Candidate Mary Wells said she is eager to address challenges and opportunities as a member of the Beverly Hills City Council. (photo courtesy of Mary Wells)

More than 200 residents came together in a display of unity and community engagement on Jan. 7 at candidate Mary Wells’ campaign kickoff event for Beverly Hills City Council. The event, held at the home of Marcia Caden and Moe Goldberg, included former mayors and council members, city commissioners, members of the Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association and the entire Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education. Wells is a current member of the BHUSD Board.

Topics such as public safety and accountability were discussed, and people in attendance expressed confidence about Wells, the only currently elected official and sitting BHUSD Board member. They said she has the proven experience and results that make her the only candidate poised to hit the ground running to address issues facing the city.

Barry Brucker, two-time former mayor and former BHUSD president, led the event.

“We need strong, determined and proven leadership to advocate for our residents and neighborhoods. We need a City Council member who is not afraid to recognize a problem and attack it head on,” Brucker said. “Under Mary’s leadership as president of the school board, she championed a cleaning house of wasteful spending which saved the school district tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. Mary was a chief advocate of zero-based budgeting protocols to ensure that fiscal accountability was embedded in our school district’s business model. Mary is committed to bringing this same fiscal responsibility and oversight from day one on the City Council.”

Andy Licht, former chair of the Planning Commission and Traffic and Safety Commission, also endorsed Wells.

“Mary Wells delivers on her promises but maybe most important to me,” Licht said. “Mary has a heart of gold.”

Rachelle Marcus, the current BHUSD Board vice president, two-time BHUSD Board member and a 60-year Beverly Hills resident and teacher, said Wells’ accomplishments show her ability to lead.

“One thing impresses me more than anything else, Mary Wells gets things done,” Marcus said. “Our schools are in a better place because of her leadership, and I have every confidence that she will do the same for the city as a member of the City Council.”

“I am humbled and inspired by the incredible turnout and show of confidence at our campaign kickoff,” Wells said. “The overwhelming support from residents and community leaders reaffirms the shared commitment we have to the future of Beverly Hill. The constructive dialogue we engaged in is just the beginning. I am eager to continue listening to the diverse voices within our community and working together to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

For information, visit marywells4bh.com.