Fair Game by Tom Johnson

Newport Beach, CA - Retired Hoag Memorial Hospital Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Andy Gerken announced his candidacy this week to represent District 6 residents on the Newport Beach City Council.

“I am running for City Council because the current District 6 council incumbent is totally out of touch with Newport Beach residents,” said Dr. Gerken, a long-time resident of Corona del Mar.

“Mayor Kleiman’s recent vote to support moving our police station and jail to the Civic Center Park is a disaster for our beautiful community,” added Gerken. “As a fiscal conservative, I find this decision to be one of the most financially irresponsible actions ever undertaken by our city council.

“At an estimated cost of $200 million, Kleiman’s decision to re-locate the police station jail to our beloved Civic Center Park would be the most expensive project in the city’s history,” continued Gerken. “It would needlessly take resources away from city law enforcement and public safety services to spend on avoidable environmental mitigation and site preparation costs.

“Worse, Kleiman’s actions would jeopardize the safety of families visiting the park by placing them in close proximity to criminals being released from the city jail,” stated Gerken. “Moreover, the overwhelming sentiment of our residents is that putting our jail in a park is just the wrong thing to do. Despite widespread public outcry against the police station relocation, Mayor Kleinman simply ignored the people of Newport Beach.

“It’s time for a city councilmember who will listen to residents and put the safety of Newport Beach families ahead of financial profits of developers who wish to build a high-rise on the current police station property,” said Gerken.

The Gerken family moved to Newport Beach in 1972, the same year where Andy’s father, Walter Gerken, relocated Pacific Life from Los Angeles to Newport Beach. Today, Pacific Life and PIMCO are among the city’s largest employers.

Andy is a graduate of Corona del Mar High School in 1980, and then went on to earn his college degree at Harvard University and his Medical Degree at UC Irvine, where he also served as Student Body President.

Gerken practiced orthopedic surgery at Hoag Memorial Hospital for 24 years and was part of the development of Newport Orthopedic Institute and Hoag Orthopedic Institute. He volunteered as the CdM High School football team doctor for two decades. Gerken currently serves on the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Board and on the Board of Directors for Friendship Shelter.

Andy and his wife, Catharina, have three daughters – all of whom are CdM High School graduates.

“I encourage all Newport Beach residents who share my belief in fiscal responsibility, preservation of open space and a city council that respects and listens to residents to join in supporting me in this campaign,” concluded Gerken.

SOURCE: Stu News Newport