Guest Opinion | Brandon Lamar: Why I should be Chosen to Represent District 3

“I am the best candidate to represent and lead this district because of my lifelong track record of public service in District 3. I’m not interested in waiting to hit the ground running. I’ve been running, specifically for this District 3 seat, for the past 10 months, earning 41% of the votes from 1081 voters in District 3 on June 7, 2022.

Election results where 2,633 constituents voted, a 138% increase of 1,525 voters for the district, and the most voter turnout in district history, which also resulted in me having the third highest vote count in district history as well.

On the campaign trail, my team and I knocked on every door in District 3, made thousands of calls, talked directly to the residents in the district, listening to their concerns, suggestions, and solutions. You might ask, why does he keep mentioning these statistics? Well, I think it is important to understand that all votes matter and not just the winning votes. Votes represent the voice of the community. As a fourth-generation resident of District 3 starting from my great-grandmother, I have a vested interest in this district having lived, worked, and served my community here. 

My grandmother was known for the love that she had for everyone in the community no matter their background and that’s what I stand for. I continue her legacy of bringing this diverse community together as the only candidate who works with community groups that reflect its cross-generational and racial diversity.

I have taken on the challenge of being a leader dating back to my youth, including Pasadena Ambassadors, Youth Council and Rose Programs.  Much of my public service is spent in this district. Especially when I worked at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, where I’ve seen and heard the direct needs of the community.  

I’ve also worked for Hillsides Youth Moving On working to assist our at-risk neighbors including our homeless neighbors with services that were in District 3.  Fast-forward in my career I have worked in many leadership capacities and have managed millions of dollars in grants and contracts for organizations such as the Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood PAL, Goodwill of So. Cal, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and now as the California Director for a National Non-Profit, Youth Advocate Programs Inc. I believe that with my experience and expertise I can be a positive asset to the council. 

While I am the youngest candidate for appointment, I’ve served on the most community boards and longest on a city commission out of the appointees. I am currently on the Boards of Pasadena NAACP, Pasadenans Organizing for Progress, and Leadership Pasadena. 

As the Chair of the Pasadena Human Relations Commission, I have focused on navigating and building engagement through the pandemic, changing the language on the Mills Place Plaque to reflect what happened against our Asian neighbors, advocating against hate crimes in our communities, educating the community on social issues, creating opportunities for local organizations to share their services, created an opportunity for a Rose program youth to Intern with the commission and given multiple scholarships to PUSD students. 

As an active community member, I am the only candidate who has actively worked to create and build solidarity between the black and brown communities. When the gun violence was happening in 2021, I was one of the leaders that led a solidarity peace rally on the steps of city hall and ignited conversations to heal our communities.  

I have been actively participating at City Council meetings, advocating and mobilizing on many topics such as affordable housing, workers’ rights, public safety/civilian police oversight, pro-choice, youth advocacy, and safe streets.

Having heard from and talked to thousands of constituents and seeing the conditions in which they live, I have a clear idea of what issues are most pressing for district 3.

The most important issues are:

Affordable Housing – I have worked and organized to support the increase of the amount of affordable housing we currently have in Pasadena. I currently advocate and support the needs of ADUs, building on unused religious land, converting commercial buildings and so much more. I advocate for affordable housing because families are being displaced ultimately behind the high rent increases.

Public Safety– I’ve worked to advocate and organize with Pasadena residents and organizations for the creation of the Civilian Police Oversight Commission. I’ve mobilized community members to share their concerns and solution with City Council. Recently, advocated for the expansion of the H.O.P.E and P.O.R.T teams to expand mental health support. I also work with community work groups focused on assisting to build accountability and transparency between the community and law enforcement. I’ve also participated in the workgroup for the Health Department Violence Prevention Grant.

Homelessness – I’m a strong advocate for finding long-term permanent solutions to end homelessness in Pasadena. I’ve advocated on many levels in the city for permanent support and an increase in funding to help support these efforts. I proudly volunteered for the Pasadena Homeless count, and I have experience in sheltered, transitional, permanent, and tiny home housing which I believe my experience and expertise would help to reduce our homeless population.

Safer Streets – I’ve worked with local groups in Pasadena such as Dayone and Pasadena Complete streets to advocate for safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. I will continue to work on these efforts and gain community input on how to make our streets safer for everyone.   

Workers’ Rights– I’ve advocated supporting not only the minimum wage increase in our city but also increasing workers’ protections. Even during the COVID-19 Pandemic, I’ve advocated for the right of workers to be able to protect and take care of themselves and their families, especially for our essential workers.

Climate change, Pro-Choice, and immigration rights are other topics that have been a part of my advocacy efforts.

I envision a district where everyone is supported and feels like their voice is being heard. It is my hope that we can continue to work together to make sure we continue to advance our great district. As my family has lived in this district for generations, I plan to continue to thrive here while starting my family in this same community.

It would be a privilege and an honor to serve at the pleasure of the residents of District 3 while working with the mayor and other Council Members on issues that concern us all.