Environmental Advisory Commission Chair Jones Throws Hat in The Ring For District 3 Appointment

Environmental Advisory Commission Chair Justin Jones told Pasadena Now on Monday that he plans to apply for the District 3 seat last held by John Kennedy.

“I am a member of Pasadena Water and Power stakeholder’s Technical Advisory Group,” Jones said. “I work in municipal government and believe that my experience typically and professionally will allow me to bring in an analytical approach to help solve some of our residents’ future challenges. So, I think through the course of many contributions to the city of Pasadena, I’ve had the opportunity to review, analyze, and weigh in on critical city ordinances. So, I believe this makes me qualified and more than able to hit the ground running if given this additional opportunity to serve.”

The Environmental Advisory Commission members advise the City Council and make policy recommendations in support of the goals and objectives of the City’s Environmental Charter and monitor and guide the Green City Action Plan.
Jones joins Brandon Lamar and Lucious Smith in vying for the seat.

The seat became vacant in July after Kennedy died. The City must appoint a new Councilmember within 75 days, according to a city staff report.

In December, the City Council must appoint to that seat again to cover the term Kennedy won in the June primary.

The City Council can appoint the same person twice.

“There’s numerous issues in District 3 and the city of Pasadena as a whole, right,” Jones said. “We have affordable housing. We have the environmental issue, which includes our water issue and energy.”

“And then we also have small business recovery and there’s some issues at the Playhouse District that need a lot of attention. And so what I plan to do, if I am fortunate enough to receive the appointment, is to meet with all different stakeholders, engage with them, listen to them, listen to the issues and then figure out the best path forward for me to be their advocate and representative on the City Council.”