PEOPLE OF SIGNIFICANCE
CITY OF CARSON MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE ELITO SANTARINA (2007-2008)
CARSON CA – It was a chilly Friday morning at 7:00 am with the City Hall normally closed for business that this writer come upon a distinctive figure as he himself opened the front door to let this writer in. Elito M Santarina; incumbent Mayor Pro Tempore of this diverse city intersected by 4 major freeways is no stranger to working early or late. Having just recently retired from more than 30 years of being an educator/teacher of the LAUSD; Elito knows full well the kind of necessary to make a significant impact in the lives of his students.
Reelected last march 2007 [ with the highest number of votes] to the City Council seat he first won in 2003 the Moyor Pro Tempore now takes his experience and energy to a larger sphere of influence – an entire city. As glamorous as that may seem Elito did not go into public life without big hurdles to jump or Shadow to overcome. The stigma of mistakes made by past Filipino-American political leaders naturally made residents initially weary and cautious. But inspired by a firm belief in “responsible leadership” and accountability he forged ahead and got elected. His performance as a Council Member deserves recognition as he has voted consistently on issues and programs in accordance with his conscience and what he believes is best not only for Filipinos but for the entire city. No wonder his reelection bid was a testament of cross-cultural affirmation from a diverse spectre of ages, races and even faiths.
Now aremd with a fresh mandate the Mayor Pro Tempore has set his goals to embark on unprecedented key programs and projects that have identified him as a strong advocate and voice of Senior Citizens, Veterans, Disabled Mobile Home Parks, Law Enforcement, Youth and Fixed Income families and responsible economic development. Under his leadership and initiative the following programs and projects are now being realized in the city;
- Senior Citizens Technology Center – Helping the senior population learn and cope with modern computer technology.
- Restoration of Prayer before each Council Session and making the National Day of Prayer a City Event.
- Institutionalizing the RED RIBBON WEEK [Anti-Drug Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Awareness]
- Initiated and strongly supported the Accountability Task Force and which opened the door for ” Live Cable TV broadcast of council sessions.”
- Initiates and proposed stronger resolution on ANTI-COLLUSION and ANTI-GRAFT & CORRUPTION which paved the way for the establishment of the ETHICS COMMITTEE.
- Fought for the continuous funding of PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY festivities.
- Initiated and diligently promoted the Construction of various Public Infrastructure projects suc as [Sepuveda/Marbella ] Traffic Lights, Waiting sheds, Signage, Road Repair and many more.
- Created the Seniors ‘LOVING WALL OF MEMORIES’ at the Community Center
- Spearheaded the MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSION Moratorium Ordinance which protects the sham conversions of the biggest sources of affordable housing in the City and continuous advocacy for State Law revisions to protect residents.
- Spearheaded resolutions strongly supported the FILIPINO WAR VETERANS BILL [ promoting equal treatment of Filipino War Veterans who fought as part of the US Armed forces during World War II ] now before the House of Representatives.
- Resolution upholding the dignity of Filipino Medical Practitioners from discriminatory remarks uttered during an ABC Network Broadcast of Desperate Housewives.
- Respecting members of the Armed Forces [past and present] by maintaining the city of Carson flat at 3/4 Mast until all Armed Forces are back from Iraq, Afghanistan or wherever they are in harm’s way.
- Supported initiatives which promotes a sound business climate and responsible economic development.
- formulated and initiated the CRIME TIP REPORTING HOT LINE which is now a permanent fixture in the City of Carson Website where anyone can anonymously report criminal activity via the World Wide Web.
- Recognition and support for all City first responders [Police, Fire and Medical Personnel] as “CARSON’S FINEST’
- Initiated providing free WEBSITE Advertising exposure for all Carson based Realtors/brokers to generate homes sales and economic activity.
- Initiated an Ordinance prescribing clear ethical policies and security policies for the use of City Government computers and systems.
[ Other programs and Initiatives too numerous but available as Public Record at the Carson City Clerk's Office.]
Santarina believes that the only way for the City to move decisively forward is in the spirit of genuine freedom, respect, representation and people empowerment. “This is a prevailing misconception that uniformity means unity” the Mayor Pro Tem remarked when asked about the contentious issue that have hounded the Council. “I believe that a healthy and sound city is one where everybody regardless of political preference, race, culture or religion gets the fair opportunity to be heard and consulted. This I believe is also the heartbeat of teh community which is why they voted the way they last March” Santarina added.
A simple research analysis of the Council Session s since last March will show that even though there is a recognized new majority [ Council Members Gipson, Davis-Holmes and MPT Santarina]; they have voted independently on issues where they may differ in perspective. This is the essence of real democracy. Others may contend that 5 to 0 votes conveys unity but this is unrealistic when you are considering the interest of 100,000 people in one of the most diverse cities in the country.
Santarina feels blessed and the same time humbled to be given the trust and confidence of the people of Carson. e also recognizes a sense of destiny to prepare the way for the next generation of leaders.
“I have lived a full life and though I may be retired as a teachers, I know that there still remains before me the awesome responsibility to uplift the representation and stature of all who have immigrated to this great country . I represented not only the possibilities available i the land of opportunity but also the responsibility to serve with the utmost integrity and diligence. To this purpose I have dedicated my whole life and heart. “ Elito declared.
Indeed Santarina’s legacy in this City of Diversity may be one that is marked as a redemptive recovery of honor, respect and genuine display of servant leadership.
