political races

For San Leandro City Council District 1, A Shout Out to Mike Katz-Lacabe, my husband

For San Leandro City Council District 1, A Shout Out to Mike Katz-Lacabe, my husband People, Politics No Responses »

Oct 102014

Mike Katz-Lacabe

The race for City Council District 1 features four very different candidates with very diverse backgrounds. Mike Katz-Lacabe, my husband, is an IT security professional, a twice elected member of the School Board and a human rights & privacy rights activist. David Anderson is a retired sheet metal worker who moved to San Leandro a few years ago. Ken Pon is a self-employed accountant, very active in the Downtown Business Association and other civic organizations. Deborah Cox is a home maker and prodigious fundraiser, who has chaired several community organizations, mostly related to education. They will be elected through ranked choice voting, which allows voter to rank up to three candidates in their order of preference. In San Leandro, all voters are able to vote for all City Council and School Board seats.

My recommendations for this race are:

First Choice: Mike Katz-Lacabe
Second Choice: Ken Pon
Third Choice: David Anderson

FIRST CHOICE: MIKE KATZ-LACABE

It won’t surprise anyone that my first choice for this district is my husband, Mike Katz-Lacabe. I could claim to be unbiased, but I can’t possibly be so. I know him much more than any of the other candidates and I married the man, in part, because I appreciate his qualities. Many of those qualities, though not all, will make him be a great city council member. The best I can do for my readers is to be as candid as possible about both his strengths and faults and let the voters decide.

Mike’s greatest strength on this race is that he’s the only candidate who knows what’s going on at City Hall. Not only has he either attended or listened to every City Council meeting for the last four years, but he actually reads the background materials and does his own research. That’s how he discovered that, unbeknownst to the City Council, the surveillance cameras they voted to approve would have hidden microphones. He found out the San Leandro Police Department would be getting an armored personnel carrier by looking through the minutes of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Simply said, there is nobody in San Leandro who knows more about what’s going on in town and who is most committed to finding out what’s left hidden.

Indeed, though Mike is an unapologetic liberal, it was his knowledge and understanding of the City’s financial situation which got him the endorsement of the Oakland Tribune. “A school board trustee, Katz-Lacabe stood out for his comprehension of the debt the city faces.”

Mike is also uncommonly intelligent and competent. While it’s the former that I cherish most as his wife, it’s the latter which made him succeed both in the School Board and in his career. When push comes to shove, you want people in power who can both understand the big picture and come up with solutions to short and long term problems. The flipside is that when you are competent, people come to rely on you and you end up being pulled in too many directions.

One of the qualities that drew me most to Mike was his intrinsic morality. He knows right from wrong, and he strives to do the former. This is a very rare quality in a human being, much less in a politician. He is committed to human rights, social justice and to make people’s lives better. If he wasn’t an atheist, he’d be a great Christian.

Finally, Mike’s social skills have served him very well in the School Board and I think they will continue to do so in the City Council. Unlike me, Mike doesn’t make many enemies. He treats everyone with respect and receives it in turn. He believes in the need for collaboration and therefore he doesn’t burn bridges.

I am concerned, however, about Mike’s effectiveness as a legislator. In the School Board, he was unable to pass progressive policies such as banning the teaching of overtly religious songs to elementary school children, de-emphasizing standardized testing and passing a district-wide research-based homework policy.

In my opinion Mike’s greatest flaw as a Board member has been his unwillingness or inability to hold the Superintendent and staff accountable for significant gaffes. For example, when then Superintendent Cindy Cathey attended a City Council meeting to speak against marijuana dispensaries, he did not publicly call her out on this. Cathey did it at the request of the Chief of Police and without informing the Board, which constitutes an abuse of power that merited a censure. I can only hope Mike will take a stronger attitude towards the City Manager, if he blindsides the Council in a similar manner.

More on Mike Katz-Lacabe: Candidate questionnaire, candidate statement, Smart Voter, Facebook, comments at Council meetings, news articles quoting Mike, SL Times’ candidate profile, tweeter: @slbytes

SECOND CHOICE: KEN PON

Ken Pon is not a particularly strong candidate. Though he is an accountant, he has demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the City’s finances. He has not been attending City Council meetings and his knowledge of what’s going on in the City seems sketchy. He would not answer the Nextdoor/SLT candidate questionnaire. On the plus side, Ken Pon does have legislative experience – he served two terms in the School Board – and while he lost re-election after a financial scandal, he at least understands how a body of this type works. City Council member Ursula Reed, who had neither held elected office nor attended Council meetings before being elected, famously said that it took her a whole term to learn the job. Pon is likely to need less time. Pon also seems less likely to be a pawn for the City Manager/Police Chief. He is not blindly supporting measure HH and he is not as beholden to the police union as his opponents.

