Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Addresses the Inglewood Rental Property Owners Association (IRPOA)

Mayor James T. Butts spoke to the Inglewood Rental Property Owners Association (IRPOA) at their first quarterly meeting of 2011 on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Mayor Butts provided an update on the current status of the City in various areas and concluded with a question and answer period. The Mayor took honor in introducing his mother who was in attendance.

The Mayor began his presentation with some commentary on his long history and commitment to the City by indicating that in 1972 at age 19, he became a Community Service Officer and moved into his first apartment on Inglewood Avenue near Venice Way. The Mayor stated after graduating from the Academy, he moved to the corner of Oak and Regent Street. The Mayor stated that he was formerly a Captain with the Inglewood Police Department and then applied for the Chief of Police in Santa Monica, which he was hired at the young age of 37. He served the City of Santa Monica for 15 years then went on to head the position of Chief of Security for the Los Angeles Airports and helped to make it one of the safest airports in the country.

Mayor Butts stated that his goal is to make sure that the City remains solvent and ultimately prosperous. The Mayor stated that the City of Inglewood’s future is based on three basic areas which are: Fiscal Solvency, Public Safety, and United City Leadership. He indicated the importance that rental property owners play not only in providing revenue to the City, but in improving and maintaining the quality of life for all residents. The Mayor spoke about many of the current projects that are underway in the City as well as many of those that were made possible by Redevelopment Agency dollars. Mayor Butts spoke briefly about the ongoing negotiations with the Madison Square Gardens Corporation in their quest to purchase, renovate, and operate the Forum as a concert venue once again. He also spoke of the multi-billion dollar Hollywood Park Tomorrow development and what a positive step that would be for the community. The Mayor thanked Lead Officer Nicole Loudermilk for taking the lead and arranging for his attendance at the meeting, along with other officers from the Department.

Malcolm N. Bennett, Chairperson of the Association provided a brief update on current and proposed legislation that affects the ongoing operations of those of us that provide quality rental housing and related services. Other directors with the IRPOA participating in the meeting were Ruth Hayles, General Manager of International Realty & Investments and Patricia A. Douglas, broker/owner of Pat Douglas Realty. Members of the IRPOA will be receiving a newsletter with additional information to help in the operation of rental property, along with other timely legislative materials.

For information about membership in the IRPOA, you may call the offices of International Realty & Investments at (323)754-2818 or visit their website at www.intlrealtyinvestment.com to download an application.