“The government you elect is the government you deserve”
Municipal Election to Elect Two City Council Members will be held November 5, 2024
Two of our current Council Members (Dawn Murdock and Jim Roos), will be completing their 4-year terms and have decided not to run again. We thank them for their service. To fill those two positions, there are three candidates (in alphabetical order):
Derek Lazzaro
Desiree Myers
Craig Quinn
Derek Lazzaro
Positioning Statement:
I believe in local government that prioritizes responsiveness and service to residents.
In PVE that starts with maintaining our local PVE Police Department and robust fire services and extends to all other areas where the city provides customer service to residents. I have been endorsed by the PV Police Officers' Association.
A vote for me is a vote for experience and collaboration. For nearly eight years, I have served as one of your five City of PVE Planning Commissioners, and Chaired the Commission for 2 years. In this role, I have worked countless hours to protect and preserve PVE’s unique residential character and open parklands.
As a Planning Commissioner, I have learned about other key issues impacting our city, and I've had an opportunity to build collaborative relationships with the city council, city staff, the PV Homes Association, and many residents.
The PVE City government has struggled in recently. We’ve had five city managers in six years, and we are currently missing directors for HR, Finance, and Public Works. Residents tell me they are often frustrated when they must deal with City Hall.
It is critical that the next City Council team pull together to help pass a replacement for Measure E that will balance the budget and save our Police Department. Equally important, the next Council team must support the City Manager in hiring excellent directors and managers who will build a strong customer service culture within City Hall.
BIO
I am a third-generation PVE resident with young children enrolled in our local public schools.
For nearly eight years, I have served as a PVE City Planning Commissioner (and Chair). I have devoted countless hours to protect and preserve PVE’s unique residential character and open parklands. I have also worked to keep PVE’s local Police Department.
In this role, I have also learned about other key issues impacting our city, and I have had an opportunity to build collaborative relationships with the city council, city staff, the PV Homes Association, and many residents.
In my professional career, I have worked as an attorney, small business owner, cyber security expert, and Information Technology executive hiring and developing the careers of hundreds of staff members. I believe this wide range of experience makes me especially well positioned to serve as a city leader.
In my personal time, I enjoy hiking, photography, airshows, and the beach. I have a wonderful wife and two children at Montemalaga Elementary School, aged six and four.
I care deeply about our community, and I look forward to an opportunity to serve you as a Member of the City Council.
Summary of Credentials, Volunteer Work, and Community Engagement:
Palos Verdes Estates Planning Commissioner / Chair, 2017-2024
Past Director/Board Member, Malaga Cove Homeowners Association
Parent in local PV Public Schools
Licensed CA attorney
PV Peninsula HS Graduate
UCLA Bachelors
USC Law JD
Past member of USC Emergency Operations Management Team / Emergency Operations Center
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
For Derek Lazzaro’s website, click here
Desiree “Dez” Myers
POSITIONING STATEMENT:
I have been a vigorous advocate of safety, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and local land rights while preserving and protecting PVE for over a decade.
Securing our local police is essential for safety. This is a financial problem which must be solved.
Our financial state has worsened in the past few years. This year we are running a $2.5 million cash deficit, meaning we are spending our savings to stay afloat. This is not sustainable.
We need to stop spending time and money on unnecessary projects such as the tree inventory, roundabout, new city hall buildings, rezoning La Venta, etc. and focus on solving critical issues.
My knowledge of the City budget and debt is extensive. I have studied the issues and have fresh recommendations so I can hit the ground running on day one. I pledge to communicate effectively and engage residents in the process. Our City policies and expenditures need to align with the priorities of the residents.
We need to build trust and bring people together for a better path forward.
Public Safety is #1: We need to retain our Police officers. This means we must fix the underlying financial problems that place them at risk.
Open Space Preservation: I led the PVE Land Preservation Act, providing residents a vote before Open Space is rezoned. Residents deserve a seat at the table before changes are made to the bucolic character of our city.
Balanced Budget: We need a budget that includes all costs. Tax dollars need to be directed to our residents’ priorities.
