Candidate Alissa Roston outlines her priorities at the campaign launch event. (photo by Roger Reiner)

More than 100 residents attended Beverly Hills City Council candidate Alissa Roston’s campaign kickoff on Dec. 17 and rallied behind her vision for the future of the city.

Former human relations commissioner Rochelle Ginsberg, also a former BHUSD teacher and vice principal, described Roston as, “fair-minded, logical and clear-thinking.”

“She is a seeker and a doer, working collaboratively and demonstrating compassion like no one I have ever known,” Ginsberg said.

Recreation and parks commissioner Amie Sherry, who hosted the event with her husband Dean, also expressed confidence in Roston’s leadership.

“I’ve worked alongside Alissa on the Recreation and Parks Commission. She’s an honest, effective, and straightforward leader,” Sherry said. “We will be electing candidates to replace two longtime council members who’ve served on City Council for over a decade each. It’s crucial we elect someone who has institutional knowledge of the city so they can hit the ground running, Day One.”

Roston said preparing for the future is key.

“Los Angeles will be home to the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics. It is imperative that we begin a safety plan for Beverly Hills now because the impact on our community will be enormous,” Roston said.

Emphasizing her commitment to financial accountability, Roston proposed a comprehensive review of consultants, third-party contracts and vendor agreements, and reinstating the city auditor to ensure transparency in expenditures.

“We have an amazing opportunity to re-imagine what it means to say we are Beverly Hills,” Roston said.  What we have is great, but there is no end to better. Your perspectives and ideas are invaluable to me, and I am eager to hear and learn from each of you.”

Roston is planning six upcoming campaign events on Jan. 8, 17, 20 and 21.

For information, visit rostonforcouncil.com/upcoming-events.