Joe Kalmick
Of the many problems that a city must deal with, none is more troublesome or costly than litigation. For Seal Beach, the most pressing problem for the Council is the litigation regarding the DWP property. It is estimated that the City is spending between $40,000 and $60,000 per month on attorney fees.
The Council has to unravel the disputes with the DWP property owners as quickly as possible and stop this financial drain.
The City Council is going to be hiring a new city manager.
As has been suggested, an interim city manager needs to be brought in as soon as possible, preferably one who has previously worked for the City in that capacity.
At the same time, an executive search should be started for a permanent replacement.
Our city manager should have a strong background in fiscal responsibility and be able to show how he or she would maintain a transparent relationship with the city council.
The Main Street Specific Plan has to be reviewed and updated. Under the current standards, a Main Street building that recently sold will be allowed to remodel, the plans calling for reducing the retail space by half, and which will cut off access to alley deliveries and eliminate valuable off street customer parking.
This does not seem to be the way to enhance business in our community.
And finally, a Local Coastal Plan should be developed as quickly as possible. This will ultimately reduce the needless delays we currently face waiting for Coastal Commission reviews and decisions.
None of these challenges are insurmountable. The solutions require consensus and reason. I believe that I bring these qualities to my candidacy.
Please call (562) 397-4124 or e-mail any questions to joekalmick@gmail.com.
Ellery Deaton
After listening to residents at more that 20 neighborhood “Meet & Greets,” the City’s financial health is clearly the most important issue to us all.
Residents are concerned that dropping property values and sales tax revenues will impact their quality of life. Vacant storefronts on Main Street are a reminder that Seal Beach is in an economic downturn.
As Councilwoman, addressing the City’s response to these economic times will be my first priority. We are at a crossroads with the vacancy left by our City Manager.
It is incumbent upon the City Council to bring the City Manager’s contract into line with our current economic reality: no more paying his retirement contribution; no more automatic pay increases; no more expensive salaries.
That means we need to think creatively.
Perhaps for less money we can hire an experienced retired manager or maybe hire a younger manager who may not be as experienced, but whose vision is fresh and energetic and who wants to help us meet our goals instead of trying to transform us into something less.
I will make sure that every tax dollar is spent wisely. Our reserves need to be protected and only used to improve our infrastructure and pay down unfunded liabilities to strengthen our financial condition.
Our debt needs to be re-financed to lower interest rates. We don’t know how long this recession will last and we need to act accordingly.
As Councilwoman, I will put the people of Seal Beach first by making sure we hunker down financially to weather the current economic storm and to be sure that those who pay the taxes get the services they need to keep our small town quality of life.
The second most important issue to our District and all of Seal Beach is the development of the DWP property.
As your representative, I will insist on 70% open space for our community and be sure that the 30% north of Central Way be developed in a manner that reflects Old Town and is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
This piece of property has become very contentious with high legal fees being incurred by the City and the unsightly green fence blocking our Seal Beach sunsets.
I pledge to work to see this project completed without frivolous attorney bills, the green fence taken down, and the environment protected for us and our children.
Finally, I heard, “keep our small town village” from Old Town Residents.
And from Surfside, “help us with our fair share and let us govern ourselves.” As your Planning Commissioner I’ve worked with Old Town and Surfside residents to ensure that the quality and character of our neighborhoods are protected.
I pledge to continue listening, helping, and protecting our neighborhoods as your Councilwoman. www.ElectEllery.com.
