Meet the Neighborhood Council Candidates: Ryan Krebs

Editor’s note: This is one of several articles in a series of profiles on Westwood Neighborhood Council candidates. Profiles will be published in the days leading up to the Oct. 28 election. Click here for more Patch election coverage.

Westwood Neighborhood Council candidate Ryan Krebs is running for a Rental Residential Group seat on the 19-seat board.

Westwood-Century City Patch: Are you involved with any local organizations? Which one(s)?

Ryan Krebs:

• FLAG (Future Leaders of America's Generation)
• Sigma Eta Pi Entrepreneurship Fraternity
• UCLA Alumni Scholar's Club
• Startup UCLA

Patch: What are the important issues facing Westwood and what is your position on them?

Krebs: An important issue is the traffic situation in Westwood. We have a shortage of parking and an ever-increasing amount of traffic. I will work with other city leaders to improve transportation choices, such as working closely with the L.A. County Metro Transportation Authority in regards to the subway proposed to be built through Westwood, as well as building a bus lane on Wilshire Boulevard.

Additionally, I plan to work with businesses and local ventures to find ways to make Westwood an optimal business environment, which is in itself connected with traffic issues.

Patch: What Westwood Neighborhood Council decisions have you agreed with? What, if anything, would you do differently?

Krebs: I agree with the council's decision this year to promote a vote-by-mail option for the council elections. I would call it a step in the right direction in terms of enfranchising voters.

Additionally, I would work to promote the council's visibility through organizing programs, including the UCLA Office of Residential life in the campus dorms. As a former resident assistant, I understand student needs and I will work to connect them with ways they can represent themselves.

Patch: In your opinion, what role should the Westwood Neighborhood Council play in the community?

Krebs: The neighborhood council should be a liaison between the Westwood community and the City of Los Angeles. Additionally, the council should serve as a conduit for individuals to get involved in the political process.

Patch: What's one thing most constituents don't know about you?

Krebs: Few people know about my educational path, where I graduated from a high school class of 26, studied at Charles University in Prague and at Moorpark College, before transferring to UCLA. I can draw from these experiences when serving on the council. As a transfer student to UCLA, I know the work that it takes to get an education.

Patch: Why did you decide to run for a seat on the Westwood Neighborhood Council? What qualifications do you have to represent your community?

Krebs: I decided to run for a renter's seat because, as a 2012 UCLA graduate, I provide a "bridge" of sorts between the UCLA community and Westwood as a whole.

With experience in advocacy, lobbying, and business, I am an optimal candidate. I have worked to advocate for students as a White House guest, at UC Regents Meetings, and a Metro transportation board meeting. While serving on the council, I will use these experiences and others to improve Westwood.

Click here to read more candidate profiles.

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