Public office should serve the people, not the personal interests of the office holder. This fundamental principle is at the heart of our democratic systems and is crucial for maintaining public trust in governance. However, recent developments in the Gardena City Council candidacy have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest that could compromise this principle.

Gardena City Council candidate Jeff Fukusawa, if elected, would face significant conflicts of interest when police-related matters come before the council. This is because Mr. Fukusawa owns a business engaged in purchasing relationships with the local police department and also holds a position on the board of their fundraising foundation. These dual roles present a clear conflict that questions the impartiality of his decision-making on matters related to law enforcement policies and practices.

Police-related decisions are critical components of city governance, impacting public safety, community relations, and resource allocation. It makes up, by far, the largest departmental expense in the city's budget <https://cityofgardena.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Adopted-Budget-FY2025-FY2026.pdf>, more than double that of next closest departmental expense, Non-Departmental including Fire and Regional Communications Center (RCC). Thus, it is imperative that these decisions are made without prejudice and with the community's interest at the forefront. Allowing a council member with vested interests in police operations to partake in such decisions could lead to outcomes favoring specific agendas over the community's needs.

We can avert this potential conflict by urging Jeff Fukusawa to pledge to recuse himself from all police-related votes and discussions if elected to the Gardena City Council. Such a pledge would demonstrate his commitment to ethical governance and ensure his role in the council remains a beacon of impartiality.

By signing this petition, we advocate for transparency and integrity within our local government. Let's hold our council candidates to the highest ethical standards and ensure that their primary allegiance is to the citizens they are elected to represent. Please add your voice to this critical initiative for accountable governance.