Stephen Box Announces Candidacy for CD4 City Council Seat
Fresh from being naturalized as a U.S. Citizen, popular community and transportation activist, Stephen Box, wastes no time putting his new citizenship status to work, and is announcing his candidacy for the City Council District 4 seat. The seat is currently held by Tom Labonge. The district, which on a map looks sort of like a distorted Texas, stretches from the Noho Arts District to Silverlake, from Griffith Park to Laurel Canyon. The primary election will be held on March 8, 2011.
From his press announcement:
"I believe in Los Angeles and I love Hollywood, but these are challenging times. We must learn from the past, not hope for its return. We must pursue L.A.'s destiny as a 'City of the Future' and I'm here to move Los Angeles forward," said Box.
Box challenges voters to consider the choice between more of the same and a city that works. His platform builds on a foundation of four commitments:
A Vision that Connects: The City of Los Angeles must connect its boundless potential with a commitment to improve the quality of life for those who live, work, and operate businesses. L.A.'s vision must connect the 91 neighborhood councils, 35 community plans, 15 council districts, and 45 city departments in a commitment that transcends traditional boundaries. Most of all, it is imperative that CD4 connect its rich history with the abundant opportunity that lies ahead. It's time for Los Angeles to connect with its destiny as a great city and CD4 is the place to start.
A Plan that Endures: The City of Los Angeles must bring its vision to life with a General Plan that endures. The plan must be more than a suggestion. The people of L.A. can no longer afford to live in an environment where vision plans battle with specific plans, master plans contradict community plans, and they are forced to sit by as growth follows the whims of developers. CD4 is attractive to developers for all the wrong reasons and it is imperative that the community grow according to a "plan that endures."
A Budget that Sustains: The City of Los Angeles must develop and implement a budget that is based on a commitment to the city's vision and plan, committing resources to the support and enhancement of the elements that improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. L.A.'s budget must build on opportunity and drive prosperity, not submit the people to a repetition of a past that codifies mediocrity and perpetuates inefficiency. Now is the time to insist on a city budget based on a commitment to performance, efficiency and effectiveness. CD4 is an abundantly diverse community with a vigorous economy and it is imperative that the city's budget commit to supporting the quality of life by allocating the necessary resources.
A City that Works: The City of Los Angeles must put people first, engaging them, serving them, and evaluating performance based on the delivery of city services. There is no better time than now for L.A. to move from a complaint-driven system to a standards-driven city, one that delivers on its vision, commitment and potential. Most of all, L.A.'s greatest asset is its people. It's time for the City of L.A. to make its priority putting people to work, starting with CD4.
stephenbox.com
(We'll have an interview with Stephen in the near future that we'll post here).
Labels: CD4, stephen box, tom labonge
Posted by Unknown @ 7/12/2010 08:00:00 AM
60 Comments:
I look forward to talking with Mr. Box soon and learning more about him, his credentials and his ideas.
As he would be my Councilman I have a huge stake in this. As my current Councilman has completely neglected my community, even more so than he has other areas in his District, I want to make sure Mr. Box gets what we need, which is a little different than the rest of the City.
That being said it's excellent to see that someone of his stature is stepping up. I hope that he will be willing to run an actual campaign; if so, we have a horse race!
Here are your first two interview questions for Stephen Box:
1) Are you a member of Scientology?
2) Is your campaign being funded by Scientology? (Which has a large amount of real estate in CD 4 and hopes to gain political advantages by controlling the new Council Member)
Phil are you planning to come in fourth place in a race between LeBong and Stephen?
He needs a $1Mil war chest just to be viable.
while CLOWNcil member LaBungles has only the love of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, others in the district tolerate him, and know of his name.
Also, he's owned property, and his owners will make sure that he keeps his seat.
So this guy better have access to some serious non-corrupt donors to be competitive.
That's the problem with LA. The legit candidates don't have the finances to compete and the indp.wealthy honest good people don't want to offend the elected officials they have relationships with.
I would vote for a sandwich before I would ever vote for Tom LaBonge.
