By Brett Callwood
As we build up to the General Municipal Election on June 2, the GVN will be speaking to the candidates, continuing with Jeff Fukasawa, who is standing for City Council…
Can you give us a brief summary of your career / life in politics? What makes you an ideal candidate for this role?
I have been fortunate to have loving parents and family who educated me to be grateful for our blessings and encouraged me to learn to give back by helping those less fortunate. My first participation in organized communities was simultaneous with Church projects and me joining the Boy Scouts of America. There I began to comprehend that good intentions and ideas do not come to fruition without a vision, a plan and coordination. Through my life as a student, and later in my professional ventures I have always kept my ideals of helping when I can. I have participated in and donated to many worthy causes. As a small business owner and resident of Gardena, I have interacted with our municipality on many occasions. I have gained appreciation for our public servants who take an oath of office and our professional staff who take pride in keeping our community strong. They have inspired me to join them and commit my oath as a councilman to make our residents feel safe and proud of our city.
What makes Gardena special?
The people! Our city is a diverse bedroom community with wonderful traditions. I have been blessed to work and socialize with many friends from diverse backgrounds. Together we take pride in our city and I am committed to continuing to contribute to making our residents and guests feel safe and welcomed.
If successful, what would your first act be? What are your priorities?
To understand and share the mutual perspectives of my fellow council members. Without a common vision it becomes difficult to keep our city moving forward. I am not a crusader with any single burning issue. As a successful business owner I understand that you are only as strong as your weakest link. I intend to work diligently to ensure that together as a team of elected officials and staff we address all issues together. That being said, I want our seniors to have a well-equipped and well-trained staff in our own Senior Center.
Where have the current council been successful, and where have they been less so?
The first duty of our municipal council is to keep our residents and visitors safe! I applaud our city and first responders for maintaining a stellar program that exceeds the requirements for any community. I also believe that our city has been fiscally responsible and shrewd in handling budgetary challenges. I intend to maintain and even elevate this success.
I would have liked our council to offer more services for seniors and at-risk young students. But my focus will be on making our city better tomorrow, disregarding the past.
How is the campaign going so far?
The campaign is going great! Every day that I walk the streets I become more energized and committed to talking to as many residents as possible and sharing my vision, my personal history and my commitment to all residents and visitors in our city. My supporters, volunteers, and I will be walking and talking until the last minute before the election closes.
Any endorsements?
Gardena Police Officer’s Association, Paul Tanaka–Former City of Gardena Mayor, Warren Furutani–Former California State Assembly, Tasha Cerda–City of Gardena Mayor, Rodney Tanaka–City of Gardena City Council, Mark Henderson–City of Gardena City Council, Mina Semenza–City of Gardena City Clerk, Mike Saffell–Retired Gardena Chief of Police, Vince Osorio–Retired Gardena Captain of Police, Albert Ortez–Retired Lt. LA County Sheriff, Jon Kaji–City of Torrance City Council
What would you like to say to the people of Gardena?
As a lifelong resident of Gardena, I’m proud to call this city home. I’m a small business owner who grew up here and attended Gardena public schools. Gardena helped shape who I am, and I’ve always believed in giving back to the community that gave me so much. If you elect me to the City Council, my commitment is simple: I will work to make our neighborhoods and business districts safer, improve our streets and public facilities, and deliver city improvements that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.
To learn more, Please visit my website https://www.jeffforgardena.com/
