Long Beach City Council Voter Guide – Primary Election 2020
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SEES CANDIDATES’ FULL EXPLANATIONS
TO THEIR STANCES
& FULL QUESTIONS BELOW!
This voter guide is intended to educate Long Beach voters about the candidates running for City Council during the March 3, 2020 primary nominating election.
This guide was put together by the Long Beach Rising! Coalition and VoiceWaves, a project of Youth Leadership Institute. Our organizations do not endorse or oppose any candidates for office. All responses are presented as submitted.
All official City Council candidates were outreached to. Candidates Cindy Allen (District 2), Jesus Cisneros (District 2), Nigel Lifsey (District 2), Robert Fox (District 2), Ryan Lum (District 2), Craig Ursuy (District 6), Dee Andrews (District 6), Juan Erick Ovalle (District 8), and Al Austin II (District 8) did not submit responses to this survey. Incumbent Daryl Supernaw ( District 4) is running unopposed and was not submitted a survey.
CANDIDATE EXPLANATIONS ON STANCES
MORE FUNDING FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS
1. Do you support the City of Long Beach allocating general fund dollars in the city budget to the Children and Youth Fund that will support programs for youth, such as early childhood education, after school tutoring/mentoring, mental health resources, juvenile diversion, college prep, and job training?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
Yes, their are studies that suggest when we invest in education and our children we have lower crime in our neighborhoods.
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Many of the large development projects are subsidized by our local dollars with the promise that the benefits will trickle down to the residents. Yet, rents go up, people are displaced, the working class is kicked out, and only low-wage retail jobs are created. For development to be fair and inclusive, the community must be involved in the planning process and negotiate CBAs with the developers.
Ana Arce D6 YES
After-school programs, and other community-based activities are proven to playing a key role in lives of our children. We now know that the role of such programs are vital to adolescent well-being and mental development. By ensuring that programs are designed to successfully meet young people’s developmental needs and help them become healthy, happy, and productive adults – we all win!
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
We should have this already in placed. Our children are the future.
Suely Saro D6 YES
District 6 has the highest percentage of young people in the City of Long Beach. With that said, it is a priority for me to ensure we have dedicated funding to support program for children and youth. This is one of my campaign platform.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
Our city can play a vital role in creating better outcomes for our youth, especially our youth of color. I support investing in the children and youth fund and creating a comprehensive cradle to college strategy for Long Beach’s youth. I believe this is a crucial path to achieving economic equity in our city.
SECTION 8 LANDLORD ORDINANCE
2. Do you support the City of Long Beach adopting an ordinance that would prohibit landlords from making decisions on whom to rent to based on source of income, including Section 8 vouchers?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 NO
I am in support of the city/ HUD incentivising and working with Landlords in wanting to work with Section 8 Vouchers system. The voucher system has the potential to be successful, however we need all stakeholders to be present and buy into a plan.
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
The diversity of Long Beach is an asset and we must do everything possible to make this city more inclusive of people from all walks of life, including the working class. This is especially important when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable populations. Families with children, people of color, our elders, and people with disabilities are an integral part of our community.
Ana Arce D6 YES
Source of income protections are invaluable in maximizing a voucher family’s ability to secure safe and decent housing. We need to make every effort to enforce source of income laws on behalf of voucher holders and others who call our City home.
Sharifah Hardie D6 NO
No
Suely Saro D6 YES
I support exploring protections ordinance and adopting the best policy for tenants that prohibit landlords from making decisions on whom to rent to based on source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. I don’t think anyone that is looking for housing should be discriminated based on income.
Josephine Villasenor D6 NO
Yes and No. I support housing for all but with checks and balances.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
We are experiencing a housing crisis and we need to ensure every tool is available for our city to utilize as we work towards solutions. I believe we should do everything we can to encourage landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers and ensure enforcement when discriminatory practices take place.
TENANT RIGHT OF RETURN RATE
3. Currently, a tenant can be displaced because of a building’s renovation. Do you believe the City of Long Beach should adopt an ordinance giving displaced tenants a first right of return at a similar rental rate?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 NO
No, I believe it is the landlords responsibility of cost associated with relocation for their tenants and not tax payers.
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Gentrification is taking a toll on the standard of life for many our residents who have historically lived here, but are being displaced. Providing for a first right of return at a similar rental rate will allow for the diverse cultural fabric of the city to be more sustainable.
