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Meet City Council Candidate Alexander Blackburn

The attorney and City Council candidate spoke with Patch about his background and plans for the city's future after the council decided to move forward with April's municipal elections.

Alexander Balckburn has never campaigned for public office before and he likely won't need to in order to get elected to the Monrovia City Council.

The 34-year-old local attorney is one of two candidates for two open seats on the council, and unless someone mounts a successful write-in campaign, Blackburn is a shoe-in to get elected on his first try.

Still, Blackburn assured voters last week at a special council meeting that he intends to run his campaign as vigorously as he would have if he and fellow candidate Larry Spicer were competing against any challengers on the ballot. He made the same pledge in an interview with Patch this week.

"I anticipated there would be more people (running)," Blackburn said. "It doesn't mean I'm going to try any less diligently to get out in front of the public. I don't view the fact that nobody is running against Larry and I as an escape from the rigors of a campaign."

Blackburn plans to launch a campaign website in the next few days and his communications director has already scheduled speaking engagements and meet-and-greets with the public. And he has built relationships with other members of the council through his involvement in the Rotary Club, where he is currently the President-Elect.

Blackburn arrived in Monrovia in 2009, setting up his law practice in Old Town on Lemon Avenue after working for years at a firm in downtown Los Angeles. Specializing in business, real estate and bankruptcy law, Blackburn said his practice has become successful enough that he can take on new challenges, like a run for public office. Single and without children, Blackburn said he decided to run for office because he now has "the luxury of dedicating more time to my public life."

Identifying the elimination of the city's redevelopment agency as its primary economic challenge, Blackburn said one of his priorities is to help usher Monrovia into a new era of economic development without the help of redevelopment funds.

"I think that our city faces difficult fiscal challenges that are not unique but have not been faced in a long time," Blackburn said. "We have to look for creative new ways to raise money and to get things done with private money, private-public partnerships, if you will."

Blackburn grew up mostly in Lompoc, CA, and moved to northern California to attend Stanford University as an undergraduate. He later went to law school at Washington University in St. Louis and lived briefly in Washington D.C. before moving back to California to work as an attorney.

Blackburn has relatives in Monrovia and he said he became enamored with the town on visits over the years, particularly while living in Los Angeles.

"I'd show up here and I thought it's this great feeling of almost like peace and serenity," he said. "It was this really nice contrast with what I experienced all day long in downtown LA."

Describing himself as "fiscally conservative and socially fairly liberal," Blackburn is registered as an independent.

"I believe people work hard for their money and to the extent that the government takes it, the government has an obligation to spend it efficiently," he said. "I would say that I'm socially laissez-faire. As long as your don't hurt others, you know, do what you want."

If elected, Blackburn said he plans to focus on a platform that includes three main objectives: fostering economic development, supporting local law enforcement and promoting education. As far as local politics go, Blackburn said he'd prefer to avoid the drama.

"I could care less about squabbles between individuals or factions," Blackburn said. "It doesn't interest me. I consider it a waste of time, and really a distraction."

Former Rotary President Julie Roybal has worked alongside Blackburn and she described him as "very smart" and said his legal expertise has been an asset for the club.

"If Monrovia is his client he's going to take very good care of Monrovia," she said.

Monrovia's municipal elections will be held on Apr. 9.

