Layla Hernandez
Samuel Perez is running to represent the city at large on the Bell Gardens city council.
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Perez prioritizes economic development and increased quality of life for the city, stating “‘Rome was not built in a day,’ but by making the right decisions for our city, we can get to a better consistent position for the new generations.”
While Perez is not in favor of decreasing the city’s police budget, he believes in being fiscally responsible and “promoting more information about groups like Neighborhood Watch” as an attractive alternative.
Perez further prioritizes public safety and health through increased green spaces and multi-modal transportation usage, such as biking or walking.
Perez notes the benefits of rent stabilization in the city, though believes it can also become “a deterrent for investment and new housing construction,” advocating for a balanced perspective on the matter.
Perez has lived in Bell Gardens for 25 years.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. The candidate self-reported their residence.
Why are you running?
I believe it is important for our city/cities to expand earthquake emergency plans in preparation for both the Newport-Inglewood and San Andreas faults. Anticipation always benefits us when facing the unpredictable. We live in a world where division is gaining momentum, but this is something we can all get behind, and it will greatly benefit us.
Bell Gardens is a city with great potential, and I want to contribute to the decision-making that will increase economic development. This nation provides the opportunity not just to think of an idea but to carry it out through elected positions. Running and winning is a way for me to directly address issues and bring solutions to fruition. That is why I am running for City Council.
What is your vision for the future of the city?
For Bell Gardens to have a competitive economy , increase in quality of life, and for the talents that come out of our city to be cultivated for the uplifting and rise of our community. As the old story goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” but by making the right decisions for our city, we can get to a better consistent position for the new generations..
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?
Approaching this topic with a truthful approach in order to aim for the best solution by being aware of the State’s housing development mandates, one must approach the immediate need of assistance due to rising rents, as well as the future housing market of the City of Bell Gardens. Rent control has proven to be of immediate help to many residents, and that is a good thing, however it can also be a deterrent for investment and new housing construction, it is vital to approach this with a balanced perspective by also continuing to incentivize housing development that brings improvement in the quality of the city’s infrastructure, as well as stimulating developers to add affordable units in new developments.
The police budget 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?
When addressing a question of this nature it is important for me to remain open minded and make data driven decisions by assessing the city’s given priorities at any given time, if the City’s crime rate is decreasing then I would not participate in reducing the PD’s budget in order to continue that momentum. However, it should always be the goal to have a responsible percentage with the goal of being fiscally responsible and saving on cost. While making sure that our Police Department has the tools required to succeed.
Promoting more information about groups like Neighborhood Watch is another avenue, as well as promoting a cleaner environment/appearance can be a detractor of crime as many studies have shown. Green spaces can also be an alternative.
Should the police budget…
Stay the same. The Police Department budget should remain the same for the time being, however this should only enhance our creativity to find different avenues that lead to the increase of public safety that in the long run prove to be sustainable and help save cost.
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 202 Complete Streets Plan? How would you address any community concerns regarding increased car traffic during its implementation?
I will prioritize the health aspect of it, on a personal note I partake when it comes to the gym and exercise and I have learned the importance of being active. Attaining clean and safe roads is something that can easily be underlooked. Making our residents feel safe and exposed to a clean environment can promote not just more bike related activities but neighborhood runs, jogs and walks. This can also help address and motivate our residents to perhaps bike/ walk or even use public transportation to move around locally. This can be attained by efficient local transportation and making sure that our residents are aware of these options.
