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The Winnetka Neighborhood Council held its annual elections on November 8,
2007. Eleven declared candidates and one “write in” candidate vied for the four
available seats. Over 160 stakeholders voted in the election at Canoga Park
Bowl.
This year the WNC participated in a joint election alliance with 4 other local
NCs; Reseda, West Hills, Woodland Hills, and Tarzana. “The power of these five
NCs working together was incredible in what we were able to accomplish,”
commented JJ Popowich, President of the WNC. Together the group shared expenses
on advertisements ranging from full page ads in the Daily News to full color 16
page newsletters, shared ideas about what they were doing individually, and
formed a close working relationship for future endeavors.
Mr. Popowich did express his disappointment with the turn out, “This represents
a decline in voter turn out since last year and I think that disappoints all of
us. However, we are extremely excited about the new year coming up in which we
intend to increase Outreach efforts across the board.”
The Board is on recess for November as the City certifies its election
results. According to Mr. Popowich the Board plans to launch the new year off on
a high note by holding a welcome reception at its December 11th Board meeting.
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The final results are:
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Candidate |
Votes |
Result |
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Tessie Reyes-Dunn |
12 |
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Steven V. Robertson |
17 |
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T.J. Martens |
41 |
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MaryAnn Smiley |
63 |
Elected |
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Chris Jurgensen |
40 |
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Michael Ruble |
1 |
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Steven Webb |
29 |
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Erick lace |
51 |
Elected |
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JJ Popowich Jr. |
72 |
Elected |
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Scott Tasem |
5 |
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Galen T. McCleve |
38 |
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Steven A. Zeldin |
19 |
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Jozef T. Essavi |
93 |
Elected |
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Annette Bentley |
2 |
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The Board will provide refreshments, thank Board members who are leaving,
swear in new Board members, elect officers, make arrangements to fill vacant
appointed seats, select committee chairs, and hold a public training session on
what it takes to be a Board member and the various laws and rules that all Board
members must follow. “This way we will have a positive, energetic start and hit
the ground running in January.”
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Jozef Essavi
Jozef
Thomas Essavi is currently completing his first 2 year term on the Winnetka
Neighborhood Council, where he has ably served the residents of Winnetka in his
capacity as the Chairman for Public Safety, Sergent At Arms, as well as
Winnetka delegate to the Congress of Neighborhood Councils.
He has been a consistent reform voice in support of making Winnetka
family friendly through safer and cleaner streets, beautification
projects and by making sure that the council listens to the voices of the
community at large. He has been tireless in his quest to make Neighborhood
Councils as efficient as possible while saving taxpayers money.
Jozef is committed to youth programs, book purchasing for our school
libraries and making sure that our streets are paved. He also serves
on the Public Works and Transportation Committee where he has supported
paving of Winnetka's most dilapidated streets. Your vote really matters.
Erick Lace
My
purpose in running for the Winnetka Neighborhood Council is to continue to
represent YOU and Winnetka to city organizations and to Los Angeles City
Government.
I began the Winnetka Neighborhood Council in 2001 with a few people who were as
interested in Winnetka as I am. I wrote our first bylaws which were approved by
the City. I established the approved map that defined Winnetka.
My primary concerns for Winnetka are police and safety, transportation and
traffic, great schools, and very importantly, LAND USE! I am a block captain for
the Winnetka neighborhood watch. I campaigned vigorously against billboards on
every street intersection in Winnetka, and lobbied for the Orange Line and light
rail transportation in the Valley. I am on the Advisory Councils of 3 public
schools for Winnetka to help keep our education the finest in the Los Angeles
Unified School District.
I ask for your vote!
MaryAnn Smiley
Hello, my name is MaryAnn Smiley and I am involved in various functions
throughout the San Fernando Valley. My profession, Supervising Deputy Probation
Officer, allows me to participate and to learn about the community as a whole.
Such as, youth and delinquency, safety concerns for businesses and families, and
graffiti throughout the various communities. Most importantly, I own a house in
the Winnetka area and am aware of issues that you and I are concerned about. My
living and working in the community will better assist me in helping the
citizens in Winnetka. Thank you!
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Todd McCleve
Who is Todd Mccleve? Todd Mccleve
is running for Winnetka Neighborhood City Counsel. Many of you know Todd from
the post office, a dedicated postal worker, every counsel needs one. Todd grew
up here, is raising his family here and wants to make a difference here.
Winnetka is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work in and visit, but there is
always room for improvement. Todd will have an open ear to the neighborhood. If
you want to have a voice in Winnetka, cast your vote for Todd Mccleve. The voice
of the people, for the people and for the Neighborhood City Counsel.
John C. Popowich Jr. (JJ)
I’m
a 1O year resident of Winnetka, a devoted husband, father and a community
activist. I have a four point plan to improve our community:
1) Community Branding: Establish a sense of community so that our
stakeholders can identify with and be proud of what it means to be a resident of
Winnetka.
2) Community Building: Create venues and events which will encourage
stakeholders to become involved in the community.
3) Community Outreach: Reach out to stakeholders to get their opinions on
what affects Winnetka and our city.
4) Taking on the Big Issues: Make sure Winnetka addresses the larger
problems of the City of Los Angeles that affect all communities. We are not an
island unto ourselves. Our NC has come so far and I am asking for your vote so I
can continue the long journey we’ve set out on.
TJ Martens
Small Business Owner, Master Chef/ Hotelier
Received Master degree in Hotel Management at University of Cape Town,
Bachelor in wines at the Stellenbosch University, Master Chef at SVH The Hague,
The Netherlands.
Involved in the community such as Chamber of Commerce, CERT (community
Emergency Response Team) Volunteering and fundraising Boys& Girls Club, Haven
Hills, Pacific Lodge Boys Home, MR Stauffer Foundation.
To make Winnetka a better place to live, work, own a business and raise
families. To strengthen the bonds between all community organizations including
the churches, Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and to raise the quality of life for
all of us best interest of the community, make Winnetka a better place to live,
work and relax. Bring people together for all walks of life, such as religion,
culture, community organizations and local government. If our community do well,
every one who work and live here do well, it a win/win.
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