children’s future… for our collective future.

I believe that we should all participate as public servants in some small way or capacity. But I never imagined that local service could or would be so political. I personally don’t like the term “politician.” And I don’t believe that divisive “politics” at any level of government has a net positive effect. If anything, politics and perpetual divisiveness only hurts the residents and ultimately the quality of life they have come to expect or taken for granted.

We currently live in a world where facts and broader perspectives are quickly lost or tossed aside only to be replaced by opinions, sound bites and self-serving narratives masquerading as “truth.” The 24 hours news cycle and social media have unleashed a torrent of talking heads and armchair pundits, some anonymous, some not. But the soapboxing, vitriol and loss of respect for differing opinions leads to a pervasive breakdown in civility and kindness when trying to find common ground and ultimately solutions.

I am proud of my record over the past four years… but it is not just my record… it is this body’s record. Regardless of my own individual ideas, vision or contributions on specific initiatives or issues – I ultimately need 2 to 4 other individuals to agree. To work together respectfully and ideally find consensus and compromise. And behind those decisions are countless hours and engagement by our city staff, consultants, attorneys, public safety members and you the public. Government is truly emblematic of a team effort. It is slow, multi-layered and sometimes messy… but that is to be expected in an evolving democratic process that is open and transparent… for the people, by the people.

Our local “people” is a diverse group of nearly 70,000. That is a lot of opinions and viewpoints. No one group or individual can truly speak for ALL the people. We, as representatives, can do our best to hear all perspectives and make decisions that are in the collective best interest of the city and all its stakeholders. Ultimately, some or many may be unhappy… But that is part of this messy experiment we call democratic government.

This council has a great opportunity to set our city up for success. To prepare for an ever-changing future and ensure that those who sit in these chairs after we are gone have a stronger foundation upon which to build.

We have much to do and I intend to continue getting things done. But as I said, I cannot do it alone. I call upon my colleagues to be leaders in modeling respect, decorum and civility. We can agree to disagree and still find paths forward. We set the tone and we have the ability to change it. I, for one, will continue to treat this office and all those I serve and represent with respect.

I am grateful for the opportunity that the residents of District 3 have now twice given me to be of service to them. I do not take it lightly and look forward to representing you and this paradise of Redondo Beach for another 4 years.

Thank you to all those who voted. Thank you to all those who took time to speak with me and share their thoughts and concerns. Thank you to those who endorsed my candidacy.  Thank you to those who donated, sent words of encouragement, wrote their own letters to the editor or were brave enough to host a lawn sign. Thank you to the many volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy. Thank you to my campaign manager Larry Fox.

And of course, thank you so much to Michelle, Kylie, Kenny and Reese for your love and support over the past four plus years. It hasn’t been easy on you, and I am sorry for all the uninvited drama you have had to endure.

Finally, thank you to those who work here at City Hall. It is a pleasure to work with and alongside you. Our residents are lucky to have so many great individuals whose job is to ensure their piece of mind on a daily basis. You are the unsung heroes.

Now – let’s get to work.