Lolita Harper
BURBANK -- More important than focusing on one issue in Burbank, City
Council candidate Marsha Ramos said she is determined to maintain the
critical balance between the city's economy, environment and community.
"You can have a strong economy and a good environment, but if the
citizens don't feel a connection with each other, then you don't have a
healthy balance in the community," Ramos said.
Although it is her first run for the City Council, the lifelong
Burbank resident believes her years of community service and business
background qualify her to serve the people of Burbank by preserving that
balance, she said.
Ramos is vying for one of three seats up for election. Burbank's
primary election is Feb. 27.
A businesswoman and partner in a firm that specializes in
environmental assessments and land surveying, Ramos, 43, is knowledgeable
about the environment and the economy.
"I have been through all kinds of economies, dealing with staffs and
clients," she said. "I know how large economy affects small business."
Completing the triangle, Ramos has served in a leadership capacity for
many local committees.
She has been the president of the Burbank Human Relations Council, the
chair of the Burbank Park and Recreation Board and the chair of the L.A.
County Human Relations Mutual Assistance Consortium. She is also actively
involved in the Burbank Family YMCA, Family Service Agency of Burbank,
Burbank Noon Rotary and Habitat for Humanity.
"My life is about public service," she said. "I hope to take that kind
of service to a much more public level," she said.
Ramos is the chair of the Burbank Police Commission and represents the
commission on the Mayor's Youth Task Force.
Recognizing her knowledge of Burbank's political and social climate,
Mayor Bill Wiggins gave Ramos his endorsement.
"I think she knows a tremendous amount about the community and all
it's different factions," he said.
Ramos received her B.A. in urban studies from California State
Northridge in 1980. She has been married for 20 years and has two sons in
high school. She is a member of St. Finbar Catholic Church.
The role of women and the demographics of the city have really changed
over the years, making public service an exciting challenge, she said.
"I love a challenge," Ramos said. "Why else would I be running?"
