Greetings! My name is Ernie Arnold and I am a candidate for South Pasadena City Council. I was born and raised in South
Pasadena, and I raised my own family here. I believe that our city is unique, with a real sense of community. I look forward
to serving my fellow citizens by preserving our autonomy and bringing common sense and fiscal discipline to our City Government.
Mission Statement
Ernie Arnold is committed to protecting the integrity and autonomy of the City of South Pasadena by putting local interests above
outside influences. Ernie will bring proven, common sense business practices to the City Council in its role of managing the
City Government.
Qualifications
Ernie Arnold is highly qualified to represent the citizens of South Pasadena:
Education
Holy Family School
Our Lady
Queen of Angeles Seminary
B.S. Business Management – Cal Poly Pomona 1976
M.B.A. – Loyola Marymount University, 1982
Career
Financial
Professional since 1977
Registered Principal and Financial Advisor
Small Business Owner
Civic Involvement
Eagle Scout, South
Pasadena Troop 333
Transportation Commission – eight years, two as
Community Redevelopment Commission – seven years
Freeway
and Transportation Commission – current
Director/Chairman – Citizens United to Save South
President – Pasadena
Avenue / Monterey Road
Key Issues
Protect the rights of our city
South Pasadena was incorporated in 1888 to have local control over land use and public services. As an incorporated
city, we are independent of outside interests and we are able to control our destiny. Unfortunately, some city leaders fail
to place the interest of South Pasadena and our citizens first. I am committed to protecting our rights as a city.
Oversight of City Staff
The City Council should act as the Board of Directors over the city executive staff and department heads. The council sets policy
and has to fully oversee the City Manager and city staff to insure that policy is properly followed. I will take a business-like
approach to ensuring that city staff are properly managed and held accountable for their performance.
Fiscal Responsibility
South Pasadena spends nearly 80% of its revenue on employee expenses. This is not sustainable. This is the reason there
are inadequate funds for street and infrastructure repair – too much of the city budget is used to cover salaries and day-to-day operations.
Our public employees must be made to understand that there is a limit and we have far exceeded that limit.
710 Freeway
The whole argument over the 710 Freeway extension has been muddied and confused. Very simply, as an incorporated city we have
the right to protect our interests. We have never accepted the route through the center of the city and never will. After
more than 50 years the proposed route has not moved more than 100 yards. It is clear that this is a failed project and should
be killed.
Transparency
The City Council has taken many issues into closed session under the theory that the city might be sued. By that logic every
action taken by the city could be held in close session. We need more open government on the decision making process of our
elected officials.
Taxes
I understand that no city can operate without the revenue generated through taxes. I favor local taxes for local uses, which
puts both revenues and expenditures within our control. Based on this criterion, I support the Utilities Users Tax, but I will
work to rescind and revise the water rate hike to fund our water infrastructure repairs.
Copyright © 2011 Ernie Arnold for South Pasadena City Council 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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