My top 3 priorities are

Strengthening our youth programs through our Parks and Recreation Department, to attract young families and prevent further school closures.

Enhancing programs for Seniors where they can safely build community.

Keeping our parks and sidewalks safe while working with the County and State to provide resources to our unhoused population.

With six years of dedicated service as a Duarte Youth and Family Committee member and as a Public Safety City Commissioner, I bring a fresh perspective. Leveraging my five year experience working with the federal state and county governments, I understand the complex relationship between our city and all forms of government. As a Councilmember its extremely important to bring back resources to our community in the form of grants embedded within the county and state budget allocations. M let’s face it we pay plenty of taxes here in Duarte with me on council, you can be sure I’ll try to get as much of that money back into our city for infrastructure improvements, program improvements, and ADA accessibility.

1. There are too many empty prime business locations. We need to work to attract new businesses. We need to revitalize and support our local businesses who provide valuable services to our community.

2. Residents with mobility challenges need a stronger representation so they can have safe, level sidewalks to travel over simple driveways. And that's just a start!

3. Future development around the Andres Duarte School area and the possible traffic impact on safety and the neighborhood.

MY BALLOT STATEMENT:

For Duarte as a whole, we need to work harder on business revitalization. We currently have too many vacancies (Habitat for Humanity Restore among them). I am committed to business-friendly policies that support current businesses and encourage new businesses. I have served as Executive Director of the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. I know business.

Several years ago, residents along Fernley Avenue had concerns about speeding. Working with residents, that problem was resolved by putting in a speed table to slow traffic. Now, in the greater Andres Duarte School area, residents are concerned about traffic congestion with contemplated changes to the school property. I am currently serving Duarte as a Public Works and Traffic Safety Commissioner. I know traffic.

I am committed to making Duarte a city where accessibility for persons with disabilities is a priority. One example of this is uneven sidewalks that persons using mobility devices have great difficulty navigating. I will work toward accessibility and safe routes for all residents. I know safety.

My wife, Kathy, and I have lived in Duarte over 40 years. My long history of community service focused in Duarte demonstrates action and commitment. I know Duarte.

If you want a Councilmember who listens and pushes to get something done, vote for Jim Kirchner.

WHAT IS MY LONG COMMUNITY SERVICE HISTORY?

Here are some of my current and past positions, recognitions, honors and awards while living and serving in Duarte:

• Duarte City Council Member 1989-2001, serving three years as Mayor • Duarte Chamber of Commerce Life Member, since 1999 • Duarte Historical Society Life Member • Foothill Unity Center Heart in Hand Humanitarian Award Honoree 2001 • Duarte’s Salute to Route 66 Parade Chairperson • Duarte in Bronze Committee Chairperson • Duarte Chamber of Commerce Executive Director • Duarte Chamber of Commerce President • Duarte Chamber of Commerce Jim Kirchner Scholarship • City of Duarte Planning Commission Chairperson • City of Duarte Cable Commission Member • City of Duarte Public Works and Traffic Safety Commissioner • City of Duarte Parks & Recreation Jim Kirchner Sportsmanship Award • City of Duarte All-America City Committee Chairperson • Duarte Community Service Council Treasurer • Duarte Community Coordinating Council Founder, Treasurer • Duarte High School Ancient Order of the Falcon Honoree • Duarte High School Band Boosters President • Duarte Falcons Booster Club Member • Duarte High School PTSA President • Duarte Education Foundation President • Duarte Neighborhood Watch Block Captain • Duarte Teen Center Dedication, 1997 • Duarte Performing Arts Center Dedication • Duarte Historical Museum Route 66 Room Dedication • Various City of Duarte Task Forces Member

THE DIFFERENCE IS EXPERIENCE