Ana Arce D6 YES
A tenant in good standing with his or her landlord must be afforded every consideration, especially, in matters of first right of return at a similar rental rate once renovations have been completed.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
Yes, I agree that tenants who are displaced because of building’s renovation should have the first right to return at a similar rental rate.
Josephine Villasenor D6 YES
I think it should be offered to them first with the same rate. Sometimes they might not want to come back.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
We should encourage landlords to keep up their buildings and support renovations but we should also ensure the current tenants benefit from the upgrades as well. I would support efforts to ensure we minimize displacement in our city.
CITY CHANGES TO TENANT RELOCATION
4. The Long Beach City Council repealed it’s Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance to incorporate the CA Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (TPA) in its entirety. Prior to repeal, Long Beach’s ordinance included relocation payments for tenants equal to two months’ rent not to exceed $4,500. Currently, the TPA requires landlord-paid relocation assistance in the amount of one month’s rent, or a waiver of one month’s rent. Do you support the City of Long Beach’s decision to incorporate the CA TPA in its entirety without higher relocation amounts first passed as part of its original local ordinance?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 NO
After reviewing this policy I feel it is not a one size fits all. I felt the ordinance was more in protection of renters and the high cost associated with moving.
Eduardo Lara D2 NO
The majority of the 2nd district residents are renters. Yet, when it is time to make decisions, city council treats them as an afterthought. We need a paradigm shift when it comes to renters. We must protect renters’ rights to the same degree as we currently protect landlords. If we fail to keep families in their homes, the least we can do is give them 2 months to get back on their feet.
Ana Arce D6 NO
I am a proponent of Tenant Protections and believe that this decision does nothing to prevent displacement and merely gives renters a reason to move to another town. My mission is to help families remain in their homes and flourish in their communities.
Sharifah Hardie D6 NO
No.
Suely Saro D6 NO
I think that the City of Long Beach should have kept the same relocation payments for tenants equal to two month’s rent not to exceed $4,500.
Josephine Villasenor D6 YES
Yes. I believe that they City did a good job in incorporating the CA TPA but should have also added an additional $1,000.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I believe the City Council did the right thing in passing a temporary measure that protected renters during the holidays. Now that the law is now implemented, we need to ensure our city is in compliance and abiding by the legislation.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM NEW DEVELOPMENTS
5. Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) are a contract signed by community groups and a developer that requires the developer to provide specific amenities, opportunities (i.e., for local workers or other community stakeholders) and/or mitigations to the local community or neighborhood. Do you believe that new development projects should require community benefit agreements as part of their project plans?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Many of the large development projects are subsidized by our local dollars with the promise that the benefits will trickle down to the residents. Yet, rents go up, people are displaced, the working class is kicked out, and only low-wage retail jobs are created. For development to be fair and inclusive, the community must be involved in the planning process and negotiate CBAs with the developers.
Ana Arce D6 YES
Community benefits programs can transform the region through stronger, more equitable economies; holding developers accountable for their promises to local governments and residents. Also, by giving a platform for public input has shown to result in better projects that benefit the whole community and attract local customers.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Suely Saro D6 YES
Yes, I do. I think that new development should have community benefit agreements as part of their project plans. New development brings in additional people and activities and we need their cooperation to help fund and support for these additional activities and use of public spaces.
Josephine Villasenor D6 YES
The agreements will allowed the communtiy to gain a footing of what is happening within it. Sometimes the community needs to help the business and vice versa. We all in this together and by having local employees, having an connection with the said business or developer can bring in more revenue in the community. We can build open spaces and or a garden.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I believe Community Benefit Agreements create goodwill with the developer and the community as projects come online, especially if the development has the potential to change the character of the community. Neighborhoods deserve a voice in the development process and I will ensure I engage stakeholders and community members in these processes in my district.
LOCAL HIRE IN CONSTRUCTION, HOSPITALITY, RETAIL
6. Do you support the City of Long Beach adopting an ordinance that would require construction, hospitality, and retail employers to prioritize hiring local unemployed and disadvantaged Long Beach residents for open positions?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Prioritizing local hires will further the pocket books of our residents while also helping to decrease the city unemployment rate. There’s also a net-benefit to the environment when hiring locally because workers create less of a carbon footprint when they both live and work in their own community.
