“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”
9. Regarding New Ideas:
Background: Since at least 2016, candidates for city government have faced challenges similar to those we are facing today. They have proposed programs, conducted focus groups, created sub teams, called in and paid for consultants, engaged in frank and honest discussions, and the problems persist, largely un- ameliorated.
Question: In your opinion, what is missing? If elected, what would you do differently so that these efforts will be more successful in the future than they have been so far?
Responses:
Derek Lazzaro
“DEREK LAZZARO:
”I believe the city government needs to focus on core priorities: 1) preserving the PVE Police Department, 2) local control and preservation of our city’s unique environment 3) customer service for residents.
Specific ideas I have supporting these goals include:
1) Supporting the passage of a realistic replacement for Measure E funding for public safety
2) Hiring an assistant city manager to allow our city manager to focus on strategic goals and top priorities
3) Hiring city staff at the director and manager level who are committed to a culture of customer service
4) Rewarding and celebrating staff who provide top-tier customer service””
Desiree “Dez” Myers
“DESIREE ‘“DEZ” MYERS:
”Financials have been politicized. Viable solutions were ignored. Good ideas should be considered on their merit.
• PENSION DEBT: Council told residents they “solved the pension issue” by passing a pension policy. Yet, the policy did not stop new debt or address existing debt. Debt has increased 30%. I spoke [Video] at Council objecting because we need to identify the funding required.
• MEASURE E: Jan 2018, residents were told to pass Measure E to save the police. I spoke [Video] stating my support of the police and that Measure E was not enough. 2024: Council stated they want to triple Measure E, because Measure E was never enough.
• BUDGET DEFICITS: Four years ago, Council forecasted deficits. The problem was not addressed. This year, Council approved a $2.5 million deficit. I would have communicated with residents about options, implemented efficiencies, and non-tax revenue such as grants by now.
• BETTER FISCAL MANAGEMENT: City funds were spent on low-value projects (Roundabout, tree inventory, replacing City-Hall buildings, rezoning La Venta, etc.). I would have directed funds to high-value residents’ priorities, like fixing City Hall.
• RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT: April 2021, Council received a petition signed by 200 residents requesting all costs be included in the budget and balance the budget. Council ignored the petition. I would have deliberated on the merits of the residents’ request.
Our city is going in the wrong direction.
We need to build trust and consider viable solutions.
I offer a history of viable solutions and can hit the ground running.””
Craig Quinn
“CRAIG QUINN:
”In my opinion, my ability to collaborate with fellow City Council team and build consensus is paramount to leveraging our strengths and making timely and prudent decisions. I will also engage our Planning Commission, HOA Associating and Committees leaders to work more in concert so our resources are leveraged and our Residents receive top level services.
I would balance our best practices with opportunities for improvement by supporting our City Manager in identifying and acting quickly to prioritize our improvement opportunities. In the end, supporting highly engaged employees at all levels
Enhancing transparency to educate our residents on the reality of our overall financial state of affairs.
In short, I will be a trusted leader and partner working on behalf of our residents.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my views.””