A Healthier South Bay Is Possible
A Healthier South Bay Is Possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most pressing issue facing our community, and what do you intend to do about it?
The single most pressing issue facing our community is the risk of a second mental health pandemic post COVID-19. We need to act now in order to prevent increasing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and PTSD during these times of emotional, physical, environmental, financial and employment instability. I will advocate for the continuation of programs that support the elderly, particularly with socialization and exercise, to prevent isolation, depression and cognitive impairment. By promoting the ALLCOVE project I will encourage early mental wellness intervention and support healthy transitioning in our youth and young adults. For Beach Cities residents of all ages, I will fight for programs and policies that minimize environmental impact as I believe we can only be as healthy as the community we live in.1.8
In what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
Some Beach CIties' residents have expressed feelings that the current Board is disconnected from them, their desires and needs. Others have been surprised to hear about the many wonderful BCHD programs and how unaware of these programs they are. It is a particularly crucial time for residents to be aware of actions taken by the Beach Cities Health District's Board due to pending decisions about the development and design of the Healthy Living Campus. I am dedicated to increasing awareness, engaging the community, and advocating for my neighbors' needs.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a psychiatrist and medical doctor I am uniquely qualified to implement the current BCHD missions. For over 20 years I have been promoting health in the South Bay. As a long-standing Manhattan Beach resident and business owner I am significantly invested in the community's wellness and future success.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am a successful physician, business owner and educator. That I value dedication and fulfill commitments is evident by the 12 years of education I completed after high school to become a medical specialist and psychoanalyst. My 24 year career in psychiatry, serving the Beach Cities, demonstrates my passion for mental wellness. The establishment of Neuro Wellness Spa, a company I founded in order to design clinical programs and offer cutting edge treatments, testifies to leadership in my field as well as to my desire for innovation. I am also an enthusiastic educator. I am a clinical instructor at two psychoanalytic institutes and I educate the Community Helpline volunteers. Additionally, as a Board Member of the Clinical TMS Society I already have board experience.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
I strongly believe in de-stigmatizing mental illness, improving mental health education and increasing early intervention for mental wellness.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
I would feel my term a success if more people knew about, cared about, participated in and benefited from the programs offered by the Beach Cities Health District.
Why should voters trust you?
Above all, I am a Manhattan Beach resident and parent. My devotion to and investment in my local community are top priorities. Additionally, my career is founded on my ability to listen to and understand others. I am trained to be open-minded, integrate different perspectives and resolve conflict. Voters can trust that they can put their faith and their interests with me.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
What is most important to me is that Beach Cities' residents know where and how their tax dollars are spent, that they feel their investments are beneficial and that they are personally excited by the policies and programs being implemented.