Sunday, September 16, 2012

Candidates Questionnaire: How would you strengthen the local economy?



The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce submitted 12 questions to each of the candidates for Pacifica City Council. Every week we will be posting two questions, and the answers from each of the candidates.


Question 2. How would you strengthen the local economy?


Mike O'Neill - 2-year seat

I would as Ross Perot said “Get under the Hood” and fix the problems.  The same thinking that got us into this position will not get us out of the problem.  People who make ideological not data driven decisions have consistently cut income to the City for a decade.  Running a government institution such as a School District or City although different in many aspects still needs to be run like a business.

Government is a service business that needs to function.

To strengthen our local economy is a multi track need.  We must first change our reputation in the business world as being unfriendly to any sort of business. I was talking to a local established business that was trying to open another business and it took almost two years to get City of Pacifica permits.  That is inexcusable.  I will work to change the planning process to facilitate decisions that will get a cost effective and timely answer to an investor.  

I will start an aggressive marketing campaign to demonstrate to our citizens that we have merchants in Pacifica.  I would work to expand our business offerings so that they complement each other and that you do not have to go over the Hill to buy most items.

I would work to expand our visitor serving industry so that we will become the day trip destination of the Bay Area.  This may require zoning changes, compromise among us and a new way of thinking for Pacifica.  

I have started a fledgling enterprise at the School District of offering our buildings to film crews.  Since last year we have had film crews come and film at PSD sites, Terra Nova, Oceana, a private business and a City park.  Our school sites have been used in commercials for Genetech and HP printed advertising.  If a film crew needs a school site we are the first place they are referred to in San Mateo County.

They like it because it is done for them with one phone call; PSD staff is trained and ready to meet their needs in doing business.  

We must stop having the City of Pacifica being the business prevention unit of our town.  This is the fault of leadership not showing them what needs to be done. 


Rich Campbell - 2-year seat

-Increase revenues through more commercial development.

-Increase redevelopment activity by streamlining home remodel requirements.

-Encourage school district to spend its $600K food budget in town.


Victor Spano - 2-year seat

We need to Appoint an Economic Development Manager. We have somewhere in the vicinty of 45-50 vacant stores here.  That translates to anywhere between 45 and 500 jobs that Pacificans could fill, estimating each store could employ 1 to 10 employees each.  I have over 1500 contacts in Commercial Real Estate and am a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.  I would utlize these resources to find tenants for these vacant spaces.  I believe that a great deal of them can be filled locally by local entrepreneurs.  i want to reach out to our "serial entreprenuers" who have opened more than one business here already, retired entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs from nearby cities that might want to fill some our spaces as part or their expansions.   I want to bring a franchise fair via the International Franchising Association to introduce franchising opportunities to anyone interested.  In past months, there has been much talk about Environment and Tourism.  These are important.  I am on the Chamber's Tourism Committee.  But Tourism Should Not be the only Leg our Economy Stands On! 


Gary Mondfrans - 2-year seat

Instead of more taxes and fees the business of Pacifica must be more businesses and the income such businesses produce. What is obvious to so many is that by by filing the vacant stores and storefronts that more revenue for the city can be be generated. First by encouraging people here in Pacifica to “Shop Pacifica First” by supporting our local businesses and their Pacifica friends and neighbors who work there, and 2nd, by bringing in more tourists and visitors to Pacifica to spend their “green” here in terms of their dollars and cents while enjoying our clean beaches, green hills and valleys.

I have consistently supported advertising efforts to bring more business into Pacifica. My fellow businesses, especially those here in Pacific Manor where my store is located, and those in the business associations I support, can confirm that and have I been working to reach people outside of Pacifica both in print and broadcast advertising. This is not inexpensive nor easy, still it must be done.

City leadership must also reach out to bring more business into Pacifica and by enabling those new enterprises who seek to establish business opportunities here in Pacifica do so more easily and without undo restriction. Pacifica City Council members must begin to attend meetings and be represented on regional agencies outside of Pacifica for our Sphere of Influence extends far beyond our City Limits and our location here at the gateway to our amazing San Mateo County coastline is a jewel we can use to attract both visitors and revenue for a vital future.


Mary Ann Nihart - 4-year seat

During my first term, I re-established the Economic Development Committee to accomplish three critical goals:  streamlining the planning department, improving and supporting our existing business districts, and developing a branding and marketing project for our city. 

