Listen to Terry Keiser's speech at the Grand View Baptist Church
Terry Keiser, a 69-year-old Grand Terrace resident, has called this community home since 1986. A graduate of Loma Linda University in Physical Therapy in 1977, Keiser has devoted much of his life to this quiet, tight-knit city. He raised his two daughters here and was a passionate advocate for building the local high school—a dream that was finally realized after his children had already graduated.
"I’ve always felt safe and secure in Grand Terrace," Keiser reflected in a recent public address. "I used to walk the streets at night, and I love this place." His love for the city runs deep, but like many longtime residents, he has grown concerned about recent changes, particularly at the state level. "I felt like the state has gone in the wrong direction," he admitted. These frustrations led his friends and family to ask why he didn’t just move away. "But I love my house, and I’m not going anywhere."
Rather than leave, Keiser decided to take action. After seeing that three city council seats were open, he knew it was his chance to help guide the community he loves. "I didn’t realize what tough competition I was up against," Keiser confessed. But he quickly began considering how he could contribute to the future of Grand Terrace. "I thought, what can I bring to the table?"
Drawing on his personal network, Keiser reached out to a friend who works in marketing and sales for small businesses. Together, they began discussing how to promote Grand Terrace as the ideal "bedroom community" in Southern California. "It’s centrally located, there’s room for building, and we have available manpower close by," Keiser said, explaining the city’s potential for growth. He also emphasized the city's willingness to collaborate with new businesses and foster a family-friendly environment.
Keiser's vision extends beyond business development. He has strong ideas about increasing transparency and public participation in local government. "Do you know what goes on in Sacramento or at your city council meeting?" he asked, suggesting that most residents don’t. Keiser wants to change that by creating more opportunities for community input. "I’d like to set up a system where you can vote on issues or give your feedback directly."
While he’s passionate about improving the city’s engagement with its citizens, Keiser also wants to maintain the essence of what makes Grand Terrace special. "I’m so glad Grand Terrace is where it’s at now," he said. His goal is to ensure that the city continues to run "smoothly and safely," while promoting it as a "hidden gem" where businesses and families can both thrive.
Keiser’s candidacy for city council is rooted in his deep love for Grand Terrace and his commitment to its future. "I’d like to continue with that if you vote for me," he concluded, hopeful that his vision will resonate with the community he has called home for nearly four decades.