Here is Brett Morrow’s answer to the candidate questionnaire prepared by students in our journalism class at the Police Activities League. For more on Morrow’s campaign, visit his campaign website, Facebook, or Instagram. @onlyinsantamonica
Next has previously published Q and A’s with Ashley Oelson, and Lindsay Davis.
If you are elected, what is the first thing you would want to do?
I want to start addressing affordability in meaningful ways, especially housing and the everyday costs that make it harder for families to stay in Santa Monica. I also want to improve how the City engages with people. Too often, residents hear about something after decisions are already taking shape. I want us talking to people earlier, listening better, and making it easier for everyone, including young people, to have a voice.
If you could be remembered for one thing for your work in City Council, what would it be?
I’d want to be remembered for helping make Santa Monica more affordable, fun, clean and safe. I want this to be a place where families can afford to stay, kids have great places to go and things to do, our public spaces are clean and welcoming, and people feel safe walking around their own community.
What can we/you do to raise more money for schools so we can have better supplies and working water fountains? Do you support Measure ES?
Yes, I support Measure ES. And one of the biggest things students can do is raise awareness. Talk to your parents, friends, family and neighbors about what your schools actually need. A student saying, “Our water fountain doesn’t work,” can sometimes be more powerful than an adult giving a long speech about school funding. People need to understand what their vote means in your everyday lives.
How do we help people get around that are too young to drive and might not have easy access to a bus?
We should think outside the box. Buses are important, but they’re not the only answer. We should make it easier to bike, walk, use scooters and other ways of getting around, and look for new options specifically designed for young people. But safety has to come first. Kids should be able to get to school, a friend’s house, the park or Downtown without needing a parent to drive them everywhere.
Bonus: What is something adults in Santa Monica are arguing about that you think is a waste of time to argue about?
Which political group supports which candidate and why. There are lots of different groups and factions in Santa Monica, and sometimes adults spend way too much time arguing about them. If I’m elected, I’m there to represent all Santa Monicans, including the people who didn’t support me. I’m much more interested in what we can accomplish together.
If you were looking to interview someone about the topic of your choice, who would you interview and what would it be about?
I’d interview Barack Obama, but I wouldn’t ask him about politics. I’d ask him to settle one of the most important questions of our time: Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant? I know Obama is a huge basketball fan, so I’d want to hear him make the case for Jordan and I will make the case for Kobe.
If you had Elon Musk’s money, what would you do to support the people of Santa Monica?
I’d invest heavily in preventing homelessness before it happens, because it’s much easier to help someone stay in their home than help them after they’ve lost it. I’d invest in housing, education, economic opportunity and programs that improve the lives of Black and Brown communities and others who have historically been left behind. And I’d put serious resources into making
every neighborhood in Santa Monica clean, safe and welcoming.
