Meet Mary Wells, Candidate For Beverly Hills City Council

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Mary Wells is vying for one of two open seats on the Beverly Hills City Council.

Mail-in ballots have already been sent out for the March 5 election, in which voters will decide between 10 candidates running for the council seats being vacated by Mayor Julian Gold and Councilmember Lili Bosse.

Learn more about Wells' goals for Beverly Hills:

Education:
Mary Wells earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Accounting from the University of Southern California, and a Masters’ Certificate in Governance from the California School Boards Association.

Occupation:
Current School Board member and past president of the BHUSD

Family:
My husband and I have proudly raised our three kids (two girls and a boy) here in Beverly Hills. My husband is lawyer. We as a family love to travel, ski, fish and do anything outdoors.

Age:
59

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
My term as an elected Beverly Hills Unified School District board member will end in 2024.

Why are you seeking a seat on the City Council?
I have served on the BHUSD School Board and as its president. We have achieved exceptional safety and security protocols, utilized zero-based budgeting standards and saved millions of dollars cleaning house in wasteful bond construction tax dollars. I am know as one who "gets it done" and I will do the same for the city of Beverly Hills as a council member.

My priorities include beefing up our police personnel, establishing a substation at our upcoming Metro station, adding CCTV cameras throughout our residential neighborhoods and improving our traffic congestion, utilizing high-tech AI mitigation measures currently being done in Seattle and Haifa, Israel. In addition, I will advocate for the adoption of zero-based budgeting protocols (like what we did in the school district) to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.

What do you think are the top three issues for voters in this election, and how do you plan to address them?
Like I said before, the top three issues as I see it is safety and security, traffic mitigation and fiscal responsibility.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am the only current elected running for City Council. I have an existing working relationship with our police and fire as well as our entire City Council and city staff. I will be able to step into my job with ease and on day one!

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Safety and security, fiscal responsibility and traffic mitigation using AI technology and other protocols are my top priority. In addition, I am an advocate for stronger prosecution of criminals, who bring fear and destruction to our community and at large. I will further advocate to have a dedicated ombudsman at City Hall to assist with renter issues, senior services, and other challenges our residents face

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As president of the School Board, I championed a "cleaning house" of runaway finances with our taxpayer construction bond funds. This has saved the district (taxpayers) tens of millions of dollars in previously wasted funds. This was a challenging undertaking but I am a "get it done" type of person.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be authentic and not be afraid to take a challenge head on. What you see is what you get — I am known to be a good listener, consensus builder and one who does their homework. I always come prepared and have an open mind to differing opinions. From there I use my business and administrative background and corporate experience to work on solutions and implement them.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am always available to listen to and speak with our constituents. That is why I always welcome calls from neighbors, citizens or visitors to our community who have concerns or need help with a challenge. My personal cell is 310-400-0264. Call Me!

Wells' campaign website