Dianne Prado, Candidate for Redondo Beach District 1

Dianne Prado, a 3 1/2-year resident of Redondo Beach, is running against three other candidates to represent Redondo Beach City Council District 1. A civil rights lawyer, she has never held public office.

Below are Prado's responses to a questionnaire compiled by Patch editors with suggestions from readers.

Redondo Beach Patch: Why are you running to represent Redondo Beach's District 1?

Dianne Prado: I’m tired of the same old politicking and no change, tired of watching our representatives failing to speak out if it is unpopular with their backers, tired of your voice—and the voice of other community members—not being heard. It’s time for us to start moving forward together. I strongly believe that if more people became involved and advocated for transparency we would change the current political environment.

Patch: In your opinion, what is the No. 1 issue facing District 1?

Prado: Numerous new developments are on the horizon in District 1, and I think it is vital for the residents to be aware of what the plans or possible plans are in these areas. Community involvement is paramount to the prosperity and growth of District 1 and Redondo Beach. It is the voice of the residents that make a difference and should be heard. It goes without saying the decision on Measure A affects all of Redondo Beach and the surrounding cities. We have an opportunity to make a change and have the resident voices heard.

Patch: What is your position on AES' plans to repower its power plant on Harbor Drive?

Prado: I am against AES' plan to rebuild the power plant on Harbor Drive. The California Energy Commission will determine if a power plant is needed in Redondo Beach and data from the CEC demonstrated that the current power plant ran at only a 5 percent capacity in 2012. If Measure A succeeds, this will add great weight to the CEC decision regarding whether a power plant needs to be rebuilt. Building A Better Redondo has done an amazing job in providing information, answering questions, even providing land use attorneys to cover any and all questions regarding the AES power plant.

Patch: What is your position on Measure A, the ballot initiative that would rezone the Harbor Drive property in hopes of preventing the construction of a new power plant?

Prado: I wholeheartedly support Measure A. We should not be fear mongered by AES who is solely funding the campaign against Measure A. It is a measure placed on the ballot by residents and the time is now to finally rid our city of the unneeded power plant, take a stand, and speak out against big corporate interests. If you do not want a power plant—vote YES on Measure A.

Patch: If elected, what are your top three priorities?

Prado:

1. Transparency in the city council's decision-making.
2. Raising community involvement in city politics by being more accessible to the residents, social media, community forums to determine what the residents of District 1 want and need.
3. Beautifying our friendly beach environment by keeping our beaches clean, creating opportunities for public art funding, making our small parks pet friendly by allowing access to residents to walk their dogs on leash.

Patch: Share one specific example of demonstrating your leadership and execution skills.

Prado: In my current occupation as a public interest attorney, I defend the housing rights of low-income families. I constantly am faced with people who do not know their rights or are afraid to speak out and enforce their rights. More often than not I am able to lead a successful negotiation between all the parties involved (landlord's attorney, landlord, and tenant) and reach an amicable solution for all. When a solution cannot be reached, I have conducted jury trials, where I fight with passion and dedication to ensure my client is not homeless. I use my skills as a litigator to present the evidence to a jury and am fortunate to state I have been successful in securing my clients' housing.

Patch: Why should people vote for you?

Prado: To protect our beloved city, we need independent leaders with courage, who are not motivated by personal gain. I will be such a leader.

I won’t back down to those who don’t have our community’s best interests at heart. I’m not afraid to demand that my fellow councilmembers “follow the money” so we can find out who is really behind the decisions affecting us.

I promise to fight without fear to make sure our beaches remain beautiful, safe and clean. I’ll support innovation and small business, because small businesses are our “big employers” of tomorrow. I’ll work with everyone, regardless of political party, to create solutions for our community.

I am a fresh face, new to the scene, and now more than ever a new perspective is needed in our city and politics. If you are ready for a change, for your voice to be heard, then elect Dianne Prado as your District 1 city councilmember.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Prado: I cannot stress the importance of changing our current political environment and becoming involved in your local government. I believe I can help create that change and bring the much needed fresh air to our current state of politics. I appreciate your support and vote on March 5, 2013.

Related:

• Dianne Prado for Redondo Beach City Council
• Dianne Prado for Redondo City Council on Facebook
• Dianne Prado [Patch]
• 4 Candidates Vying for District 1 Seat on Redondo Beach City Council [Easy Reader]
• Redondo Council District 1 Candidates Answer Questions From The Beach Reporter [Beach Reporter]

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