Meet Jimy Tallal, Candidate For Malibu City Council

MALIBU, CA — As ballots start to hit Malibu mailboxes, it’s time for locals to get to know their candidates.

Come Nov. 8, six candidates will vie for two open Malibu City Council seats as Karen Farrer and Mikke Pierson have terms ending this year. Neither will run for reelection.

Malibu residents will also weigh in on a number of other local elections, including the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Visit this link for more information about the upcoming Malibu election.

A number of City Council candidates answered questions to introduce themselves to Patch readers. Get to know Jimy Tallal:

Age (as of Election Day)

68

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Scott Tallal

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

2 years of grad school

Occupation

Freelance journalist, mainly for The Malibu Times

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.MalibuTogether.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

After 12 years of reporting about the issues in Malibu, I would like to be in a position to do something about them. The current council has been dysfunctional and contentious, and isn’t getting things done; resulting two good councilmembers deciding not to even run for re-election. Our local political scene has become as divided as our national scene. I want to overcome that and get us all working together for the common good.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have the background, work experience and temperament to do a good job on City Council. I already know how the Council works, as well as the various commissions, subcommittees, and outside agencies that impact Malibu - which is doubtful for several of the candidates. I take campaign rules seriously and file all required campaign finance forms. One of the candidates has $18,000 in fines owed to the Fair Political Practices Commission for not filing any paperwork from a previous election.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The main issues in Malibu are public safety, homelessness, fire preparedness and fire rebuilds. In addition, passing a short-term rental ordinance that Coastal Commission also approves; and repealing the LCP amendment that allows overnight camping in the hills above Malibu.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In addition to 12 years as a reporter in Malibu covering all of the city’s issues, and doing interviews , analysis and research on them; I previously held positions in human resources management for companies like Bell Helicopter Textron and Johnson Controls that involved negotiation, arbitration and mediation - all skills that are needed in City Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Be yourself.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m endorsed by the Los Angeles League of Conservation voters and care deeply about the environment, our local wildlife and sustainability. I’m also working on an endorsement from the LA County Democratic Party.