We asked each of the candidates for Arcadia City Council for a 300 word summary of the accomplishments, goals and objectives that make them deserving of your vote this April. Here, in an intentionally random order, are their responses:

Sho Tay

My wife and I have lived in Arcadia for 25 years; our two children were born and raised in our beautiful city. I firmly believe that strong family values build the foundation of a great community such as ours. With 30 years of successful business background and expertise, I am uniquely qualified to serve the city.  My experience will be especially valuable for the city budget and improve efficiency in city services.

I am committed to provide safer streets and neighborhoods, improve traffic in school areas, and monitor sensible growth for our city while safekeeping our rich history.

I plan to work closely with our schools to provide greater educational opportunities for our children.  We need to protect our seniors and I plan to attend to their needs.

I strive to promote Community Unity, an inspiration where our youth, seniors, and community members of all ethnic backgrounds come together to create a better future. I pledge to be your voice and bring a fresh image to our City Government with integrity, dedication, compassion and transparency.

I am proud to be a part of the Board of Trustees for the Los Angeles County Arboretum, the President Elect for Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the Arcadia Rotary Club Membership Director and recipient of the 2009 “Community Service Award”, the 2008-2009 Arcadia Chinese Association President and currently Arcadia Chinese Association Director, Master of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, Arcadia Red Cross Director, Baldwin Adobe Restoration Committee member (BARC), and Boy Scouts of America, Lucky Baldwin District Finance Chair

I am not just another candidate, but an experienced community leader who serves all the citizens of Arcadia.

Peter Amundson

I am passionate about my hometown.  I was born and raised in Arcadia.  There is something special about being able to represent and serve the town I was born and raised in.  I went to local schools and I am a graduate of UCLA, with a Political Science degree, specializing in state and local government. Businessweek magazine named Arcadia the best place in California to raise children. For over 25 years I have been a volunteer working with the youth of our community.  I believe that our youth is our greatest asset.

I am married and have three wonderful children. I want the best for them and their future. That is why I chose to stay and raise my family here.

I am a successful business owner, President of a company built around service with integrity, two traits I strive to bring with me to City Hall.

In all aspects of my life I use principle-centered leadership, not being influenced by special interests, personnel ego or by pressure to get along.  I believe in traditional American values and fiscal responsibility.  I oppose increased taxes and irresponsible spending.  I ask tough questions and know it’s your money not mine.

I am running for re-election, as I love this great City.  I desire to preserve and improve it.  I have enough experience now to get things done, but I am still fresh enough to be in independent thinker.

Public Safety comes first with me.  We have cut crime 6.4% over the last 5 years, we have added officers to the Arcadia Police force, and I want to add more.  I have pushed code enforcement and being proactive in addressing public safety issues.
Arcadia is a great city; I have worked to make it so and will continue to do so.

Jason J. Lee

I am qualified to serve on the City Council through education and professional experience. A former BBC Radio Program Producer based in London, I covered important world events. I have internalized the qualities of impartiality, objectivity and fairness. Now I spend half of my time attending hearings and trying cases in the court. I can easily transition to the City Council. I will apply my analytical skills as a mediator & facilitator to solve complex problems. I will also utilize my business management skills to manage the city’s resources.

Steeped in both Confucianism and Christianity, I stand for harmony and co-prosperity among all Arcadians.  A strong believer of Aristotle’s Golden Mean, I am a consensus builder in the community. If elected, I will quickly respond to my fellow residents’ questions and complaints and take actions to address them. I will vote on resolutions with compassion and fairness. I will serve Arcadians with passion, with pride, with honor, and with dedication.

B.A. in English Literature; M.A. in Journalism; Juris Doctorate, Member of U.S. Army L.A. Advisory Board, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Chinese Advisory Board, Arcadia Rotary Club, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Arcadia Historical Society. Director, Arcadia Chinese Association

My goals include Keeping Crime Rate & Taxes Low, Increasing Police Presence and Patrols, Recruiting More Volunteers and Re-Organize Neighborhood Watch Program, Ensuring that Police & Fire Departments Are Adequately Funded, Cutting Non-Essential Spending, Balance the Budget and Maintain Adequate Reserves, Keeping Quality of Life & Property Value High, Improving Facilities for Seniors & Youth, Being Pro-Business; Creating More Jobs and Generating More Revenue, Favoring Well-Planned & Controlled Development and Working Closely with School District to Resolve AHS’ Over-Crowdedness.

