DOWNEY - Dr. Sharira A-Malek may be out of the race, but she isn’t out of the game.

A-Malek, who vied for the District 5 seat on Downey’s City Council, isn’t planning to let her defeat keep her from being involved in the community.

“I ran not to get a political position but to get things done for the city and the community – especially the after-school programs,” A-Malek said.

“It’s much easier to implement ideas when you have a political title or a seat.”

Despite being defeated by Luis Marquez on Tuesday, A-Malek wants to continue working towards her dream of having churches host after school programs.

“If the churches open their doors and we utilize people with good character, these three hours can make the difference between a child’s future and their success. I’m a pediatrician so I believe in prevention,” she said.

Self-employed Gary De Remer and real estate broker Maria Larkin were also defeated candidates for the District 5 seat.

DeRemer was unavailable for comment, but Larkin said she wants to continue being a presence in the city and would like to help have a performing arts and cultural center built in Downey.

“I’m sorry I didn’t win because I feel I am needed on the city council,” Larkin said. “I had a lot of plans I wanted to put in place, and we have to catch up with the surrounding communities. We need something that’s productive, bringing in money – not just a building sitting there, but being used to entertain all age groups.”

Retired Russell Rankin, a former military man who ran against Roger Brossmer for the District 3 seat, thinks he didn’t give his full efforts towards canvassing the neighborhoods and introducing himself.

“I say ‘thank you’ to the people who voted for me, but I feel I did them a disservice by not campaigning as diligently as I should have,” Rankin said.

“I am hoping someone will start a referendum against mansionization, but it won’t be me.”

A-Malek and Larkin agreed the campaign for the District 5 seat was difficult and that the sign-stealing was frustrating. “Every day, driving around and seeing I had to replace my signs was really disappointing,” Larkin said.

A-Malek is reflecting on the sign-stealing issue with a little more humor.

“I would like to congratulate Marquez – he did a great campaign,” A-Malek said. “His committee can help continuing to pull my signs off the street now that I don’t need them.”



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Published: November 7, 2008 - Volume 7 - Issue 29