Local business owner and community activist Bruce Witkin is running for mayor. I talked to him by phone and in person at his store and he is both energetic and really serious about improving our city. To read a short campaign statement click on continue reading.
He has agreed to answer questions from my readers and from me. Please remember that he does run two businesses and he is very involved in our community. If he doesn't answer your questions quickly, be patient.
If you know a candidate running for office that wants to have their campaign covered, send me an email.
Thanks for your service to our community Bruce. Here are some questions:
1. Do you think the Shop Simi Valley First campaign is a good use of tax dollars?
2. Are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce? If you are a member how has this influenced your opinion of city problems?
3. Would you support the city using all alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles for workers when the job they do allows for it even if it isn't revenue neutral?
4. What local politician do you respect the most?
5. As Mayor would you read and answer questions during council meetings that were emailed to you?
Readers, you do not need to register, use your real or full name, nor give your real email address to comment. Please keep the questions on topic.
Resident of Simi Valley since 1998 with my wife and two children. Owner of Infusion and Punk Wok Mongolian BBQ, opening fall 2008. Have worked as a consultant with numerous small businesses, assisting with business and marketing plans, lease negotiations, budgets, merchandising, and more.
Long time Manager and Simi Valley Baseball Board Member
Simi Valley Days Board Member for 5 years.
Served on Simi Valley Youth Employment Council.
Held numerous youth oriented charity events and fundraising concerts in conjunction with Boys and Girls Club and other organizations.
Held food collection drives for The Samaritan Center.
I am sensitive to our city's youth and the need to focus on those at-risk. I will work diligently on making sure our children and young adults feel confident that their voices are heard and build in them the confidence to forge ahead. My goal is that Simi Valley be not only where they grew up but also a place where they will want to remain to raise their families.
My vision is to maintain our small-town character while supporting reasonable, planned growth. I want small business to once again thrive by attracting new businesses and retaining those we have.
I would appreciate your vote.
Bruce, another question:
Have you toured Bottle Village? Do you think it is something the city government should spend resources on opening back up to the public? In the interest of full disclosure my Mom has volunteered helping Bottle Village for many years.
What's that on his ears..or is it part of the background.....
I would never vote for anyone who wears a bluetooth
This guy is more qualified than Mr. Judge, but that isn't saying much. He seems far more suited to a seat on the Park Board than on the City Council though.
Hi Brian, Iwould like tothank you for this forum and the chance to answer your questions as well as any others that may be submitted.
1. Do you think the Shop Simi Valley First campaign is a good use of tax dollars?
As an owner of two businesses here in Simi Valley I feel that the Chamber of Commerce is on the right track with this campaign. I am just not sure that spending $100,000 on a program to remind our residents of the importance of shopping in their own city limits first is the right approach. Educating our community on all the benefits of shopping here and the many options we have to offer is the key and I feel that it can be done for alot less of our valuable resources. I am totally in favor of looking at everything possibly available to make this a effective and beneficial program for our city and its residents.
2. Are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce? If you are a member how has this influenced your opinion of city problems?
Not yet. I will be joining soon. I feel that there are many benefits associated with being a part of the Chamber of Commerce
3. Would you support the city using all alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles for workers when the job they do allows for it even if it isn't revenue neutral?
I would support anything(within reason) that would benefit the environment and the quality of life i our city.The only negative would be the coat a program like that would be to the city and/or its taxpayers. If it could be done with minimal financial impact then it would be great.
4. What local politician do you respect the most?
I respect them all for the job that they have done. they all have our city's best interest in mind. Although my favorite just might be Barbara Williamson(not just because she shares my mothers first name) she makes herself extremley accessible as i am sure all of our politicians do But at last nights City Council Meeting when she took time to bring up a problem that one of our residents contacted her about regarding a neighbor feeding crows in her area it showed me that no problem is to small to bring attention to. Her willingness to come into this forum using her own name is truly impressive and i respect that.
5. As Mayor would you read and answer questions during council meetings that were emailed to you
Sure! but within reason. A legitimate question or concern would not be ignored and would be read and considered as time would allow.
To Andy Levinson... sorry i don't use a bluetooth!!
Have you toured Bottle Village? Do you think it is something the city government should spend resources on opening back up to the public?
I have not yet toured Bottle Village but i feel that the historical value and the personal triumph of this site is worth restoring and preserving for generations to come. Anybody who is not inspired by what Grandma Presbey accomplished at such at late age must be extremly close minded.Spending city resources on such a project would be great if there were funds available. Unfortunatley inspiration and personal triumph are not always high on a city's budget. As mayor I would see if there could be an allocation of funds to go towards preserving and re-opening this piece of Simi Valley history. I would also bring widespread attention to it in hopes of luring donations from large companies as well as private citizens to help get the project funded. On a side note I would like to thank Joanne Johnson for her passionate commentary on Bottle Village(found on the Bottle Village website) as well as all the members of the Preserve Bottle Village commitee including Brians own mother.
To Brian:
Have you toured Bottle Village? Do you think it is something the city government should spend resources on opening back up to the public?