The sandwich has a higher intellect and doesn't have attention deficit disorder like Labonge does. And a sandwich doesn't talk about its glory days back in high school, or incessantly ask people what school THEY went to, or how many parking meters there are in Larchmont Village.
I don't know about Mr. Box, but I look forward to hearing what he has to say.
If Phil Jennerjahn runs, he will lose to Box, LaBonge, homeless people, and lint.
HIGBY:
STOP ALWAYS MAKING THIS ABOUT YOU!
BOX, OR ANYONE ELSE ON COUNCIL, HAS A STAKE IN ALL OF OUR LIVES, SINCE THEY VOTE ON THINGS OUTSIDE OF THEIR COMMUNITY.
YOU'RE THE "ME, ME, ME, LOOK AT ME!" BLOGGER.
IT'S ABOUT ALL OF US.
What does he do for a living?
What is his educational background?
What is his platform?
What does he do for a living?
Birthday party clown.
What is his educational background?
Dropped out of law school
What is his platform?
To achieve national prominence
If Box is a Scientologist that's a problem. Many are not comfortable with that.
Stephen Box's only issue for many years have been bicycles and a bike plan for the city. He's been in LA for 13 yrs and just became a citizen doesn't sound much loyalty to have waited so long. There are other businessmen who will be annoucing soon. Stephen Box doesn't really have anything that he can actually say he's helped with and is a loose cannon from what others are posting on other blogs.
jennerjahn is a hippocrit for writing "I chose to stop associating with that group when they decided to kick out two members who had been elected to their positions by the voting public in an actual certified election"
the recall.......remember that phil? YOU didnt honor AV's election IDIOT!!! SAME THING!!!
I've not decided who I am supporting for CD4 but to be fair it generally takes about 10 years to become a citizen. I did some citizenship work years ago and many of the clients it took them even longer to get documents, pass the tests, get the money to do it, resolve family issues, etc.
I am glad we finally have decent choice and not one that thinks Griffith Park belongs to himself.
The really good news is that we get to watch Phil Jennerjahn come in last place yet again!
Will Mr. Box be attending the LA Clean Sweep kick off on July 17th at the Mayflower Hall at 1:PM? Other CD candidates will be attending and all will be given a few minutes to address the audience. For more info, Stephen can go to http://lacleansweep.com/
See you there Stephen, we hope.
Phil is running for CD4?
Stephen Box will be attending the July 17th LA Clean Sweep kick off and you will be able to hear about his platform.
Phil, please run against LaBonge, so we can watch an IMMIGRANT BEAT YOU!
You couldn't beat a career politician.
You couldn't beat a homeless man
You couldnt beat a guy when you had HIS OWN URL.
And you can't beat an immigrant.
Unlike Phil Stephen has a hot wife. My wife and I are not sure how that happened because Stephen is butt ugly. He's a good bloke alright.
Ugly? Not necessarily.
But dude needs a make-over bad.
Lose the chin pubes and the hat.
Box has spent a great deal of time with the cycling and Neighborhood Council movements.
He hasn't physically "built bridges", but he has built a strong following and a community of engaged citizens.
A friend of mine was hit in a hit-and-run. Box was the only person to follow up and make sure that a police report was taken, and that medical care was administered.
It ain't much, but I get goose bumps imagining him in City Hall with a staff behind him and a modest budget.
Money to advertise his name is going to be his biggest opponent. Well, that and barber scissors
God bless Stephen for not just being another mouth blabbing in the corner but for actually taking action! I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen on various grass roots issues and found his passion to be infectious and his desire for active solutions to be refreshing. EVERYONE should be backing Stephen because having him on the horseshoe makes a better LA for us all!
Enci, what's the deal with "Scientology"?
Yes or no?
Before I vote, I want to know. . .
How does Stephen Box pronounce:
"LOSS ANGEL-EES"? ? ?
And, will Box's last name be interesting enough for temp-pro-pro-temp president ZINE to play with when recognizing him to speak?
"Mr. BAWWWWXXX?"
