Here is Ericka Lesley’s answer to the candidate questionnaire prepared by students in our journalism class at the Police Activities League. For more on Lesley’s campaign, visit her website, her Facebook, or her Instagram.
Previous Q and A’s: Caroline Torosis, Eli Gill, Doug Trussler, Brett Morrow, Ashley Oelson, and Lindsay Davis.
If you are elected, what is the first thing you would want to do?
My first priority would be making sure City Hall is listening to the people it serves. I would focus on making Santa Monica more affordable, improving public safety, and addressing homelessness. I also want to make sure young people and families have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
If you could be remembered for one thing for your work in City Council, what would it be?
I want to be remembered as someone who made Santa Monica a city where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed, regardless of their income or background. Most importantly, I want people to remember that I listened, showed up, and turned their concerns into real solutions.
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?
Every student deserves clean drinking water, quality school supplies, and a safe place to learn. I would work with our school district to identify additional funding through grants, community partnerships, and available public resources. I believe school funding must come with accountability so students actually see improvements in their classrooms.
Regarding Measure ES, I support investing in our schools.
How do we help people get around that are too young to drive and might not have easy access to a bus?
Young people deserve safe, affordable, and reliable transportation. I would work to improve bus connections, expand student transportation options, and create safer walking and biking routes. Transportation should never prevent a student from getting to school, participating in activities, or spending time with friends.
If you were looking to interview someone about the topic of your choice, who would you interview and what would it be about.?
I would interview young people growing up in Santa Monica. I would ask what they love about our city, what they would change, and what adults aren’t paying enough attention to. Young people experience our community differently, and I believe their ideas deserve to be heard.
