Candidate Profile: Melissa Taylor For Monrovia Mayor

MONROVIA, CA — There are three candidates vying for two City Council positions and three candidates vying for the Mayor position in Monrovia for the election on March 3.

Patch asked them to describe their qualifications and visions for Monrovia.

Melissa Taylor, 38, is running for the Monrovia Mayor position.

Town/City of Residence

Monrovia

Office Sought

Monrovia Mayor

Family

Husband Phil Taylor, and daughters Anna Taylor, 6, and Ella Taylor, 3.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My father is a captain in the U.S. Navy.

Education

Masters Degree of Urban and Regional Planning

Occupation

Public Policy Consultant (10)

Campaign website

melissaformonrovia2020.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Communication. One of the biggest challenges I have heard on the campaign trail, is the lack of communication. People rarely know when there is a commission opening, and those that are, are people who have previously filed: so again, it’s the same group. And I know the city is communicating through the City Managers email, this is an amazing tool to find out what is happening in the community. But out of 39,000 people who live in Monrovia, only 1,000 are signed up for it. We need to do a better job of promoting that email. We have a city Facebook page that does not provide information as to what is happening. We have five town facebook pages, all run by people who care about this community, but we should have a dedicated staff running the Monrovia Facebook page as we move into the modern age of communication. I want to open up our communication so all residents who want to be involved can be involved. I want you to know when there are events, or when there are commission seats open, or when there are public forums. This information should be easy to find, and not found scattered across the internet.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent has been in office since 1994, and I am new.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I believe that not everyone in our community is represented. This has been confirmed while I am out canvassing and meeting people. Many do not feel like their voice is heard. I want to be a voice for inclusivity.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Environmental protection, affordable housing, inclusivity and public safety.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

My first goal is to increase communication between the residents and the city. We have a good head start right now, but we could be doing better.

Why should voters trust you?

When I see a problem, I step up. I've done that my whole life. I am always willing to listen and to look and find solutions for problems. There is always a solution, I believe that whole heartedly.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

We need to be fiscally responsible. We have seen our taxes rise time over time to pay for important city related items, but as we move into this new decade we need to start utilizing federal and state dollars. We need to hire a grant writer so that we can specifically apply and win grants to make improvements within our town.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Not everyone's going to like you.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Most city residents feel shut out of the process of being part of our local government. This needs to change. And from a policy perspective our community needs a fresh approach in four key areas: 1) Homelessness & Housing, 2) Public Safety, 3) Fiscal Responsibility, and 4) Monrovia's Environment. Finally, what the people of Monrovia need to know is that my drive to improve the city comes with a lot more than just passion and enthusiasm. My education includes a master's degree in Urban & Regional Planning and I've worked as a public policy consultant for years. I'm ready to bring my caring for the community and my deep expertise to making Monrovia the Gem of the San Gabriel Valley for years to come.

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