I have not yet toured Bottle Village but i feel that the historical value and the personal triumph of this site is worth restoring and preserving for generations to come. Anybody who is not inspired by what Grandma Presbey accomplished at such at late age must be extremly close minded.Spending city resources on such a project would be great if there were funds available. Unfortunatley inspiration and personal triumph are not always high on a city's budget. As mayor I would see if there could be an allocation of funds to go towards preserving and re-opening this piece of Simi Valley history. I would also bring widespread attention to it in hopes of luring donations from large companies as well as private citizens to help get the project funded. On a side note I would like to thank Joanne Johnson for her passionate commentary on Bottle Village(found on the Bottle Village website) as well as all the members of the Preserve Bottle Village commitee and the many volunteers.
Andy,
You need a new pair of glasses. It's part of the bush behind, nimrod!
If we are going to talk about Bottle Village, I want to chime in...
I have for the last year tried to get people interested in restoring this scenic place. It's not everyones cup of tea, but I beleive it should be saved...and to that end I have contacted some private $$$ to help restore this historical place. With the election around the corner, its not going to happen right now, but there is a underground current and I am hoping to help restore it for visitors who come from far away to see it. If you have a change to to their web site. Brian, I think your Mom was quite involved with BV....
I don't think "tax payer" dollars should be used, but theres lots of private $$$ that can help.
to barbara williamson:
i knew i liked you. i would love to help you in any way i can towards the BV restoration. i agree that tax payer dollars should not be used. Have you had any luck from from the people that you have contacted? I believe also that maybe the restoration and re-opening could possibly bring some limited income to the city or any income generated could even be donated to a charity in Grandma Presby's name. just a thought. i am willing to help!!!!
Wasn't BV in the paper about 15 years ago and there was a lot of gnashing of teeth over whether or not it should be saved?
Bruce, same offer to you that I made to Brad. Send me pics/candidate statements/etc. and I'll put you up on the CAPC website. You can e-mail me at KatieTeague@verizon.net
Let me know if a forum would be in order - maybe at the Simi Library? CAPC is doing a number of forums this election year.
I am not trying to debate if a city should or should not spend money on preserving its history but here is a quote from a recent article on the subject:
********The Simi Valley Historical Society and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District recently allocated about $150,000 to restore an apricot pitting shed. The city of Simi Valley also contributed at least $24,000 through Community Development Block Grant funds to restore the 1920s wood shed with concrete pillars, a remnant of the area's apricot industry.
Councilman Glen Becerra said the apricot shed has a broader appeal and is worth restoring with city money.********
An Apricot Peach Shed is getting government money? I can't wait to see the tourists lined up to see it.
Thanks to both of you for your offers of help. My Mom has been involved with preserving folk are for years.
The "tax payer" dollars should have been spent on public services. If they used some of that $100,000 on "Bottle Village" the people would have had another reason to stop by Simi Valley.
Mr. Witkin,
Local Republicans are getting their campaign contributions from tobacco companies. You on the contrary are helping young people be healthy and productive citizens. You do understand you're not getting any contributions or support from the VCRCC?
To nobodyopolus:
If the VCRCC does not feel that they want to support a candidate that stands for the things that I do than i guess that I will get my contributions and support from those who do. It is a shame though that anybody regardless of political affiliation would not want to support a candidate that focuses on the health and productivity of young people seeing as they our the future leaders and decision makers of our City, State and Country. As for using some of the $100,000 that the city wants to spend on the Shop Simi First Campaign...you are dead on. If some of those funds would be used on Bottle City it would be a "BEAUTIFUL" thing. thanks for the post
Mr. Witkin,
Yes, I have some people who are ready to step up to the plate and help restore Bottle Village. And yes, I would love working with you to help restore this wonderful site. I guess "broader appeal" is in the eye of the beholder?????
To: Katie Teague
Thanks you for the offer. I will send you info. soon and I would love to know more about CAPC forum of which you spoke. please email me at bruceformayor@live.com. I did not live hear 15 years ago so I would not know about the "tooth gnashing" that went on then but I think that it is about to start again. Thanks again and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
to brian:
NICE POST!!! I knew that there must be alternative funding for projects such as this.
To Barbara Williamson
Thanks for the reply! please contact me at bruceformayor@live.com and hopefully we can get together and discuss what the next step should be in moving forward with this ( Bottle Village) project.
Will you please get a hold of the Radiation Rangers to discuss Runkledyne before you take a position on this issue?
To: Stop Runkledine:
Before I take a position on Bottle Village? I am aware or the concerns that the proposed Runkle Canyon development poses but do you really think that those concerns may effect this site? please let me know what you think.
To: Stop Runkldyne
I am replying to this at a very late hour and I realized that you may be referring to an earlier statment that i had made regarding RUNKLE CANYON. If this is the case then I am ready to answer any questions you or anybody else my have about this major issue facing our city. Sorry if there has been any confusion.
When it the Punk Wok scheduled to open?
Have you been motivated to run because of any experiences in the city as a business person?
Punk wok is scheduled to open by the end of next month. Attracting small business to our city as well as retaining the ones we have was definitely a contributing factor in my decision to run for this office.
