Name:Lou La Monte
Birth date: Oct. 17, 1941
How long have you lived in Malibu?
18 years
What is your education and employment history?
School of Visual Arts in New York City. CBS Television Network and then my own Film and TV Production Company.
Why are you running for city council?
I have been blessed to live and raise my family in Malibu. I feel strongly that if a person is able, he or she should make every possible effort to protect and preserve what is best in their community and correct and change what needs to be improved.
What makes you qualified to be on city council?
I have years of practical leadership experience in local government, I have been president of one of the largest HOAs in Malibu for eight years, I am a Public Works commissioner and I have run a business for decades, meeting payrolls and dealing with real world financial issues. I have the business and personal skills needed to bring people together to solve the complex problems of our beautiful city.
What, in your opinion, are the three most important issues facing the city at this time?
1. Traffic: A priority is to find a way to bring the California Highway Patrol back to the PCH. The CHP specializes in traffic control; the Sheriffs specialize in crime prevention. We need both. 2. Eliminating any pollution that Malibu contributes to the city’s watersheds. I support the city’s efforts to improve water quality. It is not only the right thing to do, it is the responsible thing to do. 3. A fair, balanced View Ordinance.
Have you been involved with any organizations, homeowners associations, city committees or other community groups? If so, how are/were you involved and for how long?
I have been president of the Big Rock Mesas Property Owners Association since 2002. I led the fight against the proliferation of luxury drug rehabs and secured over $125,000 in fire prevention grants.
I am a Malibu Public Works commissioner, working on: water quality, supply, conservation and storage; and traffic at Malibu High.
I served on the View Protection Task Force, working for a fair, balanced ordinance consistent with Malibu’s General Plan.
What experiences have you had dealing with budgets? How about legislation?
I have been responsible for multimillion-dollar production budgets for decades.
How many people are in your immediate family, regardless of whether they live at home? Feel free to mention their names and ages.
Four. My wife Laraine, sons Rich and Christian, and daughter Olivia.