Much progress has been made: The planning office has made great strides in the ease of processing permits, administrative decisions, and more. We are focusing on businesses districts as well, and in particular, helping home-based businesses move into storefronts.  We are developing a “movie night” during warm weather, to bring people into some of our shopping districts.  We are producing a new city map, and working on branding and marketing Pacifica.  As Mayor, I have met with a number of potential business owners and developers.  I continue to take those meetings today.

To continue this progress, we must keep working on out many projects already underway:

1.  Find the money to hire a real Economic Development coordinator.
2.  Promote the infill development of Palmetto and the Beach Blvd property, including marketing materials that illustrate the completed streetscape.
3.  Continue to reach out to and work with UC, Stanford and Sutter Hospital Group to promote a geriatric medical center and office building in Park Mall.
4.  Work with the Chamber to develop a process by which our City looks for, actively recruits, and supports new businesses.
5.  Work with the Chamber and the SMCCVB to develop tourism packages with hotels and other activities to draw visitors.
6.  Reinstate the Mayor’s Walks to reach out in our business districts, hearing directly from owners what they need from the City.


Susan Vellone - 4-year seat

I am currently working on a project with the Chamber of Commerce Hospitality and Tourism Committee. Pacifica can and will be a destination for seaside weddings. Venues such as hotels, restaurants, the Castle, and Sanchez Hall are available for all socio-economic levels. Relevant businesses will participate as a collective in producing/ financing marketing brochures and participate as vendors in Wedding Expos. This form of business and income will increase our TOT and sales tax for the General Fund.


Karen Ervin - 4-year seat

We need to change the anti business reputation Pacifica currently faces; reach out to interested businesses and encourage entrepreneurial efforts that match the city’s vision.  In addition we need to work with the Chamber to effectively market the city’s many attractions and encourage people to visit and stay in Pacifica.  We need to work with both commercial landlords and business owners to explore and create ways to make their businesses as successful and productive as possible in the given circumstances.


53 comments:

Anonymous said...

After these fables and the imaginative answers to the questionnaire I can say I'm still 100% for Mike O'Neill. That's about it. Probably vote for Ervin, too. Based on their track records.

Jeez what a mess we're in.

Anonymous said...

Attention Pacifica:

This is a test of the emergency broadcast system:

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

WE HAVE NO MONEY

Ok now back to your normal programing.

Anonymous said...

Notice how they all skate around the elephant? Unsustainable employee compensation. Unless we deal with it bankruptcy will always be looming.

Poindexter said...

"-Encourage school district to spend its $600K food budget in town."
Now how do you suggest we do that? Shop at Safeway! I would expect no less from a professional bureaucrat/EPA attorney who alledgedly threw a peanut butter sandwich at the PSD Superintendant in a fit of rage over the menu choices in grammer school. I can see him smashing pumpkins with a sledgehammer at council meetings because he disagrees with someone. Entertaining but not very effective governing. Be careful who you vote for.

Anonymous said...

Or I will throw a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the school board.

Take that you tax and spenders.

Anonymous said...

Other then Campbell, these people are blowing smoke. At least Campbell didn't bother wasting our time. O'Neil must be on crack - how many burritos can you buy for $600K?? I don't see many food wholesalers in Pacifica!

Steve Sinai said...

It was Campbell who said local schools should spend their $600K food budget locally, not O'Neill.

Hutch said...

So does that mean Campbell is the one who is "on crack"?

Willy Wishy-Washy said...

DeJarnatt, Digre, and Leo Leon all have yard signs supporting Campbell. If you had any question of the direction his tenure would have I would think that this would clear that up. And how does Cambell get both the Sierra Club and the Labor Council's endorsement?
That still is hard for me to reconcile.

nyuk nyuk said...

"How does Cambell get both the Sierra Club and the Labor Council's endorsement?"

Same way Vreeland did, tell them what they want to hear. If you liked Vreeland you'll love his Mini-Me.

Anonymous said...

You haven't been paying attention Willy. Getting both the Sierra Club and the Labor Council to endorse you is not hard. Lots of past candidates manage it here and elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

That was Campbell's ridiculous idea to have the school district spend their $600K food budget in Pacifica. Apparently the meal served his kid wasn't acceptable. How special. Can't introduce kids to being one of the entitled too early. Sorry, kid, you're stuck with the school district's bulk buys and the subsidies that influence them. Just like all the other public school kids. Pack a lunch!

Anonymous said...

That's actually pretty sneaky of Campbell to suggest the PSD spend their $600K food budget in Pacifica. Sounds like Shop Pacifica, doesn't it? It's not. It's just the guy's pet peeve. Had a school lunch trauma in the family so let's dump those bulk discounts and hit fresh and easy. Mini-me says me me me, it's all about me.

