Compton City Councilmember Janna Zurita did not plan for a life as public servant, but if the calling ever heeded she knew that she would be more than prepared for the task at hand.

 

Janna is the daughter of retired public administrator for the Department of Water and Power Clarence Zurita, two-term Coun­cil­member Delores Zurita and the sister of Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees Vice Presi­dent Satra Zurita.

 

“I came from a family where community service was instilled in me at an early age. My mother directed the oldest and largest non-profit Meals On Wheels Program for 43 years where I grew up volunteering as a young kid where I served as their organizer for senior citizen home bound meals,” Janna explained.

 

She initially ran for Compton City Council because she was unhappy with the services and business as usual at City Hall.

 

“Prior to getting involved in my first campaign I was just unhappy and tired of complaining and getting no results. I discovered the city had a $42 million plus deficit from mismanagement.

 

Janna learned the city had spent $10 million on special events and officials awarding contracts to family members.

 

“It was an eye opening experience. I then knew why I was unhappy about the services. They were spending tax dollars on frivolous projects,” Janna said.

 

So she ran against a popular eight-year incumbent Barbara Calhoun on June 7, 2011 and won the District I race overwhelmingly.

 

Although it was her first campaign for political office she arrived on the scene with a bang.

 

After serving for four years on the council, the city has erased the debt and now has over $1 million in reserve.

 

“We are now paying our bills on time,” she added. “We’ve restored our credit rating and secure our tax revenues.”

 

Janna says it’s the first time in a decade the city has maintained a level of fiscal responsibility, paying their bill on time.

 

“It’s also the first time under my leadership that the employees have received a pay raise in almost eight years.

 

So, after being instrumental such a renewed level of economic stability, Janna is now the incumbent in District 1 and running to retain her seat on the council in the Compton primary elections April 21.

 

A product of the Compton Unified School District, Janna graduated from Compton High School in 1982. She furthered her education at Compton Community College and Long Beach City College, where she was trained and certified as a surgical nurse.

 

Prior to being elected to the Compton City Council, Zurita worked at various hospitals in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. She also managed her own business.

 

Delores Zurita and Blondell Filer started the Dickison Com­munity Lighted Schools Meals On Wheels Program in 1968. Janna served as a fundraiser and special events coordinator.

 

Prior to becoming a councilmember Janna was elected to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee, representing the 52nd Assembly District.

 

Currently the youngest member of the Compton City Council, Janna was selected as Mayor Pro Tem on July 5, 2011. She currently represents the city as an alternate on the California Joint Powers Authority and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (District 1).

 

As a member of the Compton City Council, Janna continues to champion the causes she promised to address when campaigning. She has led the charge to reduce water rates in the City of Compton. Working to improve the quality of life for all Compton residents, supports public safety, clean and safe parks and neighborhoods, enhanced street and sidewalk services, new business development, and senior services.

 

She is fighting to reduce water bill payments for residents of Compton.

 

“Among our top priorities in District 1 is safety, economic development and repairing pot holes,” she continued.

 

Janna has vowed to continue her good work on the council if re-elected on April 21.

 

“When I got here we had a deficit. Now we have a reserve. Compton employees were being laid off and now they are being hired with raise increases. We have transparency and accountability today because I want to be accountable.”

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