Santa Monica faces serious challenges involving public safety, economic recovery, homelessness, and fiscal responsibility.
Addressing them requires more than campaign promises, political rhetoric, and excuses for unfulfilled commitments. Residents deserve leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and measurable results.
That is why Ashley Oelsen‘s candidacy has my support in Santa Monica’s November 3 City Council election.
Honesty and Integrity Must Come First
Without honesty, integrity, and transparency from our elected officials, how can voters know what they are really voting for?
Don’t let slick political ads, polished slogans, or unfulfilled promises — including those promoted by special-interest groups — determine your vote. We must examine each candidate’s record, qualifications, financial supporters, and willingness to exercise independent judgment, even when politically inconvenient.
Public office is a public trust, not a reward for political loyalty or campaign support.
Integrity means telling the truth, honoring commitments, welcoming difficult questions, and serving the entire community — even when doing so disappoints political supporters.
Evidence-Based Leadership
Oelsen brings experience in scientific research, conservation biology, and environmental policy. Scientific training emphasizes questioning assumptions, examining evidence, and measuring results rather than accepting assurances at face value.
City Council should ask what evidence supports a decision, whether competing proposals were evaluated fairly, what it will cost taxpayers, and how its economic and community benefits will be measured.
Oelsen’s background and civic involvement give me reason to believe she will question assumptions, demand evidence, and evaluate City Hall’s decisions on their merits rather than political convenience.
Her experience is particularly relevant to a city confronting difficult decisions involving public safety, homelessness, economic development, environmental protection, and responsible growth. These challenges require thoughtful evaluation, clear priorities, and accountability for results.
Independence From Special Interests
Unions, developers, neighborhood organizations, environmental advocates, and businesses all deserve a voice, but none should receive preferential treatment. Campaign contributions and endorsements may reflect organizational priorities, but voters must independently examine each candidate’s qualifications, positions, and record.
Public service requires more than minimum legal compliance or plausible deniability. Elected officials must seek relevant facts, ask difficult questions, and accept responsibility for decisions made under their authority.
Transparency Requires More Than Promises
Residents deserve timely public records, meaningful participation, open debate, and clear explanations of government decisions.
When public records concern the conduct of elected officials or senior administrators, the City should establish independent review procedures to prevent those individuals from improperly influencing preservation, withholding, or disclosure decisions involving their own conduct.
Public confidence depends not only on what government discloses, but also on whether the disclosure process is independent, impartial, and accountable.
Public Safety, Economic Recovery, and Responsible Government
Santa Monica cannot thrive unless residents, employees, and visitors feel safe in neighborhoods, parks, business districts, and public spaces.
Oelsen has received endorsements from the Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109.
Homelessness programs should be evaluated through measurable outcomes, not spending alone. Compassion and accountability can reinforce one another.
Economic recovery requires thriving businesses, good jobs, entertainment, and a welcoming environment. City Hall should evaluate proposals based on community value, operator qualifications, economic benefits, and job creation — not political connections.
Environmental Stewardship and Long-Term Responsibility
Oelsen’s environmental background is relevant to a coastal community whose identity and economy depend on healthy beaches, oceans, and natural resources.
Responsible development must balance housing needs with infrastructure, environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and meaningful public participation. Evidence-based policymaking can help protect Santa Monica’s environment while supporting its economic future.
Santa Monica Deserves Leadership We Can Trust
Ashley Oelsen’s background and civic involvement are among the reasons she has my support. I also support Lana Negrete and Phil Brock. Although I disagree with them on some issues, I respect their qualifications and commitment to Santa Monica’s future.
If I had my choice, Ashley Oelsen or Lana Negrete would serve as Santa Monica’s mayor. But why shouldn’t residents of one of California’s greatest cities have the right to elect their own mayor directly? I believe it’s time to change that. Integrity, vision, accountability, and leadership should be the standards expected of anyone entrusted with that office.
Santa Monica deserves elected leadership that earns public trust, applies standards fairly, and puts residents’ interests first — helping make our city a place we can all continue to be proud of.
Honesty should never be negotiable. Integrity should never be conditional. Transparency should never depend on political convenience.
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Editor’s Note: Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Santa Monica Sun.
Sean Ahaus is a local resident and owner of Vito restaurant on Ocean Park Blvd.
Sean Ahaus is owner of Vito Restaurant on Ocean Park Blvd.
- Ashley Oelsen can bring integrity, accountability to City Hall - October 27, 2026