Friends and Neighbors,

I want my two children to love Redondo like I do, and that means caring about their neighbors. I know I must teach by example, and that's why I decided to run for City Council.

During the day, I run my own consulting firm here in Redondo Beach where I work primarily on public affairs. I help cities improve public safety without raising taxes. I advise on smart growth that preserves open space and improves our environment, and I help elected officials better understand the needs of their constituents.

Plan to pay for more Police includes:

Redondo Beach PD has lost some 16 police officers in the last five years. We can find funding for more officers by joining the South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority for emergency dispatch. Other cities like Manhattan Beach , Hawthorne , Gardena , El Segundo and Hermosa have taken advantage of this consolidated service, and Redondo Beach can save hundreds of thousands of dollars by joining. This would save money and help us fully staff our police services.

Plan on reducing unfunded pensions and rising healthcare costs:

1. I support changing the retirement formulas in order to make them less costly to the City.

2. Have city employees pay their “employee share” of health care costs, and city will pay “employer share.”

3. Consider floating a Pension Obligation Bond (POB), to refinance and reduce the (Side fund) the Cities interest rate paid to PERS (can be as high as 9%).

I will also look at all Cities contracted services and renegotiate a better rate for Redondo Beach businesses and citizens whenever possible.

Finally, my pledge to the taxpayers of Redondo Beach; I will work to improve city services, ensure appropriate police (starting with the Galleria Mall) and fire staffing/coverage's and enhance our city-school relationships through open dialogue and engaging the community.”

Challenging times calls on us all to help make a difference. Please join me in the effort to improve Redondo. Call me anytime with your ideas or concerns. (310) 292-1882

Sincerely,

Stephen (Steve) Sammarco