Politics & Government

Del Rey Neighborhood Council Candidate: Jonathon Neumann

Patch asked Del Rey candidates a few questions to help voters decide in the Oct. 28 election.

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 have you prioritized during your time, and what will you focus on if re-elected?

I have been a member of the Del Rey Neighborhood Council for approximately seven years in two separate periods of time. During my first stay with the council, I focused a lot on general outreach and trying to establish a sense of community.  

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I also am a big believer in reinvestment in a neighborhood. So I have spent time trying to get businesses involved and overseeing the revitalization of Del Rey as the chair of planning and land use for five years. In my second stint with the council, I have worked on core issues of the overall neighborhood and those affecting my area (Area A) in particular.  

Area A, which is roughly bordered by Lincoln on the west, Washington on the north, Maxella on the south and Moore Ave on the east has seen a lot of reinvestment in new housing and commercial, but not enough investment in the infrastructure. It also has a severe problem with homelessness and parking issues, most noticeably oversized vehicle parking.

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If re-elected, I want to improve the “walkability” of my area, better sidewalks with better lighting. I also want to help with the overall sense of community in the area. The numerous homeowner’s association in the area are just now starting to talk to each other and I have found that a community can always do more collectively.

 

Who are your primary supporters? 

I would hope that the people I represent are my supporters. I believe in community and giving back to the community. I believe if you work hard and listen to what others are asking for, you will get support for what you are trying to do.

 

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

I have a strong passion for participation. I want to see more people get involved. I hear many people complain about things but what are they doing about it. I want to help them make change. The more people get involved and try to make things better, the better the community will be.

 

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

Great question. I am sure there are a lot of things most constituents don’t know about me  I am generally a private guy, but if you ask me a question, I will answer it. I am ultra competitive and don’t like hearing the word no. Not sure how to answer this, sorry.

 

Why did you decide to run again?

Del Rey Neighborhood Council has worked very hard to try to move the community forward. When I was on the council the first time, I felt like we talked a lot, but did not do enough. That is why I left. I came back because I saw effort by the council. I like being part of change and I wanted to help make it happen. Change for the good is happening, but it still has a way to go here in Del Rey. I want to be there when it happens and thus I decided to run again.

 

Jonathon Neumann is running for Area A Director, a two-year term. To read more candidate profiles, click here.

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