More on Kenneth Pon: Candidate Statement, Smart Voter, Website, Facebook page, APA Questionnaire, SL Times’ candidate profile

THIRD CHOICE: DAVID ANDERSON

I have decided to recommend David Anderson as my third choice vote after the last candidate forum, where the differences between Anderson and Deborah Cox became clear. While they are both conservative and pro-law enforcement, Anderson is committed on hearing what the community has to say, while Cox is mostly interested in doing what the Police tells her. When asked how they’d vote on the City acquiring an armored personnel carrier, Anderson said he was personally against it but would hold community fora to hear what the citizens had to say. Cox was only interested in talking to the police about it.

David Anderson and Deborah Cox would both, however, make terrible additions to the City Council. Neither of them has been able to articulate any specific policy or plan they would pursue if elected, neither seems to have even the most basic understanding of how the City Council and City Hall work, neither attends City Council meetings, and Cox’ only policy contributions have been to advocate against medical marijuana dispensaries (a position she abandoned when she sought the Democratic Party’s endorsement) and for the closed sale of the city-owned former downtown Albertson’s property to developer David Irmer, one of her campaign contributors. Moreover, neither was willing/able to return the SLT/Nextdoor candidate questionnaire and at the candidate fora both candidates said nothing but platitudes, and not particularly well articulated ones. Moreover, they are both supported by the Benny Lee camp. Anderson features several photos of himself with Benny Lee on his fliers while Lee’s close associates are advocating for Cox.

More on Deborah Cox: Candidate Statement, Smart Voter, Website, Facebook page, APA Questionnaire, SL Times’ candidate profile

More on David Anderson: Candidate Statement, Smart Voter, APA Questionnaire, SL Times’ candidate profile

Shelia Young Answers on What She Can Do for Oro Loma Sanitary District

Shelia Young Answers on What She Can Do for Oro Loma Sanitary District People, Politics 1 Response »

Oct 102014

Shelia Young

The Oro Loma Sanitary District includes parts of San Leandro – which parts, I’m not actually sure. They have contracted with Waste Management for garbage collection, so if you live in San Leandro and get your bill from WM, you are in the Oro Loma district. Oro Loma has an elected board of directors, and this year five candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for three seats. I have sent all candidates a 3-question questionnaire based on the fact that I assume others, like me, know very little about sanitary districts.

Here are the answers and candidate statement from Shelia Young. San Leandro’s Mayor Emeritus is vying to be the first woman ever elected to the Oro Loma Sanitary Board.

What does the Board of Directors of the Oro Loma Sanitary District do and why are you best suited for that position?

It’s important to note what OLSD governance is about, as well as know that a majority of the public agencies in California set policy only – and management implements. OLSD provides wastewater collection and treatment services, and residential and commercial solid waste and recycling services to its customers. And the District stresses on its website that it strives to “Provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost.” I have considerable background in public agency policy work for more than 25 years, as well as prior service as President and/or Chair or member of most of the environmental agencies in the Bay Area that help us reach our goals in recycling and reuse, including air quality concerns. My service areas are well documented in my campaign ballot statement.

What will be the most important issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, and how will you tackle them?

Working closely with the StopWaste organization, which is tackling some of the tougher issues around food waste recycling, and hazardous waste disposal in both the commercial and residential arenas. This task will bring us much closer to 100 percent of our goals for removing garbage and trash from our landfills. Since OLSD has a seat on that board, I would like to help the board members work with StopWaste but also outreach to the community to assist with those goals.

An important project the agency is working on is the Ecotone project which will seek to work cooperatively with other wastewater treatment plants to support habitat seepage levees; the OLDS project includes a treatment wetland and upland slope for polishing treated wastewater. I’m excited about working on anything that deals with adaptable strategies related to sea level rise, etc.

When the contract with Waste Management expires, will you consider contracting with California Waste Solutions or another company that does not have its transfer station in San Leandro?

