Terry's parents taught him that a solid education can provide opportunity for children from all backgrounds. As an activist and parent, Terry has experience tackling the complex challenges that our schools face. As a council member, he has demonstrated his dedication to maintaining and enhancing the City's partnership with both the school district and Santa Monica College to protect the City's world-class educational institutions.
After witnessing a gang-related shooting alongside his pregnant wife, Terry knows first hand how violent crime can infiltrate any one of our neighborhoods. He believes that that local government's first responsibility is to protect the safety of its residents. While the City faces new challenges to balance its budget during these tough economic times, Terry will not sacrifice the City's excellent police, fire or paramedics services.
A respected environmental leader internationally and co-founder of several successful green businesses, Terry understands that environmental policy decisions cannot be put on hold. Terry is Executive Director of Environment Now - the foundation that created Santa Monica Baykeeper, Coastkeepers in California, Sequoia Forestkeeper, and Energy Independence Now; past-chair of the board of the Coalition for Clean Air, and cofounder of Waterkeepers in Baja, California. As a Councilmember, Terry brings a long-range green vision to the Council. But more than that, Terry has the expertise to improve our air and water quality, preserve public green spaces and find real solutions to regional traffic problems.
No Councilmember knows better the importance of quality, affordable housing and renters rights. Terry has lived in subsidized housing and understands the role government should play in ensuring that everyone has a decent, safe place to live. As a Councilmember, he uses the experience he got at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition to ensure that every resident has the right to decent, affordable housing. A longtime advocate of Santa Monica's nonprofit housing organization, Community Corporation, Terry believes that public/nonprofit partnerships are critical to creating new, permanent affordable housing opportunities in today's market.