Ryan Bell (Photo – ryanbellforpasadena.com)
If you haven’t voted yet, you can still have an impact by exercising your civic duty.
By Editorial Board
You don’t have to wait until Tuesday to vote. Voting centers are open all over the San Gabriel Valley and you can vote at any one of them. (Click here to see the closest Voting Center near you in Pasadena, Altadena & Sierra Madre, South Pasadena & San Marino, and San Gabriel City and Alhambra).
Meet Ryan Bell
ColoradoBoulevard.net presented four fundamental questions to each candidate in Pasadena.
Below are the responses from Ryan Bell, City Council candidate, District 6, on the environment, housing and homelessness, campaign finances and charter schools.
– Question #1:
What are your thoughts on climate change and how it affects the city?
Ryan Bell (City Council, Dist. 6):
Climate change threatens our water supply, increases the risk of devastating fires, affects our air quality. Climate change is also a regional matter and addressing it requires coordinated efforts. We need to transition to 100% renewable energy and eliminate carbon emissions by 2030. We also need a mobility plan that transitions our community from cars to public transit, bikes, and other zero carbon modes. Greater density around transit is another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
– Question #2:
How do you intend to address the housing and homelessness crisis in the city?
Ryan Bell (City Council, Dist. 6):
I would immediately introduce a real rent control measure that includes a program to help tenants stay housing by covering back rent, and a tenant board to assist tenants in resolving disputes with their landlords and enforce the law. I would work to build consensus around building affordable and permanent supportive housing at the civic center, and I would work closely with service providers and affordable housing developers to build the needed housing.
– Question #3:
How do you intend to fund your campaign? And what is your strategy to win?
Ryan Bell (City Council, Dist. 6):
I am funding my campaign through individual donations. Because I am a newcomer to electoral politics, I do not have a political machine at my disposal, but I am working hard by talking to voters and engaging in conversations every chance I get. The only winning strategy that I know of is talking to voters, door-to-door, hearing their concerns, and engaging them in the process of improving our city. That’s what I intend to do.
– Question #4:
In your opinion, do you consider charter schools public schools?
Ryan Bell (City Council, Dist. 6):
Charter schools do not meet the test of truly public institutions. They absolutely use public funds but often lack the full accountability of public schools and siphon off resources that should be devoted to making our public schools great. Charter schools lack equity of access, they increase the financial burden on school districts, and undermine the strength of teachers unions. I will always support investment in strong, transparent, and democratic institutions that serve the public interest.
> Meet Tamerlin Godley.
Note: Steve Madison did not answer our questions.
About Our Election Coverage in Pasadena, San Gabriel City and Monterey Park:
Candidate Questions ColoradoBoulevard.net offered every single candidate in nearby cities a free opportunity to answer questions we provided. Advertising Separately, candidates were offered the opportunity to advertise in our print and online editions, in which some did and some opted not to. Ethical Standards ColoradoBoulevard.net ethical standards dictate that our investigative reporting is independent from advertising revenues. No story will be suppressed, removed, downplayed or boosted depending on advertising revenues. That’s what distinguishes our publication from the rest. Op-ed One op-ed is allowed per candidate (regardless of the writer, be it the candidate or a supporter). Op-eds will be copy-edited and sent to the writer for final approval. ColoradoBoulevard.net reserves the right to publish, or not, if standards are not met. Editorial ColoradoBoulevard.net is a privately owned newspaper and is not obliged to respond to questions about its editorial standards. To Our Readers We will remain vigilant, guarding the truth and exposing corruption in our communities. The more ‘fake news’ shouts you hear, the more you know we are on the right track. Some local politicians have been running mudslinging campaigns, taking unethical contributions and engaging in corruption for more than thirty years. Finally, ColoradoBoulevard.net is here to expose and educate. The ultimate decision lies with you, the reader; your honest vote is your last, and final, defense against corruption.
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