Meet the Neighborhood Council Candidates: Sarah Austerlitz

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 Sarah Austerlitz is running for a Faith based Community Director seat on the 19-seat board.

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

Sarah Austerlitz: I served as president of the Westwood Village Synagogue and presently serve as property coordinator. I participated with the Friends of Westwood Library to host a fundraising evening in our location. I chaired the WOMP (Westwood Organized Mega Project) for our group.

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

Austerlitz: 1. Parking. We need another Broxton-type parking structure. 2. Empty stores. Landlords refusing to rent their spaces to worthy tenants. [We] need to bring upscale shops and restaurants to the Village. Work with the property owners to see the advantage of having their buildings occupied.

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

Austerlitz: Agree with Volunteer Day, WOMP, tree planting, power washing, help for the homeless. I believe the Neighborhood Council decisions are excellent.

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

Austerlitz: More gets done with a coordinated effort. The council should seek information and input from those who use or would use the Village and act as an advocate to the city for services and benefits. Be sure we have police presence, tree trimming, PR, beautifying and decorating as needed.

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

Austerlitz: One thing most may not know about me is that my favorite charity is Beauty Bus Foundation. This group does hair, makeup, and nails for those who are ill and for their caregivers. When I read about this charity a few years ago I just thought this is a fabulous and necessary service.

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

Austerlitz: Westwood Village is my neighborhood commercial area. I hold season tickets to the Geffen theater and enjoy the Hammer Museum. I am a member of the Westwood Village Synagogue located in the heart of the Village. I have a law degree, worked for the City Attorney, coordinated the Victims of Violent Crimes program, worked for the Supreme Court (NY), Children's Service, and did PR and event planning for an international organization.

Click here to read more candidate profiles.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our newsletter | Blog for us