Also will he be loading up on banana bread?
It would be great to have all the Anonymous people show up on Saturday the 17th to find out about Stephen's platform and to find out personal info that are brought up here.
I'm looking forward to meeting you all there! And no, we won't be hauling Banana Bread around town, even though I think they are delicious! Finally bought one at the nunnery a few months ago and wow, they are good!
It would be great for him to post his platform, profession and educational background on a website, so people can decide whether they want to go listen to him in person.
Jennerjackass please leave anybodies beliefs out of the equation.
Ok I've heard a lot of people talk about Stephen and Scientology. Just because he lives in Hollywood doesn't mean anything. But I do agree with the poster it would be good idea to put vision here so people who can't attend on Sat. can read. And the big question is why are people asking about Scientology? That would be a huge negative.
Last I heard Box's family is Protestant.
Here are my questions for Phil Jennerjahn
1. Are you gay?
2. Do you have a job? If yes what is it?
3. Did you leave law school by your own choice or were you expelled?
4. Why did your recall fail?
5. Are you an idiot?
Stephen's platform? Not hard to find, SINCE THE LINK IS POSTED in the article. If you can't read, it is www.stephenbox.com. BTW, Stephen was instrumental in beating back Measure B. This guy knows about local politics in a different way -- HE ISN'T BOUGHT!
What I'd like to ask Mr. Box is:
Why do you publicly treat people so badly? Give them dirty looks and make snide remarks about them to other people?
How can the residents of District 4feel confident of you as a Candidate for Council District 4; depend on you for support and services?
Can the residents of Los Angeles District 4 be assured they will be treated fairly after YOU treated them so poorly (before you announced your candidacy)
We are aware that you are an experienced actor and writer, how can we be sure that you are genuine?
Why do you and how can you walk away from people; and then ask for their support for public office?
Why did you wait so long to become a citizen?
Have you ever actually voted in an official election as a citizen of the United States? (other than a neighborhood council election?)
When is this election?
8:40 -
If we have a choice between a slightly salty Aussie who has a track record of getting things done and a buffoon who thinks his Clowncil office is his personal plaything we'll take the salt.
Higby, the good news is that Chris Essel is not going to throw her hat in the ring!
Thank God on that 8:50 pm!
Went to the website.
You call THAT a platform?!
He may as well say he's for sunshine-y days, peace, love and puppies.
That's all very Woodstock, but what exactly does he propose doing differently?
Vague statements about "a vision that endures" mean nothing.
I'm not blowing a Saturday for that.
Nothing at his website about what he does for a living or whether he has a degree in anything. Not a good start.
He's also asking for legal trouble by soliciting contributions without asking for the required information about donors. Has he formed a committee?
What we have seen in all of these elections is that professional politicians win all of these seats. Krekorian won over all the neighborhood activists in CD 2 and Box will lose out to a professional politician. Unless the Unions and the Developers support him he will not get anywhere. Box is a nice guy. Very idealistic. This unfortunately will not get him elected against professional politicians.
... like ...
Stephen Box would make a fine Councilman for CD4.
Since nobody seems to know what he does for a living, that means that he is going to have to rely heavily on NCs.
But hasn't everyone heard of Third Eye Creative, his business?
He has the ability to go viral also, whereas LaBonge hasn't mastered email.
So Clean Sweep finally got a viable candidate.
But like the other poster said, Go start making money Stephen. You need a million.
And I agree. It's imperative that Stephen lose the facial hair.
That look simply won't cut it in a CD race no matter what. (Nor should it)
Other than the look and the millions, he's got everything covered and I do wish him well.
What is THIRD EYE CREATIVE?
went to the website...only one page with three lens sunglasses and an email address....
Scientology should be no problem. All the city councilmembers belong to one cult or another including the Catholic Church.
Tom LaBonge whore at 8:40pm.
