Candidate Georgette Gantner tells Patch why she should be elected as Redondo Beach Mayor on March 4.
Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 10:16 am PT
REDONDO BEACH, CA — Local resident and artist Georgette Gantner is running for Redondo Beach Mayor in the city's general election on March 4.
Gantner currently works as a writer and artist in Redondo Beach and graduated from California State University, Long Beach.
Learn more about Gantner and her goals for Redondo Beach:
Campaign website
georgettegantner.com
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Education
Irvine earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Kansas.
Why are you seeking this office?
I’ve lived in Redondo Beach for 44 years, was on the Public Art Commission for 2 terms, President of an art group and produced their premier art event, The Power of Art three times. I chaired South Bay Hands on Art, a non-profit that teaches art projects to parents who then teach it to their children in all Redondo Beach schools, public and private. For 25 years, I owned a talent payroll company, The Payroll Factory.
My children graduated from Redondo Beach School District. I spend a lot of time following Redondo Beach City Council meetings. At this time in my life, I feel I have a lot to contribute with my experience in the City and in leadership roles.
What is the most pressing issue that Redondo Beach faces in your opinion, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?
1) Redondo Beach has many unfinished projects, which I will try to complete doing more research before council meetings to speed up the process.
2) We have unresolved property issues, and one is involved in a lawsuit, the other requires morecommunication with the CEO of the property, and our Planning Comm. I feel I am a good communicator and negotiator and am able to bring people together to resolve an issue. The lawsuit will take more time, but as mayor, would make sure I kept communication open with this entity, trying to find a way to buy the property.
3) We have a number of vacant commercial properties. I would assign a task force to find out why the owners are ignoring the problem, and strongly encourage them to sell or rent.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates?
I am an artist and feel I can solve problems and visualize more creatively than the others.
What issues are close to your heart, and how will you address them if elected?
The issue close to my heart is public art. We have a Cultural Art Commission that is working to place public art on Artesia Boulevard, an area that has been run down for too long. It has a starting budget of $450,000 to do this and “beautify” the area.
The Commission has hired consultants to advise. As existing businesses’ leases expire, upgraded businesses will be selected, with an eclectic mix of different stores. Currently, the area has smoke shops, massage parlors, liquor stores and repair shops. We need to choose products that are moreconsumer friendly, with alluring storefronts to encourage residents to walk the area and buy or window-shop.
What is the best advice anyone has ever shared with you?
The best advice was from my mother, who always advised me to “always have something to look forward to.” This keeps me cheerful, but also motivates me to continue to strive for something better, something that will improve me and accomplish great things.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am extremely organized and learn quickly. When I’m interested in a subject, like our local politics, I retain the knowledge to discuss it with others who have questions. I work extremely well with people and love to collaborate to arrive at a conclusion. I am open-minded and get along well with all personalities and am usually able to persuade them to reach the solution that works well for everyone. I am persistent and complete tasks on time.
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