Paul Ochoa February 2, 2013 at 03:06 pm
Another Crooked Vulture.
Alexander Blackburn February 2, 2013 at 05:08 pm
Hilarious. Paul, thank you for a good Saturday morning belly laugh.
Dan Crandell February 2, 2013 at 05:36 pm
@ Mr Blackburn .... I will commend you for not responding to Paul's comment with a defensive reply ie I'm not a crooked vulture! However over the next two months many of us will be watching your progress to that open chair. Many of us, including Paul, are jaded by falsehoods and incomplete information delivered to us in a "don't worry be happy" fashion. There are many questions coming you way from the people of Monrovia. I hope to speak to you at Tuesday's council meeting.
Paul Ochoa February 2, 2013 at 07:22 pm
I could'nt have said it better Dan.
Alexander Blackburn February 2, 2013 at 07:32 pm
Dan, I am always willing to engage people in thoughtful and respectful discourse. If you, or anyone else would like to discuss a matter with me, I encourage you to seek me out for an in-person discussion. I find that people are far more thoughtful and far less cavalier with their words in person. I look forward to speaking with you, and anyone else who would like to speak with me, at the upcoming council meeting.
Dan Crandell February 2, 2013 at 11:50 pm
@ Alex .... You will encounter many types of personalities as this new adventure unwraps for you. People with passion for causes and issues. Not all will thoughtful nor respectful in a discourse with you. I will seek your attention to hear my concerns and I will , with respect , listen to you response.
Now with that said I encourage you to come up to speed on the law suits we are facing and the settlements our city clerk is recommending. A 20 million dollar settlement is NOT just a speed bump or an OOPS. Thank you Alex
Gayle M. Montgomery February 3, 2013 at 06:00 am
Wow! Was I reading the same article, guys? I know nothing of Mr. Blackburn save for what is identified here, but I see nothing objectionable on its face. In considering this candidate, it seemed to me that, given the litigious state in which our city is facing at the moment, a spot of legal savvy and true business accumen seems in order. An attorney may be better suited to help guide the city out of our troubles and potentially less touchy-feely emotional than what we've seen in times past.
If there's another story under the surface, guys, speak up. But I clearly hope we're not just challenging any candidate just because they had the temerity to run. I continue to look forward to see if there are any write-in candidates to add to the mix, but it would seem, on its face, that Mr. Blackburn has made an effort to entrench himself within the community, both in terms of his business and his organizational affilliations. The only red flag (pink, perhaps) I saw was no spouse/children, though he is still on the young side of life. This is a family town for the most part, so having a good grounding of issues that surround families and their concerns for this town is important, though there are other ways to have this knowledge without reproducing. Like most, I wish we had more candidates against which to compare, but I'm otherwise good with this one, knowing nothing more.
Dan Crandell February 3, 2013 at 01:26 pm
@ Gayle .... Robert Parry told me he would summit as a write-in. Larry Spicer needs to come out of hiding to show his credentials. Taking a council seat by default would not be a good thing for anyone. Come on Mr.'s Parry and Spicer show us what you'll bring to the table. The clock is ticking. Mr. Blackburn I look forward to speaking with you on Tuesday.
Gayle M. Montgomery February 3, 2013 at 06:31 pm
Yes, Dan, I heard tell from great authority that Robert pulled papers to run as a write-in. I welcome learning more, though I do have reservations about having someone on the Council who could be shipped overseas creating the vacancy situation we found ourselves in. I respect Mr. Parry's service, but you may recall he was on pins and needles not knowing if he was about to be sent or not. The answer was no, but how close to the fire he sits, I am unsure. I would, as you do, welcome seeing each candidate profiled with their credentials. Further, I've talked behind the scenes with another candidate who was considering pulling write-in papers as well. I do not know the outcome of that.
Dan Crandell February 3, 2013 at 08:09 pm
I will get in touch with Robert before Tuesday's meeting. I have no reservations about his military involvement at this time however I speak to him about it. Who knows we just might have a real chance at democracy at it best after all in OUR town election. Will you be there Tuesday?
Gayle M. Montgomery February 3, 2013 at 08:35 pm
Probably not, Daniel. The last meeting was an anomally. I work in Downtown LA and don't roll into town until late, and then I have to go to Covina and pick up the Grandboy. Makes for long days. Is there something on the agenda you think I should be there for?
Gayle M. Montgomery February 3, 2013 at 08:38 pm
Hey, Daniel. Shhh. Don't say anything. Check out the comment on this story. Did someone move from their no-Patch participation stance? http://monrovia.patch.com/articles/assemblyman-holden-to-address-youth-government-students-ffa7bc48#comments_list
Dan Crandell February 3, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Well good for her. If you believe in something by all mean speak up and let it me known.
Dan Crandell February 3, 2013 at 10:35 pm
This agenda involves the possible settlement on the 106 million dollar law suit. Very interesting this will be.
c l doe February 4, 2013 at 08:20 am
Is there a web site or blog where I can catch up on the whole Monrovia corruption thing? I just figured it out and I am here to help. I have some stories to tell. -
--anonymous and paranoid, too.
Dan Crandell February 4, 2013 at 01:34 pm
@ doe .... AT top of this page ... Nathan McIntire @ Monrovia Patch
Gayle M. Montgomery February 4, 2013 at 06:19 pm
I can't imagine Doe is the real last name. Now I'm curious. Any hints?
Peta Flo February 4, 2013 at 06:36 pm
Please share with us why you say that? Those of us who will be voting would love to have facts. I've never met Mr. Blackburn but from what I read in the article, sounds like a good candidate, then the very first comment "another crooked vulture" makes me wonder. Do you know something we don't?
Amanda Cushing May 14, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Just found this article, and I am very excited to hear Alex is running for a seat on his city council. He is an old friend from years ago and I wish him the very best in this endeavor.