Anonymous said...

Willy what are you doing in that neighborhood?

Anonymous said...

the City gets 1% of sales as sales tax, so the 600k school lunch budget would bring the city 6,000 a year. great economic development plan Rich. did you, Leo Leon, Digre and De Jarnatt come up with that one?

Anonymous said...

Maybe O'Neil can use his talents at attracting the film industry to get us a reality show here. We can call it Real Bankruptcy......

Anonymous said...

In times like these we need someone who is tough and who wii stand up for our city. Campbell is that guy! Who else has the intestinal fortitude to throw a sandwich at the school board. He is the John Wayne of candidates.

Anonymous said...

Who is Gary Mondfrans and who is Karen Ervin? Never heard of either of them.

Anonymous said...

@330 Groceries (unprepared items)are exempt from sales tax. So, generating any sales tax revenue for Pacifica cannot be the reason Campbell wants the PSD to spend their $600K budget in Pacifica. He just doesn't like the school menu, wants an upgrade, and doesn't care
if he reduces the PSD buying power for the school kids' meals. That's a total fail for placing the wants of the few above the needs of the many. Sound familiar?

Are we surprised?

Anonymous said...

@348 Maybe he could, but I'd rather he use his considerable skills to avert a bankruptcy while on Council. We need him. TV stardom later.

Anonymous said...

@403 oh please, no reverse psychology
and no taking the Duke's name in vain

Anonymous said...

If you've never heard of Karen Ervin, you're so poorly informed you probably shouldn't vote. She was elected to the Pacifica School District board and served from 2006-2010. And if you've managed to miss Gary Mondfrans' many posts on local blogs, letters to the Tribune editor, and comments in Council meetings, you're not paying attention.

Anonymous said...

428 You've been probed.

Anonymous said...

ANON 4:28 PM Have no kids in public schools so the School Board does not interest me. Ervin was on School Board 4 years. So what? Four years is not enough time to get anything done in this town and that was 2 years ago. What has she done in the last 2 years? Never heard of her but I do take back that I never heard of Mondfrans. I just try to keep nonsense off of my wavelength. Someone is fronting Karen because she has enormous signs. Who could that be?

Anonymous said...

In Pacifica he/she with the biggest signs win.

Anonymous said...

@508, you think? ervin is another mini-me and we ain't talkin' vreelander and spano probably flying under the same flag

Anonymous said...

Karen has Zero experience. She is being set up to win to be a puppet. She is weak, uninformed and inexperienced. She will be easily manipulated. Just what we want.

Anonymous said...

She's as qualified as anyone running and probably more qualified than the current council.
And she is bright. You are correct, however, that she's been recruited to be a puppet. Tucked firmly under the wing of the puppeteer. Spano fits under there nicely, too. Bad news comes in threes.

Anonymous said...

1006 Just what you want? Hope that was sarcasm. If not, careful what you wish for. Things can always get worse.

Anonymous said...

I voted for Vellone last time and I'm going to do it again. And O'Neill. That 3rd vote? Wish I could vote twice for either of the above.

Anonymous said...

Over on the Index they're reporting on Pete's state of the city address to the Dems on Saturday. Mixed bag of good and bad news from him, but IMO very interesting that Susan Vellone targets the TOT and sales tax revenue as growth areas because those are the areas that did grow significantly in the past year. She's got the right idea there and there's no question about her experience as a longtime independent Pacifica business owner. I'm looking for someone with practical experience and the pragmatism that comes from it. Her record of community involvement is also impressive. Not showy, look at me stuff, but impressive and effective. I'm going to vote for her. And Mike O'Neill. That third vote? Think I'll pass.

Anonymous said...

Karen, is a smart lady but I wonder if she really knows how bad in a hole Pacifica is?

None of the noobie council people did and look they are jumping off the burning ship faster then you can say, rats off a burning ship.

Mary Ann, had an idea how bad financially the city was, but it was much much worse once she dug into the numbers.

Anonymous said...

Well, Vellone certainly has maintained a sucessful and beautiful business, one I have frequented myself.

I, also, have carefully watched Mike O'Neil handle the PSD and am pleased at how that is managed.

Two business's that benefit Pacifica and the people. I am not sure about anyone else. Here we have two candidates that we are able to clearly see their management style and the results of that style of management.The results are positive.

Another , I always vote against taxes, 99% of the time. I will be seeing which candidate supports the pacifica sales tax, which I will be voting for. I will be looking to see which candidate is for outsourcing the PPD, which I am against. See you Friday night and Good Luck to all Candidates.

Anonymous said...

