Dorothy Pemberton confirms she is running for re-election

DOWNEY – Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton confirmed Wednesday she will run for re-election to the Downey City Council.

Pemberton was elected last November in a special election to finish the term of Catherine Alvarez, who was recalled in early 2023.

The District 3 seat encompasses northwest Downey.

Pemberton announced her re-election plans in a press release, which is being republished here:

Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton proudly declares her re-election campaign, leveraging her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the community since her election in November 2023.

In her first 180 days in office, Councilwoman Pemberton has spearheaded initiatives focused on community safety, quality of life enhancement, fiscal responsibility, and economic development. Notable accomplishments include authorizing the purchase of 21 new police vehicles, enhancing police recruitment efforts, and improving traffic safety measures to ensure the well-being of Downey residents.

Community Safety - Councilwoman Pemberton has made significant contributions to enhancing public safety in Downey. She authorized the purchase of 21 new police vehicles and engaged a third-party agency to enhance police recruitment efforts. Her completion of the Police Citizens Academy a few years back underscores her commitment to law enforcement. She also prioritized traffic safety by approving the installation of speed humps, increasing patrols in speeding hotspots, and optimizing traffic signal timing to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Additionally, her long standing involvement for over 11 years in Gangs Out of Downey, demonstrates her dedication to ensuring the safety of all residents. She will continue fighting for the safety of all Downey residents.

Quality of life - Councilwoman Pemberton has been proactive in improving the cleanliness and aesthetics of Downey. She instructed Public Works to address abandoned shopping carts, clean alleys, and collaborate with businesses for parking lot maintenance. She helped acquire a graffiti removal truck to combat vandalism effectively. Dorothy also prioritized removing and ticketing abandoned vehicles and helped to equip code enforcement with mobile citation devices for enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, she advocated for additional street lights from Southern California Edison and initiated a pilot program of $50,000 to fund more street lights in residential areas. Keeping her commitment to Downey residents, Dorothy initiated plans for a dog park and community garden which are now moving forward and will enhance the community's recreational spaces.

Fiscal responsibility - Since her election in 2023, Dorothy has actively contributed to the city's fiscal management. She joined the Budget subcommittee and utilized her experience from the Measure "S" Oversight Committee which oversaw a $50 million bond measure. She now collaborates with the City’s Finance Director to review the current and future fiscal budgets. Dorothy's commitment to accountability ensures all city departments uphold financial responsibility, maintaining a strong and balanced budget for the benefit of Downey residents. She receives monthly updates on the budget and investments to carefully watch the city’s investments and expenditures.

Economic development - Councilwoman Pemberton is dedicated to fostering a business-friendly environment at City Hall while prioritizing top-notch customer service for residents and new companies. She aims to attract diverse, family-friendly businesses to the area. The city has an online permit processing system that just went into effect soon after her election in 2023.

As she embarks on her re-election campaign, Councilwoman Pemberton remains steadfast in her commitment to serving the community, promoting a safe and thriving environment, and ensuring Downey continues to prosper under her leadership.

Please re-elect Dorothy Pemberton for Downey City Council, District 3. If you have any questions for Councilwoman Pemberton, you may reach her on her personal cell phone (310) 717-3637 or visit her website at www.DorothyPembertonforDowney.com.