Lou La Monte a 68-year-old filmmaker and family man has jumped into Malibu’s coming election for city council with a determined attitude for the future of his small town.
Lou his wife Laraine and his two children Christian21 and Olivia15 moved to Malibu 18 years ago. The family has been unwaveringly committed to the community throughout the years playing a major role in the little league and elementary school programs their children were involved with.
La Monte has a deep respect for Malibu and believes it deserves the best. “I’ve been blessed to live in a beautiful place said La Monte. I felt I needed to step up and give to the community which is why I am running for mayor.”
La Monte has been an important player in the film industry for more than 35 years. Branching off of his associations with CBS and ABC La Monte formed his own production company where he has produced documentaries sports assignments and one-hour specials. He has directed more than 2500 commercials for Burger King Ford Pepsi Visa and many other global companies and has won numerous advertising awards.
During the Malibu Township Council forum on March 14 La Monte mentioned that he has been working on “making Malibu green when shooting film.” This process includes simple steps such as recycling and cleaning up trash. He urges the film industry to be aware of the impact they are making on the environment and that doing a little bit to clean up can make a big difference.
Lou and Laraine La Monte who already juggle the responsibilities of running a production company have their plates fully loaded with the new excitement and stress that has come with the election
“With the addition of a rigorous campaign to run our days are chock full from morning to night said Laraine La Monte. Dinner is not what it used to be and the dog just wants someone to play with him again.”
There is no denying that Malibu needs a strong leader who is willing to sacrifice relaxation for dedication. With environmental economic and privacy tensions coming to a head citizens from all over the area are looking to the City Council to take action but not waste their money.
Former city council members Joan House Andy Stern Ken Kearsley and Jeff Jennings along with hundreds of other city commissioners city council members board presidents and Malibu citizens endorse La Monte. Laura Rosenthal another endorser who is running alongside La Monte agrees with him on a variety of subjects including the healthy state of Malibu’s finances and the need for more family oriented amenities.
La Monte’s top priority water quality is an issue that he is very familiar with. He has been the president of the Big Rock Mesa’s Property Owners Association since 2002 and landslide abatement storm water management and road maintenance were common themes that he dealt with successfully.
La Monte says that his “years of executive experience and local leadership” make him the most qualified candidate to combat Malibu’s poor water system.
“Eighty percent of Malibu’s monthly water bill is due to landscaping said La Monte. He is interested in investing in a robust water reuse plan and has already begun preparing Malibu for big water-saving changes by generating hundreds of grassroots letters to homeowners.
Another hot button issue in the forums has been ocean pollution and the threat it poses for surfers and swimmers. Questions have been raised such as where the fecal bacteria is coming from, and who should take the blame, because according to La Monte, it’s not the seagulls anymore.”
Many candidates running against La Monte argue Malibu needs to deal with what is taking place on its own turf. But La Monte believes Malibu shouldn’t have to pay for cleaning up every mess.
“We need to start taking advantage of [this town] he said at the forum Sunday. We have the opportunity to blame people like they blame us. Let’s point the finger at whosever is doing it.”
Another major concern of La Monte’s is traffic safety on Pacific Coast Highway. He wants to bring the California Highway Patrol back to Malibu and prevent PCH from getting clogged with traffic and accidents on a daily basis.
“I want this city together and not divided over every issue said La Monte. He stresses safety and the importance of uniting Malibu’s community when addressing each problem.
La Monte counts the Pepperdine population, or as he jokingly refers to as, the smart people as an important aspect of this community.
We don’t listen to [the youth] said La Monte during the Malibu Township Council forum when arguing for a teen center. We need their input.”
La Monte believes that an outlet for teenagers in Malibu is necessary so they have a safe place to interact with friends and enjoy the opportunity.
Whether it is a teen center a more effective wastewater plant or the addition of officers on PCH La Monte has the support and trust from various organizations. He has experience as a part of Malibu’s Public Works Commission as well as the View Protection Task Force.
“Lou is the smartest most driven person I know said Laraine La Monte. He is dedicated to what causes he cares about and his thorough research and exploration of issues is second to none. Malibu would be lucky to have him on the city council.”