There are several companies that provide waste management, including recycling and reuse and disposal. Since Waste Management Inc. was just recently given a new contract by OLSD, it’s not clear who or what will be available when that contract is completed. When the time comes, I am certain appropriate outreach will be done to make sure local work, local jobs and money stay local, especially including anything that affects the service area of OLSD. We are fortunate to have 2 transfer stations in San Leandro and know when, where and how our waste is managed.

Candidate Statement

Shelia Young
Occupation: Business/Environmental Consultant

My education and qualifications are:

In 2008 I was named Mayor Emeritus of the City of San Leandro after years of effective
public service. It is time for a new perspective on the Oro Loma Board, one that offers
innovative thinking focused on our future. I possess the knowledge, education and
experience to address our wastewater collection and treatment needs and to provide
innovative and cost-effective solid waste and recycling services. During my years as
mayor, I served as a member and also Chair of the East Bay Dischargers Authority,
a joint powers organization formed to collectively manage wastewater treatment and
disposal services for a population in Alameda County of 800,000. I also served as
President of both the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Source
Reduction and Recycling Board. These agencies are responsible for the environmental
choices and changes that make us so much more conscious of conservation and mindful
of waste reduction and recycling. I would be the first woman to serve on the Oro Loma
Board and have the proven tools to assist the District in decisions regarding our future. I
respectfully ask for your vote.

Shelia Young on Smart Voter

Oro Loma Incumbent Tim Becker Answers My Questions

Oro Loma Incumbent Tim Becker Answers My Questions People, Politics No Responses »

Oct 092014

Here are the answers and candidate statement from Timothy Becker, an incumbent who’s been on the board since 2007.

1) What does the Board of Directors of the Oro Loma Sanitary District do and why are you best suited for that position?

The formal answer to this question is on our website and in practice is the same with several other activities related to the various committees that are chaired by individual board members.

The Board of Directors makes all policy determinations through the enactment of ordinances and resolutions, and has final authority in the implementation of these policies. The Board determines how the District will obtain and spend funds, and reviews and approves the District’s Operating and Capital Budget. The Board also appoints the General Manager and Legal Counsel, as well as the members of the District’s five standing committees. As a part of its policy foundation, the Board and staff collaborate to establish a Ten-Year Vision for the District.

I feel I am best suited for this position because my education includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science degree in geology coupled with 28 years of environmental consulting related to wastewater, solid waste, and recycling. As I’m sure you know, the treatment plant relies on scientific principles for optimum operation and performance. My experience as a business owner and executive in the environmental industry also provide a valuable perspective when evaluating the risks, benefits, and drawbacks of new projects or partnerships.

2) What will be the most important issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, and how will you tackle them?

As there are a number of issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, I will provide an example that is emerging and one that is continuing. The emerging issue comes from a concern within the wastewater community that the San Francisco Bay may be reaching a tipping point related to nutrient (primarily nitrogen) loadings. Up until now, the Bay has been resilient to higher loadings and associated phytoplankton (algae) blooms that have impacted estuaries around the country. New regulations are being considered that would require treatment plants to increase their treatment to a higher level. Currently, we are actively partnering with state regulators, environmental stakeholders, and the San Francisco Estuary Institute to perform a research and modeling effort to better understand the potential problem as well as appropriate solutions to emerging nutrient concerns.

Another example that is ongoing and will continue through time is our responsibility to keep our infrastructure up to date and in good operating order. One of many ways we accomplish that goal is through our capital improvement projects. We are committed to keep that program moving forward because a well planned approach maximizes the public’s existing investments and provides proper environmental protections.

3) When the contract with Waste Management expires, will you consider contracting with California Waste Solutions or another company that does not have its transfer station in San Leandro?

Because we have a long term contract in place, that issue is not expected to arise in the near future. However, at the time the contract is being considered for renewal or to have another company provide the services needed, all companies will be considered. As we evaluate potential future partners, we will seek to provide our rate payers with the best service, the least environmental impact, and highest value for the services provided.

