Politics & Government

Q&A Profile: City Council Candidate Grace Hu

Grace Hu, candidate for the March 8 City Council election, explains how to keep Cerritos at its best.

Get to know your City Council candidate Grace Hu a little more through Patch's Q&A session:

Name: Grace Hu

Age: 65

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Educational background:  Fu-Jen Catholic University with a degree in Law. (Taiwan)

Current job: Real Estate Broker

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Married? Children? I’m married to my husband Bill and we have three wonderful children. All three are products of ABCUSD, Whitney high school graduates and went on to be PH.D. and M.D.

How long have you lived in Cerritos? 35 years

What is your favorite book? Sun Tzu’s The Art of War

What is something unique the public doesn’t know about you?

I'm an extremely hard worker and energetic. My friends, family, and business associates know my tireless work ethic, but for those who don’t know me, I own and operate my own business, still find time to campaign and walk precincts daily. I’ve already visited many residents and I look forward to our future encounters. I am very excited.

 

Why are you running for a spot on the on the city council?

I love Cerritos. Cerritos is my home. I raised my three children here and started my business here in this great city. Cerritos has given me so much and I want to give back by serving the city and its residents.

 

What specifically qualifies you to represent Cerritos and its citizens?

My previous experience on City Council and as the mayor, along with my business expertise has uniquely equipped me as a candidate to guide the city through this economic downturn.

 

What can you do make sure that Cerritos maintains its title as “America’s Most Business Friendly City?”

Do exactly that, keep it most business friendly, meaning - make it as easy and as accessible as possible for current and new businesses to perform their duties in our city. We’ve done a wonderful job thus far and we must strive to keep up that same level of good work especially during the recession.

 

Do you think Cerritos should participate in the Rose Parade next year?

Ideally, everyone would love to participate in the Rose Parade. But there are other troubling issues at hand that need our immediate attention and resources, such as the budget. The Rose Parade participation should not be forgotten, but it should be reconsidered when our city’s finances have been stabilized and we have the excess funds to do so.

 

What do you think are the city’s most pressing issues to date? 

Most pressing issue would be to keep a balanced budget and to prepare for the days ahead. The economy isn’t going to bounce back from the recession over night. The city still has its expenses while the revenues have taken a hit. We have to work carefully with what we have, must be conservative with our spending, and find ways not to exhaust our reserves while running the city at high levels that it is expected.

 

Do you have any pledges or promises you would like to make to Cerritos residents if you are elected to the council?

  • Be accessible to the citizens at all times
  • Promote economic development & keep a balanced budget
  • Ensure public safety by supporting our Sheriffs, Fire Department and Medical Response.
  • Provide first rate facilities and quality services for our Senior Citizens
  • Work with ABC School District to provide the most excellent facilities and programs for our students.

 

What’s your opinion on cities balancing their books by issuing huge fines for infractions such as rolling stops, overnight parking, and failing to maintain proper “property aesthetics?”

I don’t think issuing huge fines for infractions on our citizens is the way to go about raising revenues. There are and will be other means to raise revenues or minimize our expenditures. Raising fines for rolling stops, overnight parking, failing to maintain proper “property aesthetics” shouldn’t be a method of raising revenues city should explore. We must explore all options, not pursue quick easy fixes that are of inconvenience to our citizens. Let’s not forget, we are here to serve our citizens.

 

In the aftermath of the Bell scandal, what’s your opinion on having a more “open government”—having all city contracts, all government employee salaries and meetings with lobbyist publicly posted online. What are you thoughts on this kind of transparency? 

The city of Bell scandal won’t happen here in the city of Cerritos because our citizens are too actively interested and invested in the government for corruption. That is a testament of awareness our great citizens. With that said, the city’s annual proposed budget is available online for anyone to see, it includes salaries, benefits of all employees of our city including the city council. The City Clerks office has a copy at the front desk. I strongly urge everyone to take a look and be educated.

 

Despite California's economic state and possible school budget cuts, where do you think the idea of Cerritos keeping a "park-like appearance" fits in terms of priority?

Appearance of our city is a very important priority. Our city is surrounded by cities with less attractive appeal. When residents and visitors drive through our city after going through our neighboring cities, the difference in our appearance is noticeable. We take great pride in that and the credit goes to all the hard work, proper planning and maintenance by our great city staff. Our appearance is one of top reasons why our city is named America’s Most Business Friendly City (under 60k population).  By keeping our appearance, along with many other advantages our city offers, it attracts residents of other cities to relocate to our city, attracts businesses to come to our America’s Most Business Friendly City and it helps maintain the property value for our citizens and improves quality of life.

 

It seems like all cities have to cut costs in this time of recession. Where do you think these cuts should be made in terms of the Cerritos budget?

This would be an issue better served to answer once I’m in the office when I will have the up to date information on our income and expenditures and to discuss and work as a team with the rest of the council.


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