By Susan Motander
The Arcadia Chinese Association held a candidate forum for the six individuals vying for the two seats on the Arcadia City Council. After brief introductory remarks all the candidates answered the same three questions and then met briefly for informal chats with those attending the Sunday afternoon gathering.
In addressing the issue of the increase in crime in Arcadia, all six candidates voiced support for the work of the police department. Burton Brink, a sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, noted that the issue of overcrowding in the prison system had led to the lessening of penalties for non-violent crimes, and that these “non-violent” crimes such as burglary were what was on the increase in Arcadia. Sheng Chang advocated hiring additional police officers, especially those who are bilingual.
Paul Van Fleet said he felt the members of the police department wanted to do more while April Verlato urged more people to become involved with Neighborhood Watch. Peter Amundson said the responsibility for crime prevention starts not with the police, but with the individual. He suggest those attending get a dog and a security system, and he also urged them to become involved and report anything suspicious. Bob Harbicht said, “Arcadia is a safe city,” and called for people to allow the police to “do their job.”
When questioned about ethnic diversity and bringing the community together, all the candidates voiced support of any and all efforts to bring the community together. Amundson said, “This is not just a place to dwell, but rather to live.” He, along with all the other candidates, urged more gatherings that would bring different factions of the community together. Chang also suggested hiring more bilingual personnel in the municipal government.
The final questions of the afternoon dealt with Measure A, the proposal to repeal the Utility Tax in Arcadia. While all six opposed the measure, they did so in differing ways. Verlato and Amundson suggested that rather than repealing the tax, it should have been returned to the 5% level (the rate prior to its increase to 7% a few years ago) with Amundson pointing out he had voted against the increase when it occurred. Van Fleet suggested that there could be major cost savings if the council would review the budget and vowed to do so if he were elected.
After the formal questioning, Council Member Sho Tay, who is also a member of the board of the Arcadia Chinese Association, explained how the election will work. He said the ballots will be mailed the week of March 15. He told those assembled that if they did not receive a ballot in the mail by March 20, they should contact the City Clerk’s office. Ballots must be returned by April 12. No postage is necessary to return the ballot be mail.
Tay also explained that to keep the Utility Tax, one needed to vote No on Measure A. He also strongly urged such a “No” vote.
