Candidate Profile: Chip Martin For Santa Monica City Council

SANTA MONICA, CA — The 2020 election is heating up in Los Angeles County, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats.

Closer to home, Patch has asked candidates for city council races to discuss their campaigns, publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

In Santa Monica, Chip Martin is running for one of the five open seats on Santa Monica City Council.

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Town/City of Residence

Santa Monica

Office Sought

Municipal office

Where appropriate, add specifics about office sought: i.e., State Senate District 1, State Assembly District 2, Temecula City Council District 1, etc.

Santa Monica City Council

Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices)

Family

Divorced with many nieces and nephews

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS-Business-Marketing, State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Occupation

Director of Sales-Villeroy & Boch

Campaign website

chipmartincitycouncil.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

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

Lack of Safety with increasing crime rates. We need to maintain a strong and well trained police force. Reform for more community policing and trained counselors to respond to mental health issues. We cannot reduce the already far too small police force for a town of our size

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

I'm a moderate with a far different voice and opinion from the extreme liberal council. I want to focus on making our city safe, reducing the homeless, and help small businesses.

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

Wide spread overspending and unnecessary development. In addition they have failed to take measures to reduce the increasing crime rates, homeless, and the deteriorating business environment.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

We need to take measures to help small business open and stay open in Santa Monica. We need to become a more business friendly city. Our homeless population is up 30% since 2015 we need more counselors on the streets to help individuals get into mental health facilities, rehab, or vocational programs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've started a small business and have managed others with sales in excess of $150 million with 300 employees. I've negotiated million dollar contracts and know how to manage a P&L. I've always volunteered in different capacities in every city I have lived in.

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

Reduced crime rates, reduced homeless, and bringing back our small businesses

Why should voters trust you?

I'm a man of my word and will always listen to the needs of our residents. I'm very hands on and will constantly look for new ways to help our community.

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

I'm a fiscal conservative and would stop the frivolous spending occurring now.

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 ...

"God gave us two ears and a mouth, use them in that proportion" Listening is the greatest strength you can have!

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

All cities need different views and ideas. In Santa Monica we are managed by a very liberal agenda and it's not healthy. I'm a moderate who will take action immediately to make Santa Monica a safe and vibrant place to live and visit.