Chamber poses questions to Council Candidates
The Redlands Chamber believes the upcoming election is without doubt one of the most critical elections the City of Redlands has faced in years. The outcome will forever shape the future of our community. The leadership at the Chamber feels it is of utmost importance to learn as much about the candidates running for office of City Council as is possible.
In an effort to help the voters of Redlandsb etter understand the candidate and their platforms the Chamber Government Review Committee asked submitted the following questions to each candidate and asked them to return them to the Chamber office by Friday, September 28.
The Chamber leadership believes education is the best possible tool to success and informing the voters of Redlandsa bout candidates, their platforms, and positions is one small way to help enlighten those who will cast their votes in November.
The unedited response to the questions posed of City Council Candidates follows;
Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Mayor Pete Aguilar
- How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
As mayor and city councilmember for the past six years, I am proud of my involvement in the City ofRedlands. I graduated the University of Redlands and served as President of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity earning “Volunteer of the Year” in 2003. I am currently on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of the East Valley and the Community Advisory Board for The Redlands Community Hospital. I am the proud father of two young boys who attend schools in Redlands.
- What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
The next two years will require the city council to continue to be prudent with the city tax dollars. We need to continue to contain costs associated with employee personnel and compensation, invest in public infrastructure to create jobs and improve the appearance of the community, and ensure that state policies like realignment don’t negatively affect the community more than they already have.
- What issues need to be addressed immediately?
With six employee groups currently working without a contract, we need to address the employee compensation profile over the next few months. We have made very good progress and I expect that employees and the council all recognize the changes that need to be made. The city has publicly stated that employees paying for their portion of the retirement, containing healthcare cost increases, and creating a second tier for new employees are just some of the strategies that we propose to address rising costs.
- What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
During my term on the council we have balanced five city budgets and built a $6 Million reserve and collectively have over $12 Million in funds unallocated for day-to-day expenses. We have made tough decisions to ensure that Redlands will survive the economic downturn.
- What has been Redlands biggest failure in the past four years?
The inability to get the Redlands Mall owners to consider development proposals and partnerships continues to be a negative outcome for the City. The city does not own the Mall and is constrained by the intransigence of the ownership group that has not properly marketed the property or been willing to advance proposals.
- If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
We need to ensure investment in the city infrastructure. Recently enacted plans to pave and repair 75% of the streets and roads in the city must be done with citizen input and strict accountability. This will prove to support our economic development strategy by maintaining a wonderful community. We need to also acknowledge opportunities for city investments in parks and open space that will make Redlands a destination for visitors.
- What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
We need to retain our existing employers and businesses, encourage their growth, and be strategic about the types of businesses that are in Redlands. Streamlining the entitlement process, removing burdensome obstacles, and offering local businesses a fair shot at receiving city business are few ways in which the council has supported economic development in Redlands.
8. What is your opinion of commercial development?
Commercial development plays an important role in our local economy. We are rapidly becoming a service based economy that offers individuals an opportunity to become business owners. Commercial development needs to be thoughtful, held to high standards, prioritized to encourage job producers and willing to be part of the fabric of the community.
- What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
I have placed calls to current and potential businesses soliciting their feedback and asking what the City can do to support their business and the local economy. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and we need to be creative to attract and retain businesses in town. I have found simple calls to some of our sales tax generators in the city is very well received and creates dialogue that benefits everyone
10. Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
Yes.
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Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Pat Gilbreath
1. How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
I have attached a copy of my resume which demonstrates my involvement to better our City. I am currently serving an appointment to the San Bernardino County Museum Advisory Commission. I am also the Liaison to the Interact Club atCitrusValleyHigh Schoolsponsored by morning Sunrise Rotary.
2. What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
The City of Redlands has to address the current negotiations with employee groups in addition to manage future financial challenges. Budget allocations related to the infrastructure needs of our City must be a priority. We are currently years behind in maintaining our streets and infrastructure. This must be addressed to avoid even higher costs in the future. The Council recently approved a plan without a funding strategy.
3. What issues need to be addressed immediately?
Cost controls and a better allocation of the City’s budget to address unmet needs. The cost controls relate to employee negotiations to reduce personnel packages for current and future employee groups. Many other issues need to be addressed as to the Brookside Post Office Building and the need for a better facility for the Police Department.
