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.