His work around land use and traffic issues is well known here in his hometown. What might be less known is his strong advocacy in support of our local public schools. Ken Genser understood that excellent public schools are an integral component of a strong, healthy city.
Santa Monica is one of just a few California cities that makes a direct financial contribution to its public schools. When that idea was first floated by Community for Excellent Public Schools, it was met with significant resistance. However, Ken worked with his colleagues to help formalize the City’s support.
Helping forge the agreement to provide stable, predictable local funding for public schools in the face of unstable and shrinking state funding should be considered one of Mayor Genser’s many enduring legacies.
Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tempore Pam O’Connor said of Genser's passing:
"It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our Mayor Ken Genser, an indefatigable champion for quality of life in Santa Monica. Ken distinguished himself with a fierce intellect, passion for progressive social policy and compassion for people. He served the Santa Monica community throughout his lifetime and will be greatly missed."
Louise Jaffe, Santa Monica College Board of Trustees member and former CEPS co-chair says in her Lifelong Learning newsletter, "The local press is writing about Ken’s decades of service to Santa Monica and about his strong role in supporting affordable housing, protecting rent control, and restraining overdevelopment. Ken also proved himself to be a strong supporter and key partner for our public schools. He played a key role in bringing about a new constructive partnership between our schools and our city; our lifelong learning community is stronger because of his leadership.
As a City Council member, Ken was accessible, intelligent, and articulate. He was responsive to public concerns and public opinion and he did his homework thoroughly. He was deliberative and thoughtful and honest and respectful. And he has been one of the most influential City Council members in recent history. Ken’s life has been Santa Monica and Santa Monica reflects his work. He leaves a legacy and a record of service and professionalism; he too will be deeply missed."
For more information about Mayor Genser, please go to www.surfsantamonica.com. Funeral and memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced.
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