CHIP MARTIN

Candidate for Santa Monica City Council 2020

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About me

Originally from Manhasset, NY, I have been in California for 29 years with 10 in Santa Monica. I’m Director of Sales for a large consumer products company, and have managed businesses with sales in excess of $150 million and 300 employees. I believe my leadership and management skills would be an asset to the council. I consider myself a moderate who is fiscally conservative, has managed a P&L, negotiated multi million dollar contracts, and knows how to take action and get things done. In the past I enjoyed being a volunteer for the city as a docent at the Marion Davies Historical Beach House. I have a BS in Business-Marketing from State University of NY at Plattsburgh. I’m a renter and live in the heart of downtown Santa Monica on Ocean Ave.

"KEEP SANTA MONICA SAFE"

I have a great love for Santa Monica and want to see the city thrive!
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​We have many issues but here are a few that stand out to me:
  • ​Safety and Crime Reduction: Safety for our residents and visitors should be our top priority. Since 2015 we have seen our crime rates go up approx. 30% (with a small reduction in 2019). We need a strong and well trained police force to maintain the laws of our city. We have a relatively small force of 220 officers for a city of 100K with 8 million annual tourists. Nationally, Santa Monica has one of the highest crime rates for a city of its size.
  • Economic Recovery and Business Friendly Environment: We need to take measures to help small to medium size businesses open and stay open in Santa Monica. This includes both retail and restaurants. Even before Covid the amount of vacancies on 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica Place, and Main St were very high. A plan is needed to bring businesses back post Covid.
  • Reduce Homelessness: This is a very difficult task. We need more social workers and counselors on the streets. Let’s do more to help individuals get into rehab, mental care facilities, vocational programs, and connect with lost family members. My goal is to have our parks filled with families not homeless. I’d ask the private sector and larger companies to contribute.
  • Reduce Development and Congestion: Do we really need a new apartment building or condo on every street corner? The congestion and grid lock needs to be addressed. We need more affordable housing but we must be responsible to overcrowding and urban density.
  • Eliminate Scooters: Scooters are dangerous and are always on the sidewalks where they are not allowed. I’ve personally been hit twice and the city does not enforce the no sidewalk rule. This again goes back to safety to residents and visitors.
  • Tourism: Santa Monica should always be one of the top tourist destinations in the country. We want tourists to feel safe and be welcomed to a clean and vibrant city. A city with not only world class views, but also world class restaurants, shopping, and hotels.                                                    
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Main: 310-868-2050

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chipmartincitycouncil@gmail.com

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