Jan Jeffreys, Candidate for Redondo Beach District 4

Jan Jeffreys, a 14-year resident of Redondo Beach and 27-year resident of the South Bay, is running against two other candidates to represent Redondo Beach City Council District 4. She is currently a library commissioner for the city of Redondo Beach.

Below are Jeffreys' 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 4?

Jeffreys: For the past 14 years, I’ve volunteered extensively with numerous Redondo Beach/South Bay organizations. I’ve used my business experience, leadership skills, marketing background and communication skills to implement successful projects. In 2010, I was appointed as a Commissioner and have attended numerous community meetings and events. I am running for City Council because I have the business, leadership and community service experience. First hand, I know current council, commissioners, policies, procedures, took the ethics training required by the city, know the Brown Act and who’s who in our city.

As a long time homeowner, I personally know many of the issues that are of concern to the residents of District 4. I want to be the voice of my fellow residents, listen to them, take their concerns to City Hall and stand up for them. I have an extensive list of credentials, experience, education and I am the most qualified candidate to represent my constituents.

Patch: In your opinion, what is the No. 1 issue facing District 4?

Jeffreys: The No. 1 issue in District 4 is safety! It is imperative that we keep safety as our priority, not only for our residents, but also for anyone visiting our district. District 4 has the highest tax revenue of the entire city. That being said, we need to work closer than ever with management of the South Bay Galleria, services and retailers in surrounding areas and the Artesia-Aviation business corridor. Working together with safety as our first and foremost priority, we will be protecting our highest financial district while maintaining a sense of safety for all residents, visitors, employees and business owners.

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

Jeffreys: My position is the same as almost all council members, candidates and residents. No one can honestly say, in our dense, beach-side community, they really want AES to build a power plant that will spew hazardous particles into the air for us and for future generations to breathe. 

We also have to keep in mind; polluted air does not stop at the Redondo Beach city limits.  We are also responsible for our neighbors in Hermosa, Manhattan, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Lomita and cities far and beyond that breathe polluted air from Redondo Beach.

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?

Jeffreys: We are now at a major turning point for the city. We need to stand back, get emotions out-of-the way and look at the big picture and thoroughly research and analyze the measure! Big business is trying to control our friendly city and it is dividing our city apart. The questions we need to ask ourselves are:

Should we allow a new power plant to be built in our residential beach community that emits pollutants which we will breathe?   

OR, ought this big-business property to be re-zoned to include 60 percent parkland/open space plus 40 percent commercial? The financial implications are that the annual tax from the 40 percent commercial would be a substantial increase in tax revenue, that would be well over the tax we are currently getting from AES. This increased revenue would be enough to maintain the parkland/open area plus an additional increase to city revenue! 

We need to listen to our residents. I learned this lesson when I volunteered on the city’s “Heart of the City” task force. The developers wanted to build almost 3,000 residential units. That meant almost 6,000, if not more, cars on Pacific Coast Highway. The voice of the people was clear; they said NO!

We’ll also need to listen to the California Energy Commission, Coastal Commission, South Coast Air Quality Management District plus the environmentalists. Will they say, "OK, build a power plant in a densely populated beach-side community"? Probably not. They will most likely say NO!

Now, if AES does not get the permit to build a power plant, what will they do with their property? One possible scenario is that they would sell the 50 acre site to a developer who just might perhaps, want to build condos. We are right back where we started!

To prevent more condos and more cars on PCH the property needs to be rezoned. Now! This is our opportunity. Chula Vista power plant came down on Feb. 2, 2013. Yes on A. Breathe clean air!

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

Jeffreys:

1. To increase revenue: I will work closely with the North Redondo Beach Business Association to develop, an atmosphere in North Redondo as a “neighborhood with a downtown.” With the revitalization of the Artesia Corridor already in the city's Strategic Plan, I’ll move toward a plan to encourage new businesses that will bring new jobs and a new life to our city. This includes working closely with South Bay Galleria/Forest City to entice a major anchor well before Nordstrom’s lease expires.
2. Quality-of-life: To support a neighborhood environment, I’ll implement Blue Zone/Living Streets programs, Neighborhood Watch, persuade owners of rentals to “take pride in ownership” and encourage much needed services for seniors  at their senior center.
3. Of utmost priority: To keep our Los Angeles Air Force base open or there will be serious ramifications for the entire South Bay. If the base closes, there would be thousands of lost jobs and an enormous revenue loss for all the Beach Cities.

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

Candidate did not answer this question.

Patch: Why should people vote for you?

Jeffreys: Over the years, I’ve been a consistent volunteer making contributions to our city.

I’m currently serving in city government as a commissioner, have a solid educational background, strong business experience, and I have the time!  My people skills allow me to work efficiently and very easily with people from all walks of life.  I have a strong personal commitment to my community. These are excellent reasons to vote for me.

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

Jeffreys: My qualifications go beyond. I’ve worked for both large and small companies; I know what it takes to make a profit. You need revenue to run a city and you can’t run a city you take pride in unless you give residents, especially your seniors, the quality-of-life they deserve.

I’m a business leader, problem solver, high-achiever, quick learner, team player, manager. I have a record of sincere, continuous, community involvement, high values, strong work ethic and experience! That’s what it takes. That is what I’m about!

I promise, I’ll take your important issues to City Hall. I want to be your voice!!! I’ll take a strong stance for your concerns. I’ll stand up for you!  

I have the time to be a competent, professional council member. I’m the most qualified and the most experienced candidate for District 4. I want to be your Council member. I ask for your support, I ask for your vote!

Last and very important—I want to make it very clear, I refuse to accept any donation for my campaign from a union or a major corporation. When a large donation is accepted, it might be implied that favors are to be expected.

Related:

• Jan Jeffreys for Redondo Beach City Council
• Jan Jeffreys for Redondo Beach City Council on Facebook
• Jan Jeffreys [Patch]
• Redondo council District 4 candidates answer questions from The Beach Reporter [Beach Reporter]

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