4. What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
The biggest success I believe is the adoption of the requirement to produce a balanced budget each year and to build up the reserves to keep the City financially viable. The City was able to maintain fiscal stability on the short term basis even though the allocation for future revenues needs to be evaluated.
5. What has been Redlands biggest failure in the past four year?
The biggest failure in the past four years is the lack of development in the area of the Mall. This has been an area of blight which needs to be addressed and the City should be exploring and finding investment groups interested in developing this property. We need to attract those groups to facilitate finally getting some movement on that development.
6. If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
My primary goal for the next year is to get directly involved in the budget allocation process. We need to address the need to allocate a reasonable amount each year to take care of our crumbling infrastructure. I will also begin to look at development standards which need to be addressed in the area of the rail which will ultimately come to downtownRedlands.
7. What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
The development of the Mall certainly will be a top priority for me. Now that the property is out of bankruptcy protection the time is ripe to encourage development of a project in that area. Construction and financing costs are at the lowest in many years as an incentive to move forward on developments. Future development standards have to be addressed for transit oriented development to encourage use of rail and accommodate businesses in the area of the proposed stations. Looking at all the requirements to obtain entitlement to develop restaurants and businesses and modify them if possible to make our City more attractive for developers. We are currently viewed as a non business friendly City and that needs to be addressed. The plan includes working with the Chamber and local businesses to identify where the City can partner with them together to encourage additional development in our City. I will be working with the downtown merchants now that they are no longer in the Redevelopment Area to encourage retention and further development of boutique shops.
8. What is your opinion of commercial development?
Commercial development is very necessary in our City. We need to generate more sales tax and also to encourage the development of service businesses to attract future employment. We need to develop jobs to offer employment opportunities in our City. We are an attractive City and should be promoting that to future possible industries interested in relocating their businesses.
9. What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
We should develop the old concept of the “RED” team approach and be aggressively seeking industries which would be good targets for our City. We have a great deal to offer in the quality of life here and need to be promoting that. I will be working with the Chamber to develop that concept again as they did in the past, to be poised and ready when the economy improves and businesses begin to explore opportunities.
10. Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
In recent years I have been retired; however, I have been very involved with the Chamber in the past and was the Fund Raising Chair for the building campaign. I have also been involved in many of the Chamber activities which support local business. I support the plan 3/50 to assist local business and believe me I do more than my fair share.
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Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Michael Layne
1. How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
I served on the Redlands Cultural Arts Commission from 2007-2011 and as an elected member of the McKinley Elementary School Site Council from 2008-2011. For the past several years, I have volunteered extensive time coaching my kids’ Redlands AYSO soccer teams in the BU8, GU10, and GU12 divisions. Our two youngest children are involved in Redlands Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, which requires my wife and me to frequently participate in scouting-related community events.
As a Business Owner of a firm that specializes in Grant Writing and Grants Administration, I have also done work for local non-profits on a pro-bono and reduced-fee basis.
2. What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
There are four main issues facing Redlandsover the next two years, which our campaign will continue to focus on: (1) Public Safety – We continue to have more than 1,000 registered gang members living in Redlands. As such, it is critical that we figure out how to fully fund our Public Safety programs and services in order to keep our businesses, residents, and property safe. (2) Pension and Pay Reform: Our city must bring about meaningful pension reform for all unionized city employees through the collective bargaining process. Current pension and pay plans cannot be sustained long-term. As such, the city must work collaboratively with the various unions that represent city employees to bring about meaningful changes, which will address the mutual interests of all parties. However, my analogy is that you don’t have to demolish the entire house in order to fix a broken water pipe. In other words, we need City Council members who bring common sense to the table, who can address this issue objectively, and who have the political will to bring about the needed changes without trying to tear down the house. (3) Development & Redevelopment – the city must be proactive to facilitate new development and redevelopment projects in Redlands. The additional sales tax revenues these projects would bring are vital to the city’s long-term fiscal health. That being said, we should ensure that all development and redevelopment projects are consistent with Redlands’ historical charm and its image as the Jewel of the Inland Empire. The city’s charm and image are vital to attracting new residents and new businesses, as well as maintaining a strong local economy. (4) Doing more for Small Businesses – simply put: we need to do more for our local small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. “Doing more” includes helping all existing businesses in our community expand and helping all achieve long-term sustainability. While the city recently has made efforts to help local businesses- such as the Hatfield and Tom Bell car dealerships, we need to focus on doing more to help all of our small businesses. Anything we can do to help our small businesses grow and stay in business will ultimately be beneficial to local job growth and our sales tax revenue base.
