Candidate Mark Pulido

The focus of our City must be on the preservation of the quality of life of our neighborhoods. First and foremost, this means ensuring that our neighborhoods are safe and secure.
Our Cerritos Sheriff’s Department does an outstanding job in protecting our city. I will make sure that we continue to provide the resources necessary for our sheriff’s deputies to do their best work.
However, recent crime statistics from the Sheriff’s Department show that there has been an increase in certain “crimes of opportunity”, which is a problem that the entire community must work together to address.
While overall crime dropped in 2010, residential burglaries increased by nearly 20%. Already in 2011, we have seen more than a 50% increase in residential burglaries from the same time period a year ago. Having your home burglarized can be very traumatic, knowing that the personal sense of security you feel in your own home has been violated.
As a former Cerritos Community Safety Committee Member and having worked directly with city staff and our deputy sheriffs, I am very aware that just hiring more deputies is not the answer. We must make the most out of our community crime prevention programs to increase awareness and get all residents involved in protecting our neighborhoods. There are many steps that everyone can take to make your home less inviting to thieves.
I will continue to support our city’s Neighborhood Watch program, the Virtual Block Club, and the Volunteers On Patrol program. I will actively engage residents to participate in their Neighborhood Watch, one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.
Recently, our Sheriff’s Department received additional bicycles with grant funds. I strongly believe in a community policing approach to public safety and will encourage more bike patrols in around our parks, neighborhoods and the Cerritos Mall and Town Center. This provides more visibility and accessibility with our deputies.
All of us must take responsibility looking out for our neighbors. With a collaborative approach between law enforcement, residents and the City working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing these crimes.
As your councilmember, I will work to make sure we maximize our limited resources to put our neighborhoods first and ensure their safety.
I want to be your voice in City Hall, providing accessible and accountable leadership. For more information, please visit my website www.markpulido.com or email me at markpulido@yahoo.com.
My name is Mark Pulido and I would be honored to have your vote for City Council on March 8th.