Transparency: Fact-based decision-making is needed with full disclosure.
Revitalize our Plazas: Revitalizing our plazas with local events will benefit businesses and generate city revenue. Our businesses need our support for their continued success and growth.
BIO
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Spearheaded the PVE Land Preservation Act which is now law in PVE requiring voter approval to rezone open space
Provided research and recommendations to the Council for non-tax revenue solutions and objective standards providing density requirements for safety
Conducted three town hall presentations on density to keep our residents informed
Championed good governance policies for a decade in PVE
PROFESSIONAL:
My 32-year IT program management career consisted of leading software development teams; implementing financial systems; writing, bidding and managing service contracts; managing budgets; designing project plans/timelines; assessing risk management and promoting stakeholder communications.
PERSONAL:
My husband and I moved to PVE 25 years ago. We raised our daughter here, where she graduated and thrived in the PV School system and participated in many PV sports.
We are grateful for this paradise made possible by prior generations that have been guardians of this beautiful place we call home, by a vision of PVE’s founders a century ago. We are blessed with wonderful friends and relationships we treasure. We enjoy pickleball.
For Desiree Myer’s website, click here
Craig Quinn
POSITIONING STATEMENT:
My focus will be to assure local control, fiscal responsibility, beautiful views, community involvement and above all, safety, here in Palos Verdes Estates. Our Residents will be at the core of my focus in all matters. With over 30 years of experience in the Healthcare industry, combined with community volunteer leadership, I will bring a common sense approach to decision making in an ethical and transparent fashion.
My key areas of focus
Support retention of local control.
Support our local PVE Police.
Support budget discipline while investing in staffing stability.
Prioritize aging infrastructure needs, including Malaga Cove groundwater challenges.
Preserve parkland and protect neighborhood compatibility.
Balance view retention with tree preservation
In addition, my business and community Board exposure, combined with involvement PTSA, PVHS Booster Club, youth volunteer positions in our community equips me with a diverse perspective and common-sense decision making.
Colleen and I are married for 35 years, have lived in PVE since 2001 and raised our 2 boys in our local PVE schools.
Please vote for me so I can work on behalf of you, our families and this wonderful community.
BIO
I BRING OVER 30+ YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have held senior leadership roles at Cigna Healthcare, Blue Cross, Prudential, West Bay Capital LLC and a real estate portfolio. I bring over 30 years of professional and business expertise including executive leadership and management skills with responsibilities for profitability, sales and client retention. I have negotiated the financing of corporate, municipal and union medical benefit plans. I am a creative, collaborative problem solver with the ability to listen, unite and collaborate effectively. I am results orientated, ethical and highly motivated to be successful.
DEDICATED TO FAMILY & COMMUNITY My wife Colleen and I have raised two wonderful boys who attended public school here in PVE. We have been involved throughout our community holding board and volunteer positions with Palos Verdes Booster Club, the PVPUSD school system, Palos Verdes Golf Club and PV Youth Sports.
For Craig Quinn’s website, click here
Martin J. Petersen
POSITIONING STATEMENT:
The Treasurer’s Office is dedicated to aligning with the Council’s vision of advancing key priorities and initiatives, while maintaining a strong commitment to financial stability.
As the city navigates increasing demands and challenges, we will focus on implementing solutions that continue to safeguard our investments and ensure long-term fiscal health. By balancing prudent financial management with the evolving needs of our community, we will create a sustainable path forward, fostering both growth and security for our residents.
Transparency of these solutions is of highest importance. Without transparency, public acceptance of critical initiatives is unlikely.
BIO
Graduate of California State University, Fullerton. BA, Business Administration.
Senior Manager of Information Technology, having technology positions in Grocery and Healthcare and Aerospace industries over 41 years.
Senior Management responsibilities included oversight of five managers and varying numbers of subordinate-employees. One hundred forty-three technology professionals reported to me through these managers during Northrup Grumman’s Space Shuttle replacement proposal. The responsibilities primarily required activities of resource and budget planning for large teams.