Candidate Statement

Timothy P. Becker
Oro Loma Sanitary District
November 2014

I have served the Oro Loma Sanitary District as a Director since August 2007. As a result of the decisions of very capable and efficient District staff and other Board members, sewer rates remain the lowest of any other sewer district in the state of which we are aware. Additionally, all long term district bonds have been paid off leaving the district debt free. The District is solid financially and otherwise. I have been fortunate to be elected to the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Board of Directors giving Oro Loma meaningful influence at the state level. I have lived in the Fairview area of Oro Loma for over 28 years. I am a Vietnam era veteran, have a business degree from UT El Paso, a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Oregon, and 28 years of experience in the environmental services industry, including work related to wastewater, solid waste, and recycling. I feel my experience and education allow me to continue to be a positive influence for the District into the future. I would appreciate your vote. Feel free to contact me at 510.581.3597 or tbecker@oroloma.org

Tim Beck’s Smart Voter page

School Board Candidate Evelyn Gonzalez Answers Questions

School Board Candidate Evelyn Gonzalez Answers Questions People, Politics No Responses »

Oct 092014

Evelyn Gonzalez

In order to better get to know the candidates for San Leandro offices, I sent out a questionnaire to all School Board candidates. The following are the answers from Evelyn Gonzalez. She is running for the San Leandro Board of Education At-Large seat against three other candidates. The winner will be chosen by a plurality of the vote.

Briefly, tell us about you and why you believe you are the best candidate for this School Board seat?

I am passionate about and dedicated to San Leandro public schools. I have demonstrated my passion and dedication, through 15 years of active involvement at school sites and district committees. As the mother of four children educated by the San Leandro school system, two SLHS graduates and two SLHS juniors, I understand firsthand the challenges facing students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school sites. Fifteen years of firsthand experience and involvement affords me deeper knowledge of both the issues and the people who are addressing the issues. I have regularly attended and spoken at school board meetings for the last three years. As a result, I am already up to speed on the current SLUSD goals, and the challenges facing the district. Since the At-Large seat is a short term seat, the board member will not have time to learn on the job.

For the last three years I have represented the SLUSD on the Recreation and Parks Commission. This role has allowed me to work with both the city and the school district. I have worked collaboratively with both the City and the District, and have helped drive collaboration between the two. This makes both our schools and city better. I have also been a board member on San Leandro and national non-profit boards. Board positions have allowed me the opportunity to look critically at financial statements, ask good questions, and help shape the direction of an organization. This experience is critical for a school board member.

Finally, I am backed by a spouse that is equally passionate about public education, brings excellent financial analysis skills, and is committed to supporting our schools.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the San Leandro School District and how would you tackle it?

The School Board must address: instruction that meets the needs of all students, support for teachers and staff, better communication, enhanced transparency and accountability, and improved technology. SLUSD faces a multitude of changes: a new funding formula and method for developing budgets, new common core curriculum and testing, and new administrators (both at district office and many school sites). There is a great potential with these changes, but there is also a great risk that poor decisions will be made. The school board needs to take a strong leadership role in overseeing these changes in our school district.

At its most basic level, the key to achieving these goals is communication. I will communicate with the employees, parents, and students at our school sites. I will explore whether these new ideas are working. Are the trainings and staff development helpful? Are our expenditures having the expected outcomes? What do classroom teachers need with respect to the new curriculum and changes in testing? How are administrators doing? Open channels of communication enable the assessment of progress. My 15 years of involvement in the schools gives me the credibility to facilitate open and honest communication.

What ideas do you have for creating a better relationship with the City and Community?

Since I have been active in the city for over 15 years, I personally have a great relationship with many city staff members. Moving the district office to City hall certainly allows for more school and city conversations, and greater collaboration.

One of the keys is that school board members need to attend city meetings (e.g., transportation, housing, etc.) and listen for impacts to our schools. School board members need to give feedback to the City. Currently, we have a city manager who is supportive of our schools and a superintendent who wants to work with the city. As a school board member we need to encourage that collaboration. We also need to identify areas where we can work together.

Some specific areas that would benefit from greater collaboration are: recreational spaces, lack of east-west transportation, and technologically bringing our schools into the modern world.

Do you believe there are systemic problems with racial/sexual/gender-based or other discrimination in San Leandro schools? How would you tackle them?

Over the years, I have observed some behavior that appears discriminatory. Some of our elementary schools have adopted great programs for their school sites. We need these programs to be available for all schools.

We need to create a school culture where staff and students work together to provide a safe place for everyone; a place where differences are celebrated.

Do you support turning the 9th grade campus into a High Tech campus? If so, what will you to have it become a reality?

I think this could be a great use for the new building. The 9th grade separation has not worked as effectively as envisioned. Our academies at the high school successfully provide students with a small school feel within a bigger campus. Although I’ve not seen a formal proposal to do so, I would be very open to utilizing the 9th grade building as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy or a STEAM (STEM plus art brings a creative element to STEM) Academy.

