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by Stephanie Struyck Elgin
Mayor Laurie Ender was sworn in as the City of Santa Clarita’s mayor in early December, 2011. Born in Chicago, she headed west at the age of 5, living in the Bay Area, Gold Country in Calaveras County, eventually making her way down to southern California. Mayor Ender took a moment to talk with us.
When did you become interested in politics?
I was a part of student council in high school and student government in college at Pepperdine University, but I have always been interested in the community service aspect of government than in “politics.”
What is a day in the life like for a Mayor?
One of the best parts of my job is that every day is different. I read and answer email, talk to City staff, attend meetings and events and spend as much time as I can interacting with residents.
What do you think are some of the most important issues facing this town?
I believe the single biggest issue has always been and will always be public safety. If we are not safe in our homes, schools and businesses, then nothing else really matters. We have an excellent relationship with our Sheriff’s department and they continue to meet the challenges in Santa Clarita year after year. Whether the issue is gangs, drugs, drunk driving, fire, burglary or child safety, we work closely with all of our local agencies to assess the needs of the community and address the issues.
What is your top priority for our City this year?
My top priority is to maintain a balanced budget without reducing the programs and services we provide to our residents. Santa Clarita has the distinction of having an on-time, balanced budget every year since our City was founded 24-years ago. I believe this is something we tend to take for granted, but something that is rare in the State of California. The State continues to raid our local funds and create challenges for the City. By maintaining our fiscally conservative stance and being careful stewards of public funds, we can ensure that our residents continue to enjoy the quality of life we’ve come to expect in Santa Clarita.
How do you balance your personal life with your busy career?
I am so blessed to have a wonderfully supportive husband, Chris, and three awesome kids, Jason, Griffin and Davis. There is a lot of juggling that goes on in our home, but we work it out. I try to always keep my priorities intact: God, Family and Community. When I keep those in the right order, then everything falls into place.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read and every quiet moment I get is usually spent with my nose in a book trying to keep up with my book club! I also really enjoy volunteering with Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley, a non-profit I’m involved with that helps local homeless families get back on their feet again. And, of course, there’s tennis! I’m probably not going to make it to Wimbledon, but I love the game!
What is your personal agenda you wish to resolve to make our City better and how do you plan to accomplish these goals?
I have a long list of goals for 2012, but one of the things I’m most excited about is the creation of a Leadership Development Program for the community. I hope to encourage residents to participate and learn about the many ways they can get involved in leadership positions in our community through elected positions, commissions and committees and our wonderful non-profit organizations. Santa Clarita is an incredible community, but it won’t stay that way unless people are ready and willing to step up and get involved. We are working out the details for the program right now and I’m really looking forward to launching it later this year.
What qualities do you think it takes to be a successful Mayor?
To be a successful mayor or city councilmember you need to be able to listen, to be compassionate, to be able to work cooperatively with others and to be able to ignore bullies. Patience and a sense of humor are pretty helpful too!
Any advice to our youth who wish to seek your position one day?
I love speaking to the youth in our community and always stress to them that one person can make a difference. It’s never too early to get involved in the community and there is always someone who could use your help. Being a leader is really all about serving others.
For more information on the City of Santa Clarita or to email the mayor, please visit www.Santa-Clarita.com.
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