Ana Arce D6 YES
Long Beach would benefit greatly by implementing measures designed to ensure that local residents & disadvantaged individuals have employment opportunities in the business sector. Measures resulting in thousands of jobs for the communities that need them most, paired with job training and skills development that help build a career.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
Long Beach City Council District 6 has the second highest percentage of households living in poverty, prioritizing hiring local is extremely important to me.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
I think that we all deserve an fighting chance to get a leg up within our community. By hiring locals you get the feel of the community, the locals will know who is who and what goes with the community at large. This brings in revenue, connection and growth.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I support local hire ordinances as a path towards economic inclusion and equity. Through this policy, we can help lift our most vulnerable populations into the middle class and ensure a sustainable economic future for our city.
ORDINANCE ENCOURAGING WORKER-OWNED ENTERPRISES
7. Do you support the City of Long Beach adopting an ordinance that encourages and financially invests in the creation of worker-owned enterprises?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Over the past few decades, productivity has increased, investors have made record profits, but wages have remained stagnant. If we want our residents to have a real shot at the American dream, then we must create a system where the working class has real access to the profit created by their labor. Worker co-ops are a major step in the right direction.
Ana Arce D6 YES
The wealth gap in Long Beach between the ultra-wealthy and everyone else has reached its widest point in decades. By providing workers & employees opportunities to buyout, companies help workers and communities raise their standard of living and feel invested in the success of the enterprise. Resulting in an inclusive workplaces that perform better, especially during recessions.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
I think that to contribute to economic justice we need to empower workers financially so that they can have the resources and capacity to improve and strengthen our local economy and improve our struggling business corridors.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 NO
No, by being forced into creating an business that will not be able to hire locally, the City might gain but hurt in the process due to the high prices. I have seen this before in several car dealerships that were “owned” by the employees. Only one worked after 15 years of struggling.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I brought Project Equity and Citibank together and analyzed Long Beach’s business climate. 13% of businesses in our city are more than 20 years old. Businesses tend to close as the owner retires. Project Equity helps owners structure a succession plan where workers purchase the business. I will create a strategy that encourages these plans and provides access to capital for employees.
SHIFTING FUNDS FROM POLICE TO PREVENTION
8. Do you support shifting funding from the Long Beach Police Department in order to invest in preventive and supportive programs like trauma-informed healthcare, housing, workforce, and school completion programs?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Preventive measures that will help disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline help to empower youth and provide necessary support to further their life chances for economic upward mobility.
Ana Arce D6 YES
Community policing is defined as involving three key components: developing community partnerships, engaging in problem solving, and looking at various ways of restructuring police agencies in order to facilitate and support implementation of the philosophical, strategic, and tactical elements.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
Yes, I that we need to invest in prevention and support programs that can decrease behaviors and actions that results in violences or crimes. I believe that we can save money through prevention than addressing it when it does occur.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 NO
We already have a low police presence due to the budget cuts in the past to protect close to half a million people. We need more police officers on the streets to protect and serve us. We cannot lose any more personnel to budget cuts.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 NO
Our police department needs its resources to maintain emergency response times in every part of our city. While I agree that our city should prioritize preventative and supportive programs, I don’t believe we should do it at the expense of our public safety. I would explore other ways we can increase revenue, such as supporting small businesses to increase our sales tax revenue in the city.
SUPPORT RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES W/ LABOR RELATIONS ACT
9. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) guarantees the right of covered employees to organize and collectively bargain with their employers. Other rights include the right to form, join, or assist a union, bargain collectively on wages, benefits, hours, and other working conditions as well as the ability to strike and picket in certain circumstances. Do you support the rights of employees listed under the NLRA?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
I am an active member of the California Faculty Association and I stand in solidarity with all workers. Unions must be protected and I support all workers who want to exercise their human right to join a union and demand a fair contract. I will join workers in the picket lines to fight for dignity and freedom to organize for collective bargaining.
Ana Arce D6 YES
I am in support of any peacekeeping mechanism set in place especially to protect employees as well as the employer across all sectors.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Suely Saro D6 YES
As a former labor organizer and advocate for worker’s rights, I support employees listed under the NLRA.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
We all have the right to fair wages, working environments and the ability to ask for equality.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I support the right to organize and collectively bargain. I grew up in a union family where my grandparents were City of LA workers and members of SEIU Local 721 and my mother was a paraeducator at LAUSD and a member of SEIU Local 99. I also advocated for the inclusion of prevailing wages on projects including $4 billion in new state funding for affordable housing statewide.
