'I am a Problem Solver,' City Council Challenger Says

This is one in a series of Q&As with candidates running for La Cañada Flintridge City Council. Three seats are up for grabs, including two held by incumbents. The election is March 8.

Charlie Kamar, 58, is the owner of the La Cañada .  This is his first run for city council. He has lived in LCF for 11 years.  Charlie is married and has a 7-year-old son.  In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family, taking his son to basketball, soccer and baseball practice and games, the beach, camping and family trips.

Question: Many would like to see a remapping of the school district to eliminate the Sagebrush issue, which, by law, forces some students on one side of the same street to attend schools in Glendale, while students across the street attend school in LCF. What would you like to see done to rectify this situation? 

Answer: It has been more than a decade since La Cañada Flintridge attempted unsuccessfully to revise the school district boundaries in this area. Although this matter is governed by the LCUSD, and the City Council has no impact on the situation, I would wholeheartedly advocate for bringing those kids back into our schools where they live: La Cañada. It is rather unfortunate that our school district boundary does not overlay our city limits, but Sagebrush residents are offered some of the best Glendale Unified schools on Mountain Avenue: Rosemont and Crescenta Valley High School. While we cannot immediately change the school attendance boundaries, we can work with our Youth Council, the YMCA, our local Spartan Athletic leagues and other groups to make sure that all of LCF’s kids have an opportunity to socialize and grow together through community activities.

Question: If elected, what could you and the city council as a whole do to improve LCF schools in general?

Answer: I would first listen to our city constituents so I could be their voice at city hall.  I will work hard to utilize city/school district joint use resources in every way possible to keep our LCF schools stellar. The city may be able to absorb additional maintenance or upkeep on some of the school district facilities that could be placed under joint use.  The school district could apply for a city grant through the annual budget process for programs that would have a community-wide benefit, such as Korean Language culture classes.  The Council can promote the fundraising activities of the LCF Educational Foundation through Foothill Boulevard banners.  I piloted a business partnership with the Foundation eight years ago, and the Partners in Excellence fundraising program now boasts over 40 local merchants, all of whom contribute to the schools.

Question: What do you most oppose about the extension of the 710 Freeway, assuming you oppose it.  If you support it, why?

Answer: The 710 Freeway extension is a significant issue.  I oppose it because of the noise, pollution and health issues it will bring to our town. There are several schools and day-care facilities along Foothill Boulevard and the safety of our kids comes first.  As a station owner, I am highly attuned to and aware of many technical air quality and environmental issues.  It takes sophistication and specialized regulatory and environmental knowledge to successfully operate a filling station.  Thus, I can contribute my business experience to the city council and advocate to the appropriate governmental agencies on this freeway extension issue.  I will be able to work with regulatory agencies at all levels of government, as well as with large corporate suppliers and transporters.

Question: As a challenger in the council race, what do you bring to the table to address concerns that the existing city council is not responsive enough to community concerns? 

Answer:  I bring a unique business perspective to building a vibrant and tax-generating commercial community in La Cañada.  I believe in a common sense approach to local government where each official represents the interests of their constituents by listening, by being responsive, by being fair, and by getting issues resolved.  I am a problem solver with a customer-based approach to challenges.  I will listen to you and advocate for the homeowner with an unreasonable sewer assessment, the student whose education is threatened by state budget cuts, the consumer looking for convenient shopping options, and the taxpayer rationalizing the value of living in La Cañada.  My professional experience, personal attributes, dedicated work ethic and passion for the people and community of La Cañada mean that I will be there for you every day; accessible, eager to listen and proudly serving as you your voice at city hall.