Laurie Capitelli, Candidate for Mayor
Laurie Capitelli is a City Council member. Find out more about him at http://www.laurieforberkeleymayor.com/
QUESTIONS
1 – What specific regulations do you support the City of Berkeley adopting regarding the minimum wage and paid leave?
I recently negotiated the $15 in 2018 legislation (passed by the Council a week ago) building a consensus between labor, non profits, small businesses and the community at large. Included in that ordinance was a paid sick leave requirement that included carrying forward 48 hours per employee for small businesses (<25) and 72 hours for large businesses.
2 – Do you support “sit-lie” laws like the one Berkeley tried to introduce in 2012?
I did support the 2012 proposal keeping in mind that there would be no enforcement unless certain conditions regarding the provision of services were met. I supported the current limitations on storage of personal property on the sidewalks PENDING storage facilities to be provided by the City. Similarly, we are working to provide more restroom facilities in the downtown.
3 – What policies do you support implementing on the use of surveillance technology (surveillance cameras on streets, license plate readers, drones, etc.) by local law enforcement in Berkeley?
I am very leary of city surveillance cameras and license plate readers on the street. I believe I would support the use of drones under limited circumstances with written protocols (such as lost elderly citizen, potential kidnapping, hostage situation, etc.)
4 – What will you do to address problems related to police brutality and misconduct in Berkeley?
We are fortunate to have a well trained and, generally, sensitive group of officers. That said, it has been 30 years since our Police Review Commission ordinance was passed by the voters. There have also been numerous court decisions and state statutes passed that have impacted the functioning of our PRC. It is time to totally review procedures to make sure we can respond appropriately to charges of misconduct.
5 – What is your specific position regarding development in Berkeley?
Berkeley (and the rest of the Bay Area) are suffering a critical housing shortage. I have generally supported development that includes an affordable housing component (or in lieu fees). The region has focused on deep affordability while ignoring the ‘missing middle,’…our teachers, our librarians, and others. I have initiated discussions with the School District to try and address these needs. There are many anti development folks who hope to impose such severe requirements on new development that effectively render most projects infeasible.
6 – How do you propose Berkeley address the causes and effects of climate change? Do you have specific policy recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Berkeley? How do you propose it prepare for sea level rises?
Our Downtown Area Plan is a model for how an urban area can deal with GHG reductions. Transit oriented development (like some in San Leandro) can be a major factor in the reduction of GHG’s. That plan has led to the construction of hundreds of units in our downtown with 3-4 blocks of BART and a major AC Transit hub. I have worked intimately in the development of that plan. I also serve on the Alameda County Transportation Commission and was a major participant in the Transportation Expenditure Plan connected with Measure BB. That plan commits large amounts of funding toward encouraging housing developoment around transit hubs. It also includes significant funding for AC Transit and the development of ‘complete streets’…streets that are not committed just to autos but to pedestrian and bicycle safety and comfort and good watershed management practices.
I believe sea level rise is a regional issue and look forward to serving on a regional taskforce currently being formed.
7 – How do you propose Berkeley should respond to formerly incarcerated citizens re-entering the community? What will you do to support community-based support services for formerly incarcerated citizens?
I have been a strong supporter of Options Recovery in Berkeley. Formerly incarcerated individuals are regularly referred to Options. I strongly believe that individuals need programs and support to allow them to become productive participants in our communities.
8 – Can you share an instance where you have shown moral courage? (i.e. standing up for your values in the face of opposition or other negative consequences).
Two years ago I had agreed to a minimum wage compromise that was brought before the Council. The compromise had been worked out without any participation from our non profit NGO’s or the small business community. I publicly withdrew my support of the measure in front of 200 very angry citizens at a Council meeting. I was harshly treated and still regularly reminded of the incident. I believe that public policy should be done in a transparent manner providing input from all parts of the community. I made a mistake in not following that principle and have paid the price. I stand by my decision.
9 – How many individuals have contributed to your campaign?
I have close to 400 contributors.
Do you or your campaign have a financial relationship with a member of the ACDCC?
Yes
Who and in what capacity?
Linda Perry is my treasurer.
10 – Are you running as a Berniecrat?
No