Mayor files paperwork with City.

The April City Council elections will officially include Mayor Bob Kellar. Official papers were filed by Kellar Tuesday afternoon, although his decision to run had been announced in early 2007.

“Santa Clarita is a special place and I would be honored to continue working on behalf of the residents of our city.  There are many challenges before us including public safety, stopping the Las Lomas Development, and the cleanup of the Whittaker-Bermite site,” Kellar said in a prepared statement. .

Kellar continued, “Public safety is one of my top issues.”  Each month during his term as mayor Kellar, a former law enforcement officer, will highlight a different public safety issue to help increase public awareness. 

Las Lomas is a proposed 5,500 unit development at the I-5 and 14 Freeway Junction.  “Las Lomas must be stopped.  This project will negatively impact traffic, air and water quality for the entire region.  I believe in responsible growth and this project is irresponsible,” Kellar said.

The Whittaker-Bermite property covers 996 acres in the heart of Santa Clarita.  The site is contaminated with 75 different toxics that have polluted both surface and the valley’s groundwater.  Kellar created the Whittaker-Bermite Multi-Jurisdictional Taskforce that brought together all interested parties and is widely credited with expediting the cleanup of the property.

“We have an obligation to protect our families’ health by cleaning up the Whittaker-Bermite,” stated Kellar.

A growing local economy means more local jobs and revenue to fully fund city services.  “The city will continue to partner with the SCV Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association and College of the Canyons to create more high paying jobs so parents don’t have to commute,” stated Kellar.

Kellar will also focus on protecting the environment and promoting arts and culture.