John discussing local issues at the Belmont Car Show with LBPD. Notice a similarity in the way they stand. More »
In 1977 John moved to Long Beach to reside with his grandparents while he attended Long Beach City College. He has been a resident in the 4th District for over 30 years. More »
This Friday, at around 1:00 pm, the City Clerk will start the count of approximately 1300 ballots that were sent in by Long Beach voters and were not yet counted. At that time, they will update the vote count throughout the city, and we will be notified of the outcome. Per the City Charter, if the difference between the top two candidates is less than 50 votes, a recount will be conducted.
Thank you to everyone that supported me, and we look forward to the runoff.
John
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Many 4th district residents have voiced concerns to me about how youth programs have diminished in quality and/or quantity over the past few years because of budget cuts. Parks and Recreation, the Police Department, Long Beach Public Libraries, and other municipal departments have all had to make substantial but necessary cutbacks to youth programs that have been felt across our community.
I’m a parent. My wife Dawn and I are currently raising a ten-year-old and an eleven-year-old. Believe me when I say that I understand firsthand the importance of youth leadership, sports and arts programs.
That’s why, if elected your Councilmember, I will donate the first two years of my Council salary to youth programs in Long Beach.
My experience working in youth programs in our community has taught me that these programs are essential for building character and keeping our youth active and healthy.
I have been actively involved in Boy Scouts of America for years, serving as leader to pack 126 at Minnie Gant Elementary. Currently, I work as a Boy Scout Unit Commissioner for the Los Fierros district.
I have been actively involved in youth sports, coaching Pop Warner football for the past nine years. Further, I’ve helped to coach my children’s AYSO and Little League teams.
Also, as a police officer, I’ve conducted several bicycle safety fairs for the youth of Long Beach. I am proud to say Long Beach is the most bicycle friendly city in the world, as cycling is a great activity to keep our youth in shape.
Please, feel free to call me at 562-477-1822 or email me at watkinsforfourth@gmail.com, with any question, concerns or ideas about youth programs in Long Beach
Thanks for your support! Also, please remember to vote John Watkins for 4th on April 10th!
John
I would like to thank the Press Telegram for giving me the opportunity to address some of the challenges I’ve been faced with recently. Please check out this article.
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_20227097/long-beach-city-council-candidate-watkins-responds-charges
Check out this new article written in the Grunion Gazette about my run for 4th District City Councilmember!
Thank you for your support!
Dawn and I have lived our dream here in Long Beach. We love this city and want to give back to the community. That’s why I plan to donate 2 years of my Council salary to 4th district community programs.
I understand the 4th District because I’ve lived here for 30 years. We need to repair our streets and sidewalks, and maintain the airport noise ordinance.
I know about public safety from being a street cop in Long Beach. We need to fight crime and gang violence which is on the rise again in Long Beach.
Also, I understand jobs and the economy because I’m a small business owner. We need to put the welcome mat back out for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the foundation of our local economy.
Thank you, and remember to return your absentee ballot or go to the polls on April 10th.
John
Check out this article in which the Beachcomber newspaper has endorsed my campaign for City Council!
Please attend the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce fundraiser for my campaign for City Council at Hotel Maya from 5:30 to 7 PM on Thursday, March 15, 2012. I appreciate your support!
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Samantha Cardenas at scardenas@lbchamber.com or (562) 432-7830
Come meet at my house this Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 9am to 11am as we embark upon another “Walk 4 Watkins” in 4th District neighborhoods. Also, there will be phone banking on that day, so if you’re interested in making phone calls for my campaign come as well. I appreciate all of your help and support!