Well, sometimes things are different that they appear

In order to run or manage a city you must be able to manage your own finances.

Anonymous said...

Karen may be smart but has no experience what so ever working with the city people. Notice all her signs are with Maryann's. What does that tell you.

Kathy Meeh said...

Anonymous 9:17 AM, I hope the rest of us will focus on voting for the best candidates we can. Buying into a half baked, likely not understood, scurrilous rumor from a sideways anonymous comment would be a mistake.

Did you also post the repeated 10:16 AM comment? More wisdom from an anonymous hit person, who cannot further explain their position, or put a name to their comment.

Anonymous said...

Everytime someone says something positive about Vellone we get a sneaky slimey little post like the one @917. Same sort of 2 line crap with typos has run a couple times at least. Always hints at the same thing. What should one think? I guess a Vellone win would upset someone's plans.

Anonymous said...

Ervin has school board experience and that's just as complex and almost as dirty and nasty as Pacifica City Council. Almost. Would she be Nihart's puppet? I think Nihart really thinks so. I'm not so sure, but, just in case, I'm voting for Ervin, O'Neill and Susan Vellone. That's about as fresh a start as we can make. And we need a fresh start.

Anonymous said...

anon 1006 you got a problem if you really think Ervin lacks experience and you don't like Nitart. Assuming you vote for Vellone, who you gonna call for that 2nd 4 year seat? Pass?

Anonymous said...

If Ervin "has no experience what so ever working with the city people," the same is true of all the other candidates except Nihart. That doesn't leave much choice.

Anonymous said...

New faces, please. I'd like 5 of 5but 3 of 5 will work. I've seen the parade of small town citizen-politicians on council over the last few decades and Ervin is as qualified as any and more so than many.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see who the chamber endorses for the 4 year. Maybe they'll just throw holy water on all 3 and let the voters sort it out.

Anonymous said...

That would be the smart play.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I can't wait to see who the chamber endorses for the 4 year. Maybe they'll just throw holy water on all 3 and let the voters sort it out.

September 18, 2012 9:33 PM

Who cares who the Chamber of horrors endorses. Its just a bunch of whiner realtors and bored business people with not enough work to keep them busy during the day. Just another excuse to smooze and drink.

The chamber endorsement means nothing.

Anonymous said...

anon 651 So sensitive. Is their an estrangement? You know it's a dull election (other than Campbell and the PB&J )and any cheesy drama is welcome. I think they'll play it safe and endorse all 3. Vellone is one of their own, Nihart has diligently wooed and won them, and Ervin is rumored to be Nihart's hand-picked candidate. What to do, what to do? Vote-wise you're right. Limited influence. Sierra Club and the Labor card always mean the most around here.

Kathy Meeh said...

"Sierra Club ...card always mean the most around here." Anonymous 2:26 PM.

Really? Guess more people need to be aware that the Sierra Club is against Pacifica progress. And with Sierra Club assistance, our city has achieved an inadequate and substandard economic and development infrastructure.

Yep, our NIMBIES love you local Sierra Club. You interfered with quarry development, and have been working against our highway improvement. The NIMBY slogan "Nothing for Pacifica" might as well have come from you, the Sierra Club. Hey, maybe it did.

Anonymous said...

Kathy, it's a dangerous fantasy to underestimate the appeal the Sierra Club holds for many voters in CA, particularly the SF Bay Area. You're not doing that, are you? They present a benign, even noble front and voters eat it up. They've got the budget for glossy PR with trees, beautiful scenery, majestic animals, Prius driving-Lear Jet flying celebrities. Too bad we can't launch a counter campaign with photos of "Trailer Park Pacifica, a Sierra Club Project."

Anonymous said...

anon 226 they mean squat on here.

Anonymous said...

Please the highway widening will not solve any problem,but it will create a bunch more. The quarry didn't go through because Peebles did a hurried job in trying to get it passed. If he would have taken a breath and collected real data on what Pacificans wanted and not some charade then it would have passed. Let the lambasting begin......

Anonymous said...

I only know lawyers and ceo's. That is why labor has no pull in Pacifica.

Anonymous said...

haha yeah sure you do

Anonymous said...

@407 Guess he didn't know it would take more than block parties with barbecued ribs, tri-tip, Don and Katrina in a few neighborhoods to buy Pacifica voters. Back then, anyway. Today he could build a refinery in the quarry and strip clubs on Palmetto for a few packs of safeway dogs and buns...and we'd be buying those.
Come back, Don, come back.

Anonymous said...

Using your house as an ATM makes a person a successful business owner?