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genevieve June 19, 2013 at 07:47 am
Why does it seem more acceptable for the Chinese. They have more resources to get their newbornsRead More pictures at the arcadia post office.
rubberband June 19, 2013 at 10:29 am
Perhaps I am unclear on what exactly you would have done? Take away visas from Chinese only? NotRead More allow anyone pregnant to cross our boarders even with a visa? Pregnancy tests at the boarder? Or start a fund for what you call "the hard-working Mexican people?" I am going to assume you were kidding and waxing sardonic when you wrote that they don't have the luxury of staying in a decent hotel...and I really find myself hoping that you have some idea of the WORLD you live in, not just your immediate area. This is not an attack; it is a very real appeal to ask : What would you have DONE about it? Please allow issues of legality, human ethical behavior, financial liability, and finally a realistic approach to your response.
Kate K. June 19, 2013 at 10:59 am
Are you all standing at the Arcadia City Council meetings, telling the City and Arcadia Police Dept.Read More to crack down on these hotels that are turned into "birthing houses" ? If its not against any statute then YOU need to work to get a statute drafted and enacted as law to stop this. YOU are "We the People", and if you don't make the laws, someone else will. Complaining online may make us feel better, but it will resolve nothing.
rubberband June 12, 2013 at 10:17 pm
See other post about this: It needed to happen...(Ancient Burial Ground that was desecrated) but IRead More maintain we should get some sort of "cleansing" or burn some incense/sage or call for an exorcism. I believe the evil mojo needs to be banished before we build again.........
donna mills June 8, 2013 at 04:40 pm
Hi Therese, I am good friends with Star Shields. He is a busy face painter, and often needs back-upRead More either at the Summer festival in Laguna Beach, now underway, or with one of his other commitments. If you're interested, I would be happy to give you his contact details via email.
Therese B. June 8, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Hi Donna! Star is a good friend of mine too!!! He is more an airbrush artist (and a darn goodRead More one!!) then a face painter. But he is truly a legend in his craft. I have been lucky enough to work with him and learn from him too! I just wish he wasn't so far away :( Nice to hear from you!
donna mills June 11, 2013 at 03:52 pm
Oh wow! what a small world! Best, Donna
rubberband June 7, 2013 at 04:22 pm
Old fashioned country vet "patchin' up" was some of the cool stuff I was taught growingRead More up. Splinting a bird's wing or leg, getting a thorn out of a slightly infected cat or dog paw was part of learning. I am NOT saying to eliminate/not see a REAL vet, however some things can be handled at home with a bit of basic medical knowledge and Bactine/hot clean water and towels/tweezers and some loving hands to hold Fido or Snowball when you can do it yourself. I am already bracing myself for the angry openly hostile messages this post might draw, so it's OK if you feel the need to do so. Watching some of my older friends who have limited income spend THOUSANDS of dollars for a beloved pet out of pressure/and what I call "pusher's guilt" sorta made me feel like mentioning that in the old days, some of the animal care was done by a wise farm woman/man...not all vets are crooks, and not all pet needs need put you in the poor house.
lynn June 7, 2013 at 07:24 pm
I love the old farmers remedies, particularly for mange however when dealing with elderly animalsRead More and certain conditions you just get around it. The farmers remedies are often slow working causing more pain then an animal needs to go through. I try holistic meds quite often for some bacterial infections and they are slow too. Cats in particular are difficult treat. They are great in some situations but in others the it is not appropriate. I will attempt the at home first then the vet. My recent situation was a neglected kitty I rescued with a 1.25 lb cyst I had no idea she had the cyst just thought she was matted. I was trying to get her shaved. Kitty's don't cooperate for though things. One thing led to another she ends up on the operating table. No rescue groups would help me and that's where my anger is directed. I have been donating to different groups monthly for more then 20 years. At one point three different groups at the same time. No one helped me when I needed it. I'm done.
rubberband June 8, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@Lynn: Reading your posts I felt some anger FOR you. HUGE animal lover here, and ALL my pets areRead More rescues/fosters except for the Robo dwarf hamster. Love my cats, and know there just some things you can't do to a kitty without risking kitty AND your own safety. What you have experienced was pretty much the exact thing I saw some older friends go thru...Care about their pets, want to get help, and can't seem to get any or get SOME but with hidden costs and "guilt trips" at the end. If no one said it, thanks for helping critters out and giving when you could. Sorry it was not rewarded.
donna mills June 3, 2013 at 01:20 pm
Gasp! Seriously? OMG--Poltergeist get behind me!!
rubberband June 3, 2013 at 01:48 pm
Donna...Poor Donna. My dear, it is too late. Call that weird yet cute little tiny lady toRead More "clean" your home and get your kids out of the television. ......oh and if you have a pool...DO NOT GO SWIMMING.
Dan Crandell June 3, 2013 at 01:58 pm
Love you Donna. Your comment should have been "Poltergeist get ""thee""Read More behind me"!!!!! All in fun.
Don Ryman May 31, 2013 at 10:07 am
ask andy Montgomery on fb
Robert Parry May 31, 2013 at 01:48 pm
I've recently spoken to Gayle. She's fine, just taking a bit of a mental hygiene breather.
Buzlightyear aka marty June 1, 2013 at 12:11 am
I am glad to hear she is good. I don't do facebook so I will simply take it that she will commentRead More again. She was my first "Patch" debate with someone on the other side of issues......You know, sentimental thing for your first time.... LOL. Just tell her Buzzlightyear "Marty" said hi if either of you two talk to her.