Does anyone know if LA Clean Sweep or SLAP are going to announce which candidates they support on Sat.? Someone said they are going to wait until they hear the platforms of everyone then decide. Bad thing is LaBonge has major money in Hollywood behind him and name recognition. Stephen Box can't rely just on NC's cause a small group from LANCC know him some support some don't and not all 91 NC's heard of him. The best any candidate against an incumbent can do is get out there and campaign
You can't measure a man by his education, income, or his religion. Only a fool would. Measure him by his passion and commitment to his vision. Look at his history of service, leadership and judgement, and how effectively he sways you. Stephen Box has proven himself in every measurable way that matters to me. Phil Jennerjahn is just another La Bonge but in a tackier suit. His biases leads the way, as he pities poor BP for the financial strain the oil spill has caused. If you want to buy a politician, Phil is your man. If you want a leader, Box it up!
If these neighborhood council goobers will get of their butts to walk precincts and make phone calls ...and if they put their money where their mouth is then maybe, just maybe Box has a chance.
Phil Jennerjahn is a member of the Catholic Church.
The troubling concept here is this: Is the Catholic Church paying the costs for the Phil Jennerjahn campaign in order to have a puppet installed in CD 4?
It would make a great deal of sense as they have a large amount of valuable property in Hollywood. Controlling the Council Member from CD 4 might prove invaluable to them.
Phil hasn't even filed yet and he's playing dirty politics. Geez!
Phil has hit a new low. I didn't think it could be done, but he did it. Pure pondscum.
Can we find someone other than an old buffon, a younger buffoon and a Scientolgist hippie to run?
The Scientologists could be key to this election. Krekorian won not just on his broad-based appeal, but his ability to turn out his base, the Armenian community.
It doesn't take many votes to win one of these elections.
Box doesn't have that kind of a base. But if the Scientologists were to back him, they could turn out tons of voters in a day or two and produce lots of individual contributions.
Phil mocks Scientology by saying: Scientologists believe that an alien named "Xenu" brought billions of people to earth and killed them with hydrogen bombs.
But doesn't Phil's silly religion say the universe was created 5,000 years ago, God made Adam and Eve out of potting soil and some mental patient claiming to be God was walking on water?
Robert Andrade = Scientologist
Sherrif Baca = Scientologist
Labonge is busy with Sister City Issues
The BEARDED BOX believes in Xenu.
The BIGOTED JABBERWOCK believes in Palin, Bush and the kiddie-fiddling Catholic Church.
LABONGE BOB SQUAREHEAD takes a tax-payer salary of 180K a year and sends his kids to private schools.
Any more fat, old white men going to step up?
Rebuilding Trust in Our Government (R)
One of Americas statesmen stated “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” His presidency ushered in an era of disdain for government and a widespread cynicism that government could be effective in addressing our challenges.
Today, as we confront a crisis that has shaken confidence in our financial system and economy, we have an opportunity to restore public trust and confidence in the legitimate role of government. Indeed, to effectively tackle our economic challenges and to implement the reforms we need in our healthcare, education, energy, and environmental policies, our government will need to garner strong public support.
However, rebuilding public trust will not happen in the face of a pervasive perception that government is not transparent and accountable, cronyism is rampant, and public officials are more interested in helping themselves than in serving the public good.
Taking strong, swift, and decisive action to address abuses and begin to rebuild public trust should be the first priority for our city, state and federal government in the new legislative session.
Create a Task Force on Public Integrity with a mission to develop a comprehensive proposal for ethics and lobbying reform in our city and state. Which addresses reforms in three areas: (1) strengthening enforcement of ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying laws; (2) strengthening civil and criminal penalties for abuses; and (3) improving awareness and education for public officials.
Reinforce honesty, integrity and transparency by government officials as the core requirement to be and stay in office, any violations of these core tenets will cause the removal of the public official and the loss of "all benefits" retroactive. I think we should consider putting public official on a base salary plus commission based on performance.
While the many of our elected officials and government employees are honest, dedicated public servants, the actions of a few create a dark cloud over all.
Taking strong, swift, and decisive action to address these abuses and begin to rebuild public trust should be the first priority for our city, state and federal government in the new legislative session.
by: YJ Draiman for Mayor of LA 2003
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