BY K.P. SANDER
Walnut – Recently sworn in Walnut
Bob Pacheco-Walnut City Council (Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut)
When asked what his vision is for his new tenure on the Council, Pacheco responded:
“I see Walnut as a vibrant community with much to offer its citizens. We are a safe community, we have great schools, and the surrounding topography is beautiful to behold. Walnut is truly a city we are proud to call our home. I see families enjoying the spacious parks, sports fields and plenty of outdoor space with lush landscaping. However, I believe we should not be simply satisfied with what we have, but should strive to make our community better.
Mary Su – Walnut City Council (Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut)
“Our goal should be to look for ways to develop more pride in our community in ways that will benefit generations to come. During my campaign I promised I would work to develop an aquatics center for young and old to enjoy. I am already working with staff and have pushed to build the center as quickly as possible. Along with that facility I believe Walnut should develop a place to expand performing arts for generations to come. By the creation of an amphitheater near the aquatics center, together with a walking nature preserve, we will be able to proudly point to the development of Walnut as a Cultural and Performing Arts [destination] while preserving the natural beauty of our region in the San Gabriel Valley. To help pay for the cost of these facilities, I propose development of two additional shopping centers, in properly zoned areas, and the rehabilitation of old shopping centers. I’m also looking forward to development of new housing opportunities for young families as well as high-end housing developments.
“Keeping Walnut safe to continue to enjoy all it has to offer is a primary goal and to that end I will continue to support greater funding of law enforcement patrols and volunteer patrols along with the expansion of Neighborhood Watch programs. Partnering with schools, I plan to develop a closer relationship with the school district and local university and community college to ensure opportunities for our young people. I will continue to develop fundraising opportunities to help students and teachers receive as much as possible from education.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve our beautiful community.”
In like manner, Mary Su was asked to share her Walnut vision for the next four years, and she graciously obliged us with the following response:
“First, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for all my volunteers and friends for their tireless support and powerful encouragement throughout my reelection. I must say I never expected this election campaign to be as nasty and ugly as it turned out to be, but in the end, most Walnut residents understood my position on the important issues; and most importantly, we won the election, primarily due to the amazing assistance of my friends and volunteers.
“With the election now over, I need to focus on serving Walnut residents. I would like continue to make Walnut one of America most livable cities; continue to balance Walnut’s City budget without increasing taxes; maintain Walnut’s low crime rate and increase public safety resources – including promotion of the Neighborhood Water program; attract and retain high-quality business that benefit Walnut citizens; preserve Walnut’s open spaces and rural atmosphere; work together with the Walnut City Council to bring about a new aquatic center and dog park; and continue to bring Federal and State resources to help our City.
“I want to thank Walnut’s residents for once again placing trust in me and allowing me to serve for another term on the City Council. I look forward to serving Walnut residents for another four years and keeping Walnut the best place to live in California.”
Well said, Council members. Exciting things are on the horizon for Walnut, and the citizens are looking forward to seeing these visions come to light.
