18 seek director seats for Promote La Jolla

Eighteen local business people are running for the seven open seats on the board of Promote La Jolla.

The winners will join the 15-member board governing the community’s 1,200-member Business Improvement District (BID). The organization works to promote business in the 30-block Village area through economic development, advertising and public relations; hosts special events like tonight’s Gallery and Wine Walk and funds supplemental trash pickups and sidewalk cleaning.

Ballot counting will begin at 1 p.m. on Oct. 3 at the Promote La Jolla office, with results posted there on the regular business day after the count finishes. They will be announced at the annual meeting, set for 5 p.m. Oct. 8 at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St.

The candidates, with excerpts from their official statements, are:

• Pasquale Angelotti, Pasquale On Prospect. In business since 1996, he said “we must come together to promote our lovely Village by the Sea. We have such a … diverse business community that truly has something to offer everyone.”
• Jesse Bartram of Bartram Gallery says he can share his experience about what works in other communities for promoting business. “I am very much a believer in La Jolla and the potential thoughtful growth we can achieve.”
• Jerry Burwell of Crab Catcher has been in business since 1980. He said he looks forward to continuing to “contribute to the improvement of our local business community.”
• Jennifer Clark, owner of Maudlin, is a resident and parent who says “ during this difficult time in our economy, it is more important than ever to think in new ways, to attract new customers, and to put aside old issues and arguments.”
• Daisy Fitzgerald of Ark Antiques is a long-time resident who says she will work “to improve Promote La Jolla’s ability to more effectively serve La Jolla’s business community and residents.”
• Tricia Gilfillen is with First Republic Bank. She did not submit a candidate statement.
• Susie Greenwald, who owns Print O Mat, says she wants continue to be a voice for our locals - both business and residents - and to help them to be aware of important issues which affect us all.”
  
• Jilena Greer, owner of Hair Signatures Of La Jolla, says she brings 10 years of diverse, small-business experience to the board.
• George Hauer, of George’s at the Cove, said he believes Promote La Jolla “is embarking on the most exciting time in its history … we are all committed to regaining our market share by re-establishing La Jolla as a successful brand.”
• Celeste Johnson, owner of Sushi On The Rock which has been in La Jolla for more than 20 years, says she would bring “a great understanding of the issues that face both the merchants and residents.”
• Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto’s Toy Store chain and a La Jolla resident, says he is “most interested in promoting and preserving business in La Jolla to residents as well as visitors. … I want the business community in La Jolla to continue to flourish.”
• Tigg Mitchell, owner of Jose’s Courtroom and for 15 years a real estate broker with the Douglas Wilson Companies, says he has come to realize the importance of the involvement of local community groups in all processes of city government.”
• James Niebling of Esteban Interiors says his “primary goals as a board member are to unite businesses together in a meaningful way, promote public awareness, and to create new and exciting business opportunities.”
• Susan Patterson is with P& C Imports. She did not submit a statement.
• Glen Rasmussen, an attorney and former retailer says he is “very familiar with the issues facing La Jolla businesspeople, particularly those affecting businesses that are primarily supported by residents, although I recognize that it is in our best interest to promote tourism and support tourist-oriented businesses.”
• Shannon Turner, Girard Ave. Collection, said she will use her “experience and commitment to support and promote this community and improve Promote La Jolla’s ability to effectively serve all of La Jolla.”
• Pat Walsh, Azul La Jolla, said he “is confident his personal relationships, combined with (his) unique perspective will contribute significantly to the exciting projects that Promote La Jolla has planned during the upcoming term.”
• Rick Wildman, an attorney, says community and business involvement “has cemented his belief that, working together as a team, we can improve the unique attractiveness of our Village to both residents and visitors alike.”

Ballots must be hand-delivered to the PLJ office by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 or by 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 if postmarked and mailed.