SUSAN HARTLEY, COUNCIL CANDIDATE

WHY I SUPPORT PROP T

I wholeheartedly support Prop T. It’s a much needed start for capping development that is erasing the Santa Monica we wish to maintain. Prop T is a much needed start for limiting overdevelopment's resulting traffic growth.

Prop T provides a methodical and measured approach to growth over the next 15 years. Measure T puts control of the future back into the hands of residents.

I’m opposed to the growth, density, height and resulting traffic being proposed by City Council and staff. Plans are in the works for 6 to 9 story buildings around the city. I am not in favor of these heights.

I want to do everything I can to see Santa Monica retain what’s left of its small beach town atmosphere. This beach community is being changed into what I’ve labeled “Playa Vista North” with the specter of more such unchecked development and resulting traffic in the very near future.

I’m fed up with the disconnect between City Hall and the residents of Santa Monica.

During the past 20 years, a period of time corresponding with many of the incumbents’ time in office, Santa Monica has suffered from their votes for more development and resulting traffic. Over and over again they've closed their ears to the protests and pleas of residents and voted for more growth, height, and density.

Prop T's presence on the ballot sends a loud message to City Hall that Santa Monicans will not sit idly by and watch the heart and soul of their community be sold. Prop T's passage will force them not only to listen to the will of our community, but to actually do what the residents want -- a novel, but long overdue, concept.

I’m not convinced by Prop T opponents’ threats of doom and gloom. I’m alarmed by their developer paid mass mailings of misrepresentations. As everyone knows, Santa Monica has long provided for the of funding public safety and helping our schools. The mandate of Prop T will redirect City Hall focus away from big money developers to residents. The result will be increaded attention to our public safety and our schools.

Vote YES on Prop T.