I would enjoy working with San Leandro businesses to help make this a reality. Our city is going in this direction and I think we can get help from the community to make this happen. I would also work with San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) to find funding and support.

Do you support warrantless searches of student lockers? Drug-sniffing dogs on campus?

As a general principle, I believe in creating positive school environments that are based on trust. I am a strong supporter of individual rights. At times, the privacy desired by students can come into conflict with the needs of the broader school community (e.g., safety). To the extent that we need to pursue the needs of the broader community, we must always do so lawfully, i.e., consistent with Ed Code and court decisions.

Do you support school dress codes that ban clothing commonly worn outside of school?

I support the creation of a school culture that supports student education. This can include how we dress, how we speak, and how we treat other people. How we speak and dress at home may be different than what is expected at school. Creating and defining a school culture needs to be process that involved students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators and community members. When our students enter the work force, they will need to understand that many workplaces have a workplace culture, with expected norms and behaviors. Our school culture needs to be sensitive to the many home cultures present in our school district. We need to listen to many voices in the creation of school policies around creating a school culture.

Do you believe religious texts, practices or songs should be part of the school’s curricular or extracurricular activities? If yes, please specify how.

I am not opposed to the use of religious text, practices and songs. So much of a person’s cultural identity is embedded in their religion. Students can learn a lot about a culture through their religious text, songs and practices. We are very lucky in the Bay Area to have so many different cultures and religious beliefs present. I would be concerned if we were only focused on the texts, practices and songs of one religion, and did not expose our students to the broader set of the world’s religions.

Do you believe that back gate of the High School should be left open before and after school hours, so the community can access the sports facilities?

I believe all the school district recreation spaces should be open to the public when school is not in session. These spaces should also be secured after dark. We have staff on site at the high school until 9:00 p.m., so one of the responsibilities could be securing the space after dark.

Evelyn’s candidate statement, website, facebook page

Lee Thomas, candidate for City Council District 3, Answers Your Questions

Lee Thomas, candidate for City Council District 3, Answers Your Questions People, Politics No Responses »

Oct 082014

Lee Thomas

In order to better get to know the candidates for San Leandro offices, I sent out a questionnaire with questions provided by San Leandro residents and relevant to San Leandro. Lee Thomas is the first candidate from District 3 to submit his answers.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

1- Do you have a website, Facebook Smart Voter page with more information about you and your platform?

My website is Leethomasforcitycouncil.com and my
Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/leethomasforcitycouncil

2- What is your political philosophy?

My vision as a City Council member to tackle the issues that matter most to San Leandro families: public safety, economic development, particularly revitalizing San Leandro’s downtown and strengthening programs and adding services for families, including the relationship between the city and the school district.

3- How do you evaluate when to stick by your principles and when to compromise?

Principles are important yet so is the need to compromise. It’s important to find the proper balance between the two when representing the people you serve as a city council member.

4- How often have you attended City Council meetings in the last year and what, if any, issues have you spoken out about in such meetings?

I have attended many City Council meetings

GOOD GOVERNANCE

5- The San Leandro City Council is no longer producing full minutes of its meetings, and instead produces an audio/video recording and a record of its votes (but not comments/discussions). Would you restore full minutes?

6- Do you support a sunshine ordinance in San Leandro? Be specific as to terms.

7- Do you believe the City Council should censure Vice-Mayor Benny Lee for lobbying the Oakland City Council against renewing its $1Billion garbage contract with Waste Management? San Leandro collects $500K in taxes annually from WM’s transfer station.

Members of City Council need to be mindful that they are representing their City, whether they intend to or not, when speaking at events or meetings. And as a Councilmember, you must always remember you represent the people of your community first.

REVENUE

8- What’s your position on measure HH?

I support Measure HH. If its successful it’s important that we have a strong citizens oversight committee with meetings open to the public to ensure revenue utilized to benefit the city of San Leandro and our residents.

9- Do you support continuing or making permanent the business license fee holiday for new businesses? Why or why not?

10- Do you support pension reform in San Leandro? Be specific.

11- What are your plans for increasing revenue and/or cutting costs in San Leandro? Be specific.

12- San Leandro is about to lose millions of dollars in taxes and development fees, due to Waste Management losing its garbage contract with the City of Oakland. What would you have done to prevent that situation from occurring and what will you do in the future to support San Leandro businesses?

