Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council Candidate: Mark Redick

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

What would you prioritize if you were voted in?  

One of my priorities would be a continuing strong Outreach effort to our stakeholders. Having been involved in the Neighborhood Council process since 2002, I am amazed when stakeholders tell me that they didn't know they were served by a Neighborhood Council, let alone what their purpose was. I want to change that. Another priority will be to continue to oppose the movement North of the runway at LAX. There is no need to move the runway another 260, 340 or even 350 feet. The effects will be damaging on the homes, apartments, schools and churches that are located in that area. I would continue to push for Alternatives 2 and 9, instead.

Who are your primary supporters?  

Having been a lifelong Westside resident, my primary supporters are the people that I grew up with, worked with, friends, neighbors and business associates. Additionally, I have long been active in various service and civic organizations, where I have gotten to know a lot of really great people.

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

My position on LAX expansion is clear; I oppose it, while supporting modernization as outlined in Alternatives 2 and 9. That being said, issues such as Crime, Planning and Land Use as well as the overall future of our City are on the front burner. It will be very difficult to have outstanding neighborhoods and communities, for example, if the City Council doesn't get their act together and address the oncoming "financial Armageddon" that is going to rear its head soon. Tough choices will have to be made; strong leaders in our communities will have to make their voices heard on these issues. My voice will be among them. 

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

My life is pretty transparent, to those that know me. For nearly eighteen (18) years I have been a single father of two (2) sons, Matthew and Daniel. Matthew is married and has just returned from Afghanistan and is stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. My youngest son Daniel is attending college locally, transferring from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff. We have a ranch in Northwest Arizona, and hopefully one of these days, we'll have time to enjoy it.

Why did you decide to run? 

Although this is my first run in the Westchester-Playa Neighborhood Council, I actually was a co-founder of the Del Rey Neighborhood Council. There I served as Vice-President, then elected for two (2) terms as President. We had a very successful council, and I was proud of my service there. However, I moved to Playa del Rey, and wanted to get active again...this time in my new community. I feel that I have a lot of positive input that I can contribute, so here I am.

Mark Redick is running for At-Large Affirmation Director, a four-year term. To read more candidate profiles, click here.