Dr. Peter Kerndt applies the same philosophy to medicine as he does to
politics: Fix the problem before it becomes a problem.

"When I went to medical school, I felt I could have a greater impact on
more people by working to keep them well rather than treating them when
they were sick."

Kerndt, who practices internal medicine and is board certified in
preventative medicine and public health, said he can bring the same
qualities to the Santa Monica City Council if he's elected.

"I think I have something Santa Monica needs," he said. "I have the
experience that will make a difference, insight into quality of life
issues and the ability to address them."

Kerndt, who is the director of the HIV epidemiology program with the Los
Angeles County Health Department, said he can bring a unique perspective
to the council.

"We have a lot of lawyers, but we need someone who has the big
picture."

Some of the big picture issues Kerndt sees as important extend beyond the
city's borders.

"We are not an island," he said. "A lot of our problems can only be
resolved regionally. Development is an issue in Santa Monica, but what's
going on around us has a great potential to impact us."

Among the neighboring developments that concern Kerndt are a Costco being
built at Washington and Lincoln boulevards and the Playa Vista project
south of Marina del Rey.

"I'm strongly advocating establishing a regional appeal board so we, as
a community, can have some way to mitigate that."

Other issues include traffic, protecting tenants in the face of vacancy
decontrol, protecting the city's dog parks and cleaning up the Santa
Monica Bay.

"Everyone cares about cleaning up the bay and I, more than any other
candidate, would love to look that fisherman in the eye at the end of
the pier and say, 'It's OK to eat that fish,' but I cannot do that with
a clean conscience," said the 46-year-old Ocean Park resident. "It's
gotten better but we have a lot of work to do."

Kerndt promises that he will treat all citizens of the city equally.
"I'm an independent," he said. "You're going to be treated fairly. You
will have access. You will have a voice. I am the neighborhood
candidate.

"I will support appropriate development, scaled to the
neighborhood, and above all, serve the needs of the neighborhoods.
That's our strength. We are as strong as our weakest neighborhood."