Layla Hernandez
Jacob Poliquin is running to represent the city at large on the Bell Gardens City Council.
Nov. 5 is the last day to vote, with early voting available. To check registration status, request a vote-by-mail ballot, or find a local voting center, visit lavote.gov.
Poliquin emphasizes addressing the needs of under-represented individuals and groups in the city, as well as public safety. Poliquin supports an increase of the policing budget, stating it would improve response times.
While Poliquin is of the belief that “the city could be doing more for the low-income families,” he also advocates incentive to offset the inconvenience to homeowners, promising to work both with renters and homeowners.
Poliquin has lived in Bell Gardens for over eight years.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Candidate self-reported their occupation and residence.
Why are you running?
I’m running to bring the positive change our city needs and deserves. I’m running for the people in my city who feel like they’ve been forgotten or ignored by the elected leaders. I’m running to make sure that the city we all love will continue to thrive. I’m running to help create a better quality of life for everyone in the city.
What is your vision for the future of the city?
My vision for Bell Gardens is a city that everyone wants to be a part of.
Bell Gardens passed rent stabilization in 2022, establishing a framework to limit excessive rent increases. However, rents are still rising. What are some other solutions that can help prevent renters from being priced out of the city due to these rising costs?
I’ve always felt that the city could be doing more for the low income families in our city, perhaps by providing rent assistance initiatives to sponsor families in need. Since the council decided to make decisions for the homeowners in the city with rent stabilization, some sort of incentive to offset the inconvenience to homeowners could also be provided. There’s lots of ideas for a problem that only appears to be getting worse across the country; we need more than simple solutions for bigger problems. I plan to work alongside renters and homeowners to help find a mutual respect and balance for maintaining a fair housing environment for all.
The police department makes up 42.3% of the city budget. Do you think this is the right amount of spending? What public safety strategies do you think the city could implement that don’t rely on traditional policing?
In order to properly protect the community, police officers are necessary. As it has been addressed by many members of the community, the long response times of the police are attributed to a lack of physical officers. We need to re-fund the police, and allow them the proper funding to serve the community most effectively.
Should the police budget:
Increase
The 2020 Complete Streets Plan identifies the necessity of improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in anticipation of the Southeast Gateway Line, expected to operate by 2035. If elected, what would you prioritize from the 2020 Complete Streets Plan? How would you address any community concerns regarding increased car traffic during its implementation?
The State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is by far the greatest example of connecting the surrounding cities; without adding to the already horrible traffic conditions. I would make sure that we stay organized and work together to ensure the plan is executed properly and hopefully under budget and ahead of schedule. I strive to make sure that Bell Gardens is a city that everyone can enjoy and get to regardless of what type of transportation.
