Del Rey Neighborhood Council Candidate: Felipe Arballo

Editor’s note: This is one of several articles in a series of profiles on Del Rey Neighborhood Council candidates that Patch will be running leading up to the election.

What would you prioritize if you were voted in? 

If voted in, I would highlight one of my many passions: education, and perhaps more specifically music and the arts. I would like to continue to create an open dialogue between educators and the DRNC that helps advocate for and highlights our local schools. One of my many goals in office would be to establish a music and arts festival and/or competition that would highlight the artistic talents of our local students; I believe some kind of festival, or competition would also excite local students in participating and bring other Angelenos to the Del Rey community. 

Who are your primary supporters?  

As a strong supporter of education issues, I hope to garner the support of individual educators, and parents as well as PTAs and other teacher associations. Having recently moved to the neighborhood I’m looking forward to collaborating with them to learn their concerns, address them, and create solutions that improve the Del Rey community’s schools as much as possible. 

What issue do you feel most strongly about and what’s your position?

While passionate about many issues, my focus is on addressing those issues that have to potential to impede or deter, as well as benefit and highlight Del Rey’s children from achieving a the maximum level of education that our community can offer them. For instance, I support LAUSD board member Steve Zimmer’s proposal, which is up for a vote this coming week, requesting increased oversight and transparency on charter schools.

Along with many of the proposals supporters I believe in knowing more about how children are or are not being educated, and believe that the oversight committee which is being proposed can be beneficial to all of those Del Rey residents who have school-aged children and may have already chosen or may be thinking about the alternative of a charter school to further their child’s education.

I am in no way an opponent of charter schools, just an advocate of quality of education. Also I do not support either state proposition 30 or 38 both of which have to do with education. I do not support Prop. 30 because it is a temporary, short-term fix to a long-term problem; and I do not support Prop. 38 because it is a regressive tax increase affecting mostly the lower income individuals and families as well as those individuals and families who identify themselves as middle-class.

What's one thing most constituents don't know about you?

Most constituents do not know that I am currently applying to the doctoral program for Public Policy and Management at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. 

Why did you decide to run? 

I’m running because I am a firm believer in getting involved in the community in which you live in. Yes, I am a new resident, which is why I am excited to bring fresh ideas to the DRNC and its residents that are already making Del Rey such a desirable place to settle down in Los Angeles. Neighborhood Council’s are a great way to get involved and effect positive change for your community, and I am excited about that opportunity and look forward to doing just that once I am elected.

Felipe Arballo is running for Area C director, a two-year term. To read more candidate profiles, click here.

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