Candidate Profile: Christine Parra 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, Christine Parra is running for one of the five open seats on Santa Monica City Council.

Age (as of Election Day)

48

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

Husband Jose and 3 sons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I have a cousin that is a firefighter and another who is a police officer.

Education

BA in Urban Studies and professional certifications as a Fire Prevention Specialist and Emergency Management Specialist

Occupation

Emergency Management

Campaign website

christineparra.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.

The single most pressing issue is public safety. I hope to work collaboratively with our police and fire departments and social services to restore safety within our community and connect our unhoused to proper resources.

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

The critical differences are that I have worked for a local municipality for the last 21 years in various positions and have a strong understanding of how city government works.

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

There is a lack of public trust in our elected officials because of decisions made city-wide that favor special interests over residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My platform centers around the needs and wants of the residents. Resident safety, slow-growth, affordable housing for low to moderate income families, opposition to residential encroachment, working with city and non-profit staff to come up with a solid and compassionate plan to connect our unhoused with resources.

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

Working in emergency/crisis management for over 10 years, you become sensitized and tuned in to prioritize crises. Our beloved city is in the midst of a crises and I believe my unique skillset lends itself to this position.

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

Being able to change the culture of the office to one that holds the needs and wants of residents first.

Why should voters trust you?

I am an honest, open, hard-working person who cares deeply about Santa Monica and those who live here.

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

I'm extremely concerned about overspending and not having a balanced budget. I want an advisory committee reinstituted to ensure that the city acts in a fiscally responsible way.

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 ...

Always remember to stand in your power

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

Thank you humbly for your consideration as your public servant and councilmember!