Mayor Richard Bloom's Campaign Statement

It has been a great honor serving the people of Santa Monica for what will soon be 5 1/2 years. As Councilmember, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor, my experience has gone far beyond anything I imagined when I first considered running for office nearly a decade ago.

Our city is a wonderful place. It is blessed with a diverse, intelligent and involved population.

I take great personal pride in having been able to play a small role in our city's progress.

Together, we have achieved an unprecedented expansion and improvement of our parks.

Together, we have refined and continued our commitment to affordability, the environment and maintaining Santa Monica's special character.

Together, we have moved through times of great economic uncertainty.

Together, we dealt with the pain of the horrible tragedy at our Farmers Market.

There remains much work ahead. The time has come for me to decide whether or not I will ask the voters of our city to consider my worthiness for another four year term.

Public office is a weighty responsibility that I do not take lightly. In reaching a decision, I have considered my career and, more important than anything, my family.

I have spoken with my family. I have spoken with my colleagues. I have spoken with scores of people in our community.

All have given me the same response: "Go for it!" I am humbled and gratified by your encouragement.

I accept your counsel and will run for another term on the Santa Monica City Council. I look forward to the campaign ahead and, hopefully, to victory in November. Then, together, we will continue this great and important work of improving still more our special home, our Santa Monica.