A pastor, school co-founder, community leader and first-term Councilmember of Carson, Calif., Jawane Hilton is optimistic about the future of this bedroom community of Los Angeles. Hilton talked with Reel Urban News about the city’s potential during his re-election campaign.
Hilton is proud that Carson was able to meet its budget this year – not an easy task in the past. “In the last 10 years we have not had an on-time budget. But this year we’re able to produce our budget on time. We have 22 million dollars in reserve. And I believe Carson is living up to its slogan, ‘Future Unlimited.'”
Hilton describes Carson as a destination city but realizes there are challenges. “In years past we have not had the quality restaurants, we haven’t had the quality movie theater – but if you see the landscape of Carson now, all of those things are coming. I believe we have a fresh and progressive City Council that is moving the city forward. We’re opening new restaurants, new retail and new attractions for the family.”
As a student of history, Hilton describes how the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s influenced his decision to run for office. “It’s no secret that I’m a pastor. I’m already working in the community so I thought, how can I be at the table to ensure that we institute change in our city? What better way than becoming an elected official?”
Hilton, who was born and raised in Carson, wants the city’s slogan, “Future Unlimited,” to apply to all its citizens. “So many prominent people come out of Carson. I want that young person to discover that if they would stick with our city, grow up in the city and do things in the city, their future too can be unlimited.”