3. What issues need to be addressed immediately?
All of the above. The aforementioned issues are all interconnected and important individual pieces of a comprehensive strategy to improve our community.
4. What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
Maintaining basic city services during an economic recession.
5. What has been Redlands biggest failure in the past four year?
The Redlands Mall.
6. If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
(1) Ensuring that city expenditures do not exceed revenues; and (2) creating more incentives for new development and redevelopment projects.
7. What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
The specifics of my economic development plan focus on using existing resources to spur the growth of local businesses with fewer than 100 employees. With CEO mentoring, market research, and assistance in accessing capital, we can maximize our efforts to move our economy ahead. We also need to move forward with the proposed Super Wal-Mart store in northRedlandsand identify new retail stores and development/redevelopment projects that are appropriate for the community. We also need more parking spaces to support downtown businesses. Additionally, we must do more to reduce the retail leakage that continues to impact our local businesses. Lastly, we need greater public-private collaborative efforts between RUSD and the city to address long-term workforce development needs.
8. What is your opinion of commercial development?
Generally speaking, I support small business development rather than large chain stores, and believe the city should do what it can to encourage and support their growth. However, there are certain areas in our community that were designed for-and are appropriate for commercial development. In a broad sense, commercial development is critical to creating new job opportunities and taxes for the city. The reality though, is that Redlandshas a limited amount of space available for commercial development. The commercial development and redevelopment projects we do pursue should be reflective of the town’s historical nature and its image as the “Jewel of the Inland Empire.” While that may not be possible in each and every case, it should be something that is closely looked at by all stakeholders in the decision making process.
9. What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
I support incentive programs to attract new businesses to Redlands. However, the city needs to make sure that incentives are also available to existing businesses in town. As far as what I would personally do, I would make myself accessible 24/7 to any individual or groups that have an interest in bringing a new business to town. Additionally, I will attend any necessary meetings or functions to help foster and solidify relationships with key stakeholders.
10. Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
NO – I am not a member. I have spent the past three years getting my business up and running, as well as developing a pipeline of clients. Now that I am somewhat more established, I plan on joining the Chamber by the end of 2012 and participating as an active member going forward.
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Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Mike Saifie
- How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
I am Long Term Y member and supporter. Also, I am Toast Master elected division governor and sit on the advisory board. I am severing the community of Redlands for past 7 years as a County Employee overseeing the well being of every citizen. I volunteer my time for organization serving the Redlands Community including for our seniors.
2. What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
Fiscal budget imbalance and infrastructure improvement will lack the resources and funds. Bankruptcy is the real threat to city.
3. What issues need to be addressed immediately?
Public Safety on the North Side and need enticing small business back into Redlands.
- What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
Keeping the Redlands Bowl going and start indexing streets which needs to be repaired.
- What has been Redlands biggest failure in the past four year?
Increase in water bill for it residents and not being able to completely balance budgets and not being able to ask Fire and Safety staff to contribute more towards their pension and health care cost.
6. If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
Enticing more business to Redlands and lower fees to business permits. Make city business friendly community.
- What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
Allow Wall Mart to expand at their existing location. Clean north lands out of gang activities and bring more business in north Redlands.
- What is your opinion of commercial development?
It will bring more revenue to city.
- What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
Lower permit fee and give tax incentive for new business to move in.
- Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
I will join after election. I don’t want to join during election season otherwise people will say I only joined Chamber to get Chamber community votes.
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Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Lane Schneider
1. How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
My community involvement is primarily a one-on-one personal involvement. I live in a neighborhood with a number of older people in it. There are several widows on my block with whom I have been involved ever since they were widowed years ago. Along with my husband, I have helped these ladies over the years with whatever they have needed. Looking out for them, doing little chores, helping with computers and technology, doing errands, driving them places, spending time with them, encouraging them—these are the types of things I do. This kind of involvement with people is community involvement at the most basic and intimate level. When my daughter was young I was involved in an outreach to young mothers that was created and organized through my church. I wrote newsletter articles, led a small group, and also worked in childcare.
