Local officials happy to serve their residents

By Larry Caballero

Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club members had the opportunity to hear from former Cerritos Mayor Pro-Tem Laura Lee and Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo about their love of service to their residents at their Feb. 21 meeting at Cocos Restaurant.
Lee said she was honored to serve for the last eight years as a councilmember and mayor. “This is what the democratic process is all about. It gave me the opportunity to give back to my community that has been so good to me.”
Lee never thought that she would be representing Cerritos when she left Taiwan more than 30 years ago and eventually settled in Cerritos, but she is forever grateful. “I wanted to get more involved in my community once my kids were grown because I knew that all of my success and my comfortable life I owe to this country.”
When Lee ran for office in 2001, she lost by only 160 votes, so she was motivated to run again in 2003. “Since then I have always tried to be a force for good to bridge the gap between so many cultures in our city.”
Lee is proud that Cerritos may have had to cut its budget, but not any services, in the worse economic downturn in decades. “Four years ago, our budget was more than $146 million, and now it’s closer to $126 million.”
She admitted that Cerritos doesn’t have as many problems as its neighboring cities, but no matter where she goes, residents are always expressing concerns about overgrown trees that drop too many leaves and uplifted sidewalks. Yet they are happy to hear that the deputy sheriff’s response time to a call is less than five minutes.
Another concern is traffic congestion near the local schools in the morning and afternoon as parents are dropping off and picking up their children while residents are attempting to leave their homes.
Lee is proud that the City’s 25 parks are irrigated by recycled water and of the many programs the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts provides to residents and many groups from surrounding cities.
“I am also so happy that the City has such a good relationship with the ABC School District that allows us to share facilities that in turn benefit all of our residents,” said Lee.
“I know how lucky I have been to have had the opportunity to serve Cerritos, and I will always be so very grateful.”
Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo he is also honored to have served his city and plans to focus on the theme of service during his term as mayor. “Our city’s theme is Service Builds Tomorrow’s Progress,” said Manalo, “and we should always be asking what we are doing to serve our residents better.”
He believes in transparency as the City moves ahead with redevelopment projects and the revitalization of its downtown corridor on Pioneer Boulevard. “We’re not going to let our residents down as did the leaders in the city of Bell.”
Future projects include upgrading sidewalks, expanding street medians, landscaping and building a new parking structure. Refurbishing the city’s historical district is also planned.
Yet Artesia has also been hurt by the economy. “We are highly dependent on sales tax since there is no city property tax, and we have lost revenues in recent years.”
Consequently, Manalo is promoting volunteerism as one way to beautify Artesia. “Neighbors should help neighbors to clean up their yards or paint their homes. I also want to engage our residents to get more involved in their city.”
He’s planning four town hall meetings throughout the year to address the budget and resident concerns. “It’s been an honor to serve Artesia, and I want to do what I can to make our City an even better place to live.”