As a member of the City Council, I would have worked on having joint meeting/s with San Leandro and Oakland City Council’s and both Mayor’s to explain the financial impacts this decision would have on San Leandro and our region. I would have been an active proponent of Oakland keeping Waste Management. Fortunately, this situation has been resolved.

13- San Leandro has invested on creating a fiber loop and is trying to market itself to high tech manufacturing. What would you do to promote these efforts?

To promote and market “Lit San Leandro” I propose San Leandro host a conference or exposition. Inviting high-tech and advanced manufacturing company’s to showcase the benefits of locating or re-locating to San Leandro.

DEVELOPMENT

14- What are your thoughts on redevelopment in general? What should the City do to spruce up downtown and the South part of town?

I support redevelopment on transit corridors and vertical mixed-use, transit- oriented developments. I want the area around the San Leandro BART Station to be active, vibrant areas that encourage people to walk around and enjoy amenities without being dependent on their cars.

For the downtown I want to work to implement the Downtown TOD strategy. This plan was created with input from the community additionally, we need to work to improve the south part of San Leandro and our industrial areas.

15- What are your plans for the development of the Marina? If they include dredging, who should pay for it? Be specific as to what you will work to see happen.

I think the city should continue moving forward with the current plan pending the EIR. I would like to see the dredge-deposition site restored to wetlands, as the long-term financial impact of dredging is not sustainable.

16- What type of affordable housing requirements do you support for new developments?

17- How should the City and the School District collaborate regarding any new housing developments?

The city and the school district should work closely together with developers to mitigate the potential impact new development would have on our local schools.

18- What is your specific plan for repairing streets and sidewalks in San Leandro?

ENVIRONMENT

19- Global warming threatens to raise sea levels. What should the City be doing to help prevent rising bay waters from damaging property?

20- What’s your position on a “tree preservation ordinance”? Please be specific as to any ordinance that you would support.

21- Should the City offer incentives to encourage property owners to install solar systems or other alternative energy sources? Be specific.

22- What will you do to make San Leandro friendlier for pedestrians and cyclists?

SURVEILLANCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT

23- What’s your position on red light cameras and why?

I was opposed to the contract, and keeping the red light cameras

24- What is your position on public/police operated public surveillance cameras?

25- SLPD operates several mobile and static license place readers which photograph millions of license plates and cars. Do you support an ordinance that will restrict how long these records are kept and who they are shared with? Be specific as to terms.

26- How would you tackle the increasing militarization of the SLPD? Do you believe that the SLPD should continue to operate its SWAT team?

27- What are your public safety priorities?

My top priority is ensuring all San Leandro residents are safe by providing our public safety the necessary resources to do their job.

28- When the City Council passed an ordinance allowing citizens to keep bees with a permit, it provided that in order to get that permit citizens had to agree to waive their 4th amendment right to warrantless searches of their properties. What’s your position on this type of requirements? What will you do specifically with the requirement in the “chicken & bee” ordinance?

SOCIAL WELFARE

29- What do you think are the City’s responsibilities vis a vis ensuring that everyone in San Leandro has access to food, housing, health care and other necessities of life? How will you meet such responsibilities?

30- How should the Council promote community health in San Leandro?

San Leandro can work with health care organizations, providers and the county to promote and enhance health care screenings and services and promote healthy lifestyles.

31- Will you support an ordinance to increase the minimum wage in San Leandro? If so, to what amount.

I would support an ordinance that would increase the minimum wage.

32- Do you support reducing development fees, zoning entitlements and construction permits in order to make housing more affordable?

33- What should San Leandro do to aid its homeless population?

The city needs to continue working with non-profit organizations and find ways to leverage city resources for grant opportunities that may exist for non-profits to support the homeless. I would consider creating a homeless taskforce/commission to provide guidance and suggestions to the city.

34- Do you support an ordinance that would stabilize rents and impose just cause requirement for evictions? Be specific as to what proposals you would support/oppose.

35- What’s your position on having medical marijuana dispensaries in San Leandro?

The City has already approved a medical Marijuana dispensary, therefore I am only concerned that we get the right operator in place to ensure that children, youth and families are safe and that the business is efficient and operates within the law.

BONUS Question

If you are elected, will you vote to stop the SLPD from obtaining an armored vehicle?

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