There are a number of community outreach programs at the church I currently attend, and I have volunteered in some of those, primarily in the worship ministry as a musician, and most recently the Micah House Backpack Giveaway event onOxford Street.
I have supported various community arts programs, such as Art in the Park, the Redlands Bowl and the Redlands Symphony, with my attendance and subscription membership.
2. What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
Getting our financial house in order. This means cutting spending, reducing the regulatory burden on businesses and homeowners, and addressing the unfunded liabilities we have in pensions and benefits for public safety and city employees.
3. What issues need to be addressed immediately?
I think spending needs to be addressed first. Find places to cut—programs that are no longer necessary or are just too expensive for now. This is common sense—it’s what we all do in our own lives. It’s time to apply this to our city.
4. What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
I rank the growth of Hangar 24 Brewery as a top local success.
5. What has been Redlands biggest failure in the past four year?
The failure to come up with a solution to the closing of the Redlands Mall, and the accompanying blight.
6. If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
I’m keenly interested in knowing what is “working” in the business environment in Redlands. I want to discover the factors leading to success for local business, take that information, and apply it to governmental policies regarding business. I believe public policy-making needs to be more focused on encouraging success rather than stifling it by over-regulation or excessive fees and bureaucracy. I’m researching this now as a candidate, and it is my goal to put what I learn into practice by implementing more business-friendly policies (and eliminating ones that stifle growth and success) in Redlands.
7. What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
I have alluded to it above. I want to focus on what has worked well for successful businesses in town, and apply what I learn to policy-making. The changing of regulations, taxes, fees, etc. will take time to implement, but it is a high priority. I also want to identify existing legislative barriers to business success, and eliminate them wherever possible.
I agree with the recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce report on California jobs and growth (http://www.thecaliforniacomeback.com/), which said that the path to economic development is to “end the addiction to government spending, reform public employee pensions, and rein in excessive taxes, regulations, and lawsuits in order to revitalize the entrepreneurial spirit of California’s talented workers and businesses.” This is what I plan to focus on in Redlands.
Regarding regulations, it is not enough to just put “overlays” onto existing regulation. Burdensome regulations need to be eliminated or changed entirely. We must actually read the ordinances and regulations governing business in Redlands and see where we can eliminate or change some.
I am opposed to fees being levied to replace tax revenue.
8. What is your opinion of commercial development?
Commercial development is necessary for the life of a city. It should be treated fairly.
9. What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
I plan to personally reach out to businesses and companies that seem like they would be a good “fit” here in Redlands. I do not think that we market our city and its great qualities enough to some of the more upscale businesses. There are businesses in other cities in the Inland Empire that might establish an outlet here if they were encouraged to do so.
10. Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
Yes, I am a new member of the Chamber. My business, Lane Schneider Dot Com, is a home-based graphic design and illustration business. Because my business does not have a public storefront, I did not realize that I could join the Chamber of Commerce. You can see samples of my work here: http://thecreativelane.com.
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Chamber Survey Questions Answered by Don Wallace
1. How are you currently involved in the Redlands community? Elaborate on your community resume.
As a third-generatioRedlandnative with over thirty-five years of business and governmental accounting and auditing experience, most of my adult life has been spent in service to our community. As a product of the Redlands school system and participant in youth sports, scouting and the YMCA growing up, I know my community. One of the primary ways I serve is through Redlands Christian Center, a church my wife and I founded and have pastored for over twenty-five years. Our Church focuses on ministry outreaches to children of all ages through events like: Vacation Bible Schools, Harvest Festivals, Christmas shopping with needy children and other activities targeted to engage young people in a positive way. Of course we also minister to adults, dealing with family and marriage issues which help bring stability to our homes and community, as well as conduct regular church services which are video broadcasted on the Internet.
Other ways I serve our community is through volunteer work with:
- Redlands Police Department’s Air Support Unit. As a pilot for the program for about four years, I have logged over four hundred of hours of service. Working with members of our Police Department, this Unit provides needed air surveillance helping to prevent crime in our community and supporting ground efforts in tracking offenders.
- Kiwanis Club of Redlands. As a member of Noon Kiwanis for seven years, I have served in numerous office positions and committees and continue to work on our major fundraising events including our Pancake Breakfast, the Run Through Redlands and the Christmas Parade. Money raised by this Club produce annual scholarships to our High School Seniors as well as donations to many other worthwhile projects in our City. This also includes donations to our Police and Fire Departments. I was honored to receive the Kiwanis Divisional Max Trayer Spiritual Aims Award for my volunteer efforts.
