Candidates: John Heilman, Abbe Land, Patricia Nell Warren

On March 6, West Hollywood will hold its municipal elections. The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will hold a forum on Feb. 21

from 6- 8 p.m. that will be televised on City Channel 10. For more information, go to www.weho.org.

Patricia Nell Warren

Age: 70

Occupation: Author, journalist and educator. Political or civic associations: West Hollywood Gay & Lesbian Education Commission (1996-1998), West Hollywood Human Relations Education Commission (1999), Co-organizer of Youth Lobby Day (1998), Civil rights pioneer (1970s-present)

Why are you running for the West Hollywood City Council?

Because it is the logical next step in my career, which includes over 40 years of civil rights activism, philanthropy and public service. Great cities achieve that greatness because their city leaders have both a vision and a plan. In 1984, the city jump-started itself with a progressive and inclusive vision. Much has been achieved since our founding, but I believe that we can still do more. As we rapidly approach our 25th anniversary, it's time for a new look at the vision, and a new plan for the years to come.

What is your top priority?

Our campaign issues have been summarized into an acronym we call the PLAN:

P (Parking): Parking and transportation issues represent some of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of achieving our vision for West Hollywood. It is no secret that we lack adequate parking for our residents and visitors.

L (Livability): We must carefully examine the manner in which every property in our 1.9 square miles is used. I am not opposed to development, but I am concerned that ongoing development must be thoughtful and intelligently designed.

A (Arts): West Hollywood proudly calls itself the Creative City, yet spends less than 1 percent of its annual budget to foster the arts. My perspective and experience as a creative person ... can help to enrich West Hollywood’s cultural life.

N (Neighborhoods): I will maintain close ties with all the city’s different neighborhoods, and listen to what they have to say. I will work to help meet their needs in a way that furthers this PLAN.

For more information, e-mail Patricia Nell Warren at PNW@patricianellwarren.com or visit www.ElectPNW.com.

John Heilman

Age: 49

Occupation: Councilmember, law professor at Whittier Law School and the University of Southern California Law School. Political or civic associations: West Hollywood Mayor (currently serving sixth term), West Hollywood City Council (active in the city’s incorporation and elected to first City Council in 1984—has been continuously re-elected), International Network of Lesbian and Gay Elected Officials (founding member, past co-chair), National League of Cities (board member), League of California Cities (board member), ACLU of Southern California (board member).

Why are you running for the West Hollywood City Council?

I want to continue moving the city forward in a positive fashion. Our City Council is functioning in a cooperative and professional manner. We have an outstanding working relationship with our employees and a good relationship with our public safety agencies. We still have a great deal to accomplish. We need to continue our efforts to revitalize the east side of West Hollywood. We need to continue our efforts to develop permanently affordable housing for our seniors, the people living with AIDS in the community and others who cannot afford market-rate housing. We also need to continue our long-history of advocacy for the LBGT community.

What is your top priority?

If re-elected, I want to make sure we continue our efforts to revitalize the east side. I want to complete the fundraising for our new library so we can begin construction. I want us to look at additional opportunities to expand our current parks and find additional green space. We also need to develop creative ways to discourage development that negatively impacts the community while still creating new housing opportunities for our residents, especially those who need moderate and affordable housing.

For more information, e-mail John Heilman at landheilman@gmail.com or go to www.landheilman.com.

Abbe Land

Age: 51

Occupation: Councilmember, co-chief executive officer for The Los Angeles Free Clinic. Political or civic associations: City Council (1986-1997; 2003 to present), Women Against Gun Violence (advisory board member), California Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (board member), Los Angeles County Department of Health Services' Women's Health Policy Council (appointee), National League of Cities (board member), California League of Cities (board member), Women in Municipal Government (past president), Christopher Street West George Moscone award-winner in 1999

Why are you running for the West Hollywood City Council?

I have been on the Council for probably over 15 years. I’m running again because I do feel this is a critical time for the city. There have been a lot of changes and a lot of managing the success of the community. Now we must maintain what makes this city special: preserving a quality of life we like. It’s a challenging issue, and I think the experience I have makes me one of the best qualified to lead this city.

What is your top priority?

Clearly one of my top priorities is to continue to make sure West Hollywood is really meeting the needs of the people who live and work here, especially tackling the issue of housing. There are so many very low-income people who need housing. But we also have a group right at the economic middle and there are so few housing options for them. So it’s really important to look at the needs for those middles folks, too. They are the very heart and soul of our community.

You can e-mail Abbe Land at landheilman@gmail.com or go to www.landheilman.com