Paul Cheng

We have all worked hard to make Arcadia one of the best cities in California to raise a family. However, the city is in crisis.

In the past 10 years we have seen: Increased violent crime against our citizens; A proliferation of massage parlors throughout the city; Two strip clubs open off of Peck Road; Overcrowding in our schools; Traffic congestion that rivals morning traffic; A project and subsequent lawsuit (Westfield v. Caruso) that ripped our city apart; and Increased deficit spending .

Focus on the bottom line. We are spending more than we earn. We must immediately execute decisions that will save us money. It will be tough (and unpopular) but we must hire and appoint the right auditors to come and cut our growing deficit. We must also stop dolling out contracts based on relationships but do so based on price.

Crime is on the rise in Arcadia. We must look into installing cameras in high crime areas .

Renegotiate with Caruso and Westfield. Westfield needs help with the old Robinson’s May unit and wants to add restaurants to the expanded mall. Caruso will need us if the racetrack project will continue. Now is the time to negotiate with both to get needed benefits for our city.

Our immigrant population is soaring. Stressing the importance of citizenship is paramount.

As the only candidate to have worked as a Deputy City Attorney, Prosecutor, and Mediator,  I feel building consensus through creative solutions and leadership is vital to our city. As one who loves this city, I believe it is time to return to the core values and support the institutions that have made this a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Challenging times call all of us to public service.

Bob Harbicht

I have served four terms on the Arcadia City Council and three terms as Mayor.  I also served as Mayor and Councilman in the City of Duarte before moving to Arcadia.  My primary qualification is experience!

Arcadia is facing tough times, along with our nation as a whole.  Because we are such a well-run city, we have weathered the storm very well.  But if we are to continue to function as well as we have, we need an experienced hand at the helm.

Arcadia is arguably the best run city in California.  There’s an old saying that has a lot of truth to it, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  I want to continue to provide the experienced, steady guidance to our city that I have provided since 1984.

The city’s reserves when I took office totaled $12.5 million.  Since then we have built the community center, a new police station, a new library, two new fire stations and remodeled the third,  seven water reservoirs, seven water wells, and are under construction on a city/school joint use gymnasium. In spite of this renewal of almost our entire infrastructure, our reserves now total $91.3 million! My commitment to our community is unrivaled:  President, Arcadia Education Foundation; President, Arcadia Rotary Club; Board, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce; Board, Arcadia Public Library Foundation; Chairman, Lucky Baldwin District, Boy Scouts of America; President, Arcadia High School Drill Team Booster Club; and on and on. Our budget is balanced, our reserves are strong, our streets are safe, our fire department is one of only 51 in the nation with a “Class 1” rating, the city is beautiful, our recreation opportunities are outstanding, and our library is the best in the area. I hope you will return me to office.

Mickey Segal

I am writing to ask for your support as I begin my campaign for the Arcadia City Council. There are  six candidates running for three seats and the April 13election could significantly impact Arcadia’s future. I have worked hard to make Arcadia a better place for all residents. I have stressed the principles of fiscal responsibility, effective leadership, teamwork, and personal vision to help change the way Arcadia does business.

As a Mayor and City Council Member, I dedicated myself to making a difference. Arcadia’s accomplishments during my eight-year term included a new police station built on time and on budget, new fire station headquarters, new Ruth and Charles Gilb Historical Museum, larger more visible street signs, balanced budgets and substantial reserves, master plans for streets, library, trees, parks, water system and capital projects, new youth facilities (track and field, skate park, etc.) and enhanced cooperation between City and School District

But I will not rest on past accomplishments. Future challenges include budget shortfalls, race track development, labor contracts including police and fire, programs for our seniors and youth and compatible commercial and residential development. I want to bring my financial experience, leadership, and dedication back to the Arcadia City Council. I want what you want sound fiscal policy; efficient government, excellent police, fire and paramedic protection, safe and secure neighborhoods, innovative programs for seniors and youth, future development consistent with our quality of life and a strong sense of community

There will be many important issues confronting Arcadia in the future. Arcadia deserves an experienced, financially trained, independent and hard working City Council Member to make the right decisions. I promise to be positive, to keep an open mind and be an independent thinker.

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