ENSURE TRUCK COMPANIES COMPLY WITH EMPLOYMENT & TAX LAW,
NO WAGE THEFT
10. Are you in favor of ensuring that all trucking companies that operate at the Port of Long Beach are in compliance with all employment and tax laws and do not misclassify their drivers or engage in wage theft?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
It is a travesty that truck drivers are forcefully classified as independent contractors. They are often denied their rightful benefits for the work they’re performing, including proper wages, overtime pay, and mandated breaks. Truck drivers often operate at a loss because the trucking companies force them to buy their own equipment, including leasing the trucks. This exploitation must stop.
Ana Arce D6 YES
I am sympathetic to the plight of the truck drivers who must work under these deplorable conditions and must find a way to endure for the sake of their families. Ensuring that all truck companies operating at the Port of Long Beach are in compliance with all employment and tax laws is paramount and go hand in hand with ensuring that misclassification and wage theft DO NOT occur.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
As a past labor organizer and advocate for worker’s rights, I am extremely in favor of ensuring all trucking companies operating at the POLB to be in compliance with all employment and tax laws and do nit misclassify their drivers or engage in wage theft.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
We need to make sure that all trucks have the proper identifications and that the employers do not engage in wage theft or misclassify their drivers. I have seen this done before to family friend and it does hurt to see them struggle while he works 40 plus hours to get from point A to point B in a timley manner.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
I absolutely support truck drivers and AB 5 ensuring workers are not misclassified. I will work to ensure necessary enforcement takes place.
710 FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN & TABLED EXPANSION
11. On March 1, 2018 the Metro Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve a plan for improvements to the 710 freeway which tabled a project that would have included the highway’s expansion. Do you agree with this decision from the Metro Board of Directors?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 NO
No, one occupant cars are the deterioration of our climate and responsible for carbon emissions into the air. Building more Fwy’s is not the answer and that is why I support the long term foundation of Mass Transit. We have a density issue and experiencing a environmental crisis.
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Freeway expansions often lead to the displacement of low-income residents while increasing pollution that affects mainly communities of color. The 710 corridor is already the diesel death zone; expanding the freeway would expose our vulnerable communities to more asthma-triggering and cancer-causing pollutants. This is especially troubling given the fact that many schools are in this area.
Ana Arce D6 YES
More lanes means more traffic, more congestion, more pollution.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Suely Saro D6 NO
District 6 are confronted with major environmental issues including air pollution from the 710 freeway. According to CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Results, we have high unhealthy air quality levels. The approved plan needs to do more to address the worsening air pollution and potential displacement of the widening of the freeway.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
I think it was a good choice because of the fact that the 710 freeway brings our community air and noise pollution. It could have brought us more revenue but at the expense of our health.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 NO
The Metro board’s actions didn’t go far enough. I support the early action program and doubling the funds to support the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles to $200 million. The plan lacks many of the common elements originally included in Community Alternative 7, designed to advance environmental and economic justice along the 710 corridor, a comprehensive public transit element.
EXPANDING & FUNDING SENIOR CENTERS
12. Do you support the City of Long Beach working to expand funding and support for new and existing Senior Centers across the City?
Jeanette M. Barrera D2 YES
n/a
Eduardo Lara D2 YES
Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations in our city. Among the issues that seniors face are: the high cost of rent, lack of access to health care, diminishing social programs, and the extreme weather conditions caused by the climate crisis. I support expanding funding for affordable housing and resource centers for seniors across the city.
Ana Arce D6 YES
Senior Center serve as a focal point for all aging services in the community. Aging seniors and their families are often confounded by the complexity of issues facing the elderly, including declining income, increased debt, declining health, complex insurance programs, etc. Ergo, the needs to expand funding for new and existing Senior Centers makes it that much more important.
Sharifah Hardie D6 YES
Yes
Suely Saro D6 YES
In addition to children, youth, and families, senior are my part of my campaign platform. I believe that we are in dire need of expanded funding and support for new and improving the existing satellite senior centers to become full fledge senior centers across the city. Additionally, I believe we must provide cultural appropriate services, recreation, and social connectedness programs.
Josephine Villaseñor D6 YES
I would love to see new senior centers but all a mixture for the children as well. We need teenage centers that will allow them to see certain jobs, connect with other people and have fun being kids.
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk D8 YES
As baby boomers continue to age, we are going to need more investment in senior services to expand our reach and serve this population. Many of our senior centers are in need of upgrades and we need to find a way to ensure the safety of our existing centers as well as add centers based on population projections.
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