- Cop’s & Clergy Network. The efforts of this organization partners these two groups together to save lives of young people that are at risk. I have worked with the Cop’s & Clergy Network since its inception.
- Joseph’s Storehouse, Family Services and the Redlands Homeless Shelter and Coalition. I have been involved and volunteered with these groups for over 20 years.
- Redlands Community Music Association through Red Shirt Ushering. I also volunteer time for activities my wife is involved in as a board member of the Redlands Community Music Association and as past president of the Associates of the Redlands Bowl.
- Redlands Daily Facts. I served a term on the Community Advisory Board.
2. What are the major issues facing Redlands over the next two years?
I believe that the decisions our City Council Members will be making in the next few years will determine the future viability of our City. The current financial picture of our City is bleak and measures need to be taken immediately to prevent Redlands from duplicating what is happening toSan Bernardino. I will briefly address four main areas:
- Debt and Unfunded Liabilities (Pensions): If not seriously addressed and solutions found, these will continue to contribute to the decline of services and deterioration of our infrastructure, thus impacting our citizens and creating an even harsher environment for our business community.
- Salaries & Benefits: The salaries and benefits of management/upper management positions have escalated to levels far above the private sector. With the downturn of revenue, this weight has caused layoffs of city employees, reduction of services and created a negative environment in our city morale.
- Infrastructure: Our roads, trees, sidewalks, and city owned buildings have been neglected for years. Their current condition is dangerous and unacceptable. The once beautiful landscape ofRedlands, enticing our citizens and visitors to our City is rapidly declining and becoming an eyesore in many areas.
- Business Development: There is no formal City effort to bring new businesses to town or to help existing businesses expand. With the elimination of the Community Development function from our City, we have no advocacy effort other than the Chamber of Commerce for our current and prospective business owners in our City. We need to create an environment that recognizes the benefits of partnership between City governance and a thriving business community.
3. What issues need to be addressed immediately?
All four of the above issues need to be addressed immediately. There is no quick fix, but we must seriously address these issues now so that several years down the road we will be making positive progress.
- We must find a solution to the City’s pension issues and we can not rely on the State to fix this. The expectations of employees and the unions must be adjusted to sustainable levels soRedlandscan avoid bankruptcy. We must also strive to eliminate our debt as quickly as possible, avoiding the trappings of refinancing our debt.
- Salaries should be adjusted to comparable levels with the private sector instead of the inflated levels of other municipalities. Each employee should contribute to their retirement and health coverage in similar percentages as compared with the private sector.
- Savings recognized from pension reform/salary changes as well as management reorganization will free up funds to be used on deferred infrastructure maintenance projects. By doing so we also minimize the City’s liability for injury and other claims.
- The City needs to employ a professional that will not only bring new business to Redlands, but will also assist our existing business community in growth and expansion plans, working closely with the Chamber of Commerce.
4. What has been Redlands’ biggest success in the past four years?
Though our city has grown in population and faces serious financial and infrastructure issues, we have maintained a tremendous spirit of volunteerism and a willingness of our citizens to be involved in the future development of our City. Our care for the less fortunate and desire to preserve our history and green space is also in the forefront of our successes. We have been willing to support the historical preservation of many of our wonderful landmarks and homes in our City through time and monetary donations. Redlandsstill has that small town feel and charm that makes us the envy of most communities in southernCalifornia. Leaders in our City need to continue to foster the spirit of community involvement and support that our citizens are willing to lend by creating more open communication and input to our City government.
5. What has been Redlands’ biggest failure in the past four years?
Redlands biggest asset is the people who live in and love this City. When our City started relying on out of town consultants and hiring management employees who don’t even live in our town, we began to lose sight of the inherent values that have madeRedlandsthe unique City that it is. Without the personal investment in our City and the desire to pass it on to their children and grandchildren, our tax money has been spent unwisely and economic development efforts have been crippled. This has created, in my opinion, a future forRedlandsthat does not reflect the values of our citizens and a City that we will not recognize if left unchecked.
6. If elected, what would be your primary goal for the next year?
We must have a management team that is invested inRedlands and a management structure that makes business and economic sense. My education