Chatsworth NC Candidates – August 2017

Chatsworth NC Vacancy Selection Preliminary Canvass of Votes 2017.09.06

CHER BENTLEY

As a runner-up in the most recent CNC Selection, I have since worked hard to bring a greater sense of neighborly camaraderie to our community. I created and run the Chatsworth Neighborhood Pride Facebook page, lead and organized the recent Safe Shopping Day at Ralph’s, assisted in organizing community clean-ups, and continue to plan events where neighbors have an opportunity to get to know one another, as I believe this is the foundation to any safe, tight-knit community. I believe that the Council needs to have a greater voice within our community and I want to assist those on the board already doing their best to provide that. I have an interest in being a part of the Outreach Committee to continue to encourage others to get involved, as well as the Public Safety Committee, given the recent rise of crime, transients and drug use in our area.

(revised 8/7/17)

NICHOLAS T. BOYIAS
(pending)

EUGENE BUTLER

My name is Eugene Butler. I am a writer/director/actor by trade and profession. Even though I am a writer, I will keep this straightforward and brief. I have lived in Chatsworth for over six years now and before that in West Hills for twenty-two years. I love this part of the Valley. There is nowhere else in all of Los Angeles that I’d rather live. I am applying for a position on the CNC Board because I want to help keep Chatsworth as beautiful as it is and make sure everyone in this area feels as safe and secure in their neighborhoods as possible, and that we, the CNC Board be a large helping hand in maintaining that beauty and securing that safety. If granted the privilege of being a Board Member, I will pledge both time and effort beyond both the time and effort required.

SOPHIA CORTEZ

Dear Chatsworth Citizens,
My name is Sophia Cortez and I am running on September 6 th , 2017 for a Chatsworth Neighborhood Council seat because I believe in the critical importance of grassroots organizing, the independent and participatory contribution of people to governing our city and the committed exercise of our responsibilities as citizens.

I am a wife and a mother of three. I am a member of the American Red Cross/Northern Valley Chapter board as well as the Latino Coalition of LA.

I hold a BA/Business Administration, MBA/Marketing and a candidate for a MPM/Advocacy at George Washington University. For 23 years, I held several mid-management roles at Verizon Wireless, managing multi-regional and multi-disciplinary teams. In 2015, I decided to bring my private sector experience to my passion for public service and now I am a Marketing, Communications and Operations Consultant specializing in civic engagement, local development and racial and cultural relations.

MARK COX

Mark Cox here Mr. Cox or Sensei as I’m often called. I have been a part of Chatsworth for nearly 30 years. Chatsworth Karate started in 1990 on the corner of Lassen and DeSoto and then moved to the corner of Canoga and Devonshire in 1999 until the present. People know me to be tough, and a fighter. I wear my heart on my sleeve, for those who really know me, know that my tough exterior has a very big heart for people.

I have a special place for those with disabilities, bullying, and the hurting. I believe as a business and property owner here in Chatsworth I can offer my talents to help our small community be safer, cleaner, and more profitable for our small business owners. Our small horse town has that feel of home and I would like to see that even more.

MARK FISHER

As a resident of Chatsworth and its surrounding communities for 20 years, I have seen a lot of change. If elected, there are three areas I would focus on as a part of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

First, I would focus on protecting the natural beauty of Chatsworth from developers who encroach on our open space and destroy what makes Chatsworth unique.

Second, I would continue working to decrease homelessness; increasing access to local resources for homeless persons while working to find immediate and viable solutions to active concerns of the community.

Third, I would focus on the increase of crime and illegal drugs. I would work to create community wide solutions that will increase health and safety for all of Chatsworth.

Preserving the beauty and community of Chatsworth for future generations is the work of our whole city, and will be the focus of my time on council.

TRACEY POMERANCE-POIRIER

I purchased my first home in the Chatsworth Lake area in 1986. That was thirty-one years ago. During that time, I’ve the hiked local trails, rode bikes around Chatsworth Reservoir, played tennis at Chatsworth Park South and rode the Metrolink from the Chatsworth Station when I worked downtown.

I witnessed Summit Ridge being built, was at the opening of the current Chatsworth Train Station, provided input for the building of the new Chatsworth Library, and saw the closure of beloved local farms.

My kids attended Mason Park Preschool, Chatsworth Park Elementary (where I was PTA president), Lawrence Middle School, and Chatsworth High.

Thirty-one years in Chatsworth has given me a unique, in-depth perspective. Having worked for the California Legislature and Project Restore, and having served as president of San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center’s board and Temple Judea’s Sisterhood, I have the skills necessary to serve this community effectively.

(revised 8/4/17)

CHRISTINE M. SCHAEFFER

(Application Withdrawn 8/3/17)

RICK TANNER

Rick Tanner, Age:41, Occupation: Financial Planner/ Entrepreneur
Chatsworth is a vibrant town that offers a unique quality of life. As a parent, and resident, I am passionate about preserving that quality for the future generations. Our neighborhood council needs a fresh approach and councilors who are committed to civility and common sense.
My goals as a council person include encouraging our local economy, supporting sustainable growth without compromising the spirit of our unique city, preserving our parks, horse trails, and open spaces.

New leadership is needed to develop responsible plans that keep our city financially secure and prioritize vital services like public safety.

I pledge to tackle our challenges head on and help return Chatsworth to the thriving city it was meant to be. I’d be honored to serve you and I’d appreciate your vote. (from March 2017 Selection)