Sorry, but I'm not voting for someone wearing earrings.
Does that mean you would vote for him if he didn't have earrings????
Yes, absolutely!
Except you don't live in Simi Valley.
You really saying his platform swayed you but then earrings changed your mind?
to earrings are a bad sign:
Since when do earrings determine the legitamacy of a candidate?
Bruce,
You have signs being printed soon?
I'm telling you. Lose the earrings, man. They're more than an annoyance at this point. They're destroying your career.
For those of you who feel I can make a difference, I am gladly accepting campaign donations for ANY amount...we must spread the word and unfortunately, that costs money.
The address again is:
Committee To Elect Bruce Witkin
c/o Bruce and Bonnie Witkin
3425 Gary Ct.
Simi Valley, Ca. 93063
Your support (and contributions) will be so greatly appreciated.
What do you believe will be the impact on Simi Valley of the upcoming expansion of the Waste Management Landfill in terms of the environment, economy and quality of life?
I also would like to know your opinions on the following subjects also:
1.) What is the current percentage of retail square footage (within the city) which is vacant at this time and what do you believe causing that situation?
2.) What do you believe the city should do in the face of the collapse of real estate market (and the associated mortgage defaults, bankruptcies and unemployment) that seems likely to continue into 2009?
3.) What do you think are the three most important challenges facing the city in the future?
Do you think the City should work with Los Angeles County and buy the Rocketdyne facility, and turn it into a wind farm that could produce electricity at cheap rates for Simi & The San Fernando Valley?
No, of course not. What a wacky idea. Go inflate your tires.
To Harold Godwin
Fisrt let me apologize for the length of time it has taken to reply to your questions. I was involved in a baseball tournament at my league for the past several days.
1.What do you believe will be the impact on Simi Valley of the upcoming expansion of the Waste Management Landfill in terms of the environment, economy and quality of life?
My thoughts on this are simple... As I am not certain at this time of the economic benefits such a project would produce, I do know one thing for sure. No amount of money is worth having if it would in anyway jeopardize the quality of life Simi Valley residents would face now or in the months and years to come. If elected Mayor I would make sure that I obtained a full and complete Environmental Impact Report on the possible short and long term effects a project of this kind would have on the future of our City. That would be the main deciding factor and not the amount of money that could be made. Simi Valley should not become somebody elses trashcan for the mere sake of financial gain if it would at ALL possible jeopardize our residents future.
2.) What is the current percentage of retail square footage (within the city) which is vacant at this time and what do you believe causing that situation?
Again as I am not 100% sure of the total retail space available. I have tried unsuccessfully to contact our City's Manager of Economic Devlopment on this matter.(i believe he is out of town)The retail health of Simi Valley is one of my main concerns. As you may know I have owned a retail store here for the past 7 plus years and am in the process of opening a restaurant here set to open this Fall. As I drive around the city I can plainly see that there are numerous vacancys in our citys many shopping centers. Part of the problem is definitley the economy but aside from that I believe that "BIG BUSINESS" has forced many of our independently owned smaller businesses to fold. This breaks my heart for although I have not lived here all my life I do believe that small business is what this city was built on and to see many of them closing after many years of providing decicated services to our residents is sad. Clearly this is partially due to the rapid growth that Simi Valley has experienced over the past few years. I am in no way saying that I am against growth or the introdution of Big Business. But I do believe that there must be someway to help protect those who relocated to Simi Valley for its many business oppourtunities or the ones who already lived here and decided to give independent business a shot.(like me)For many of these people the chance came with very high risk. Yet it was worth it to them if they felt that they could make a difference and in many cases offer something unique to our city. As Mayor I would explore the possibilities of somehow protecting our citys small business owners from the threat of their dreams crushed by major retailers.
To Harold Godwin
Here is the answer to your last question.
3.) What do you think are the three most important challenges facing the city in the future?
The 3 most important challenges are:
1.)The above mentioned exspansion of the Waste Management Landfill Project
2.) Affordable housing for our young residents looking to take that next step as well as for anyone else that may want to relocate here or countinue living here and the elderly.
3.)Any possible development of the Runkle Canyon site.
4.)The countinued focus on the retail health of our city both big and small.
There our other concerns that we face but these are 4 of the main ones.
to nofx
i will have signs sonn...
to nofx
i will have signs soon...
What's taking so long to open the Punk Wok in Sinaloa Plaza? The sign has been in the window for over a year now, hasn't it? Several months at least, I'm sure. What's the holdup?
What's taking so long to open the Punk Wok in Sinaloa Plaza? That sign has been in the window for over a year now, hasn't it? Several months at least, I'm sure. What's the holdup?
What's taking so long to open the Punk Wok in Sinaloa Plaza? The sign has been in the window for over a year now, hasn't it? Several months at least, I'm sure. What's the holdup?
No, I don't have Alzheimer's (yet). It was just a software glitch.
Vod,
Thanks for asking...unfortunately due to gross landlord incompetence, it has set my project back by 6+ months. New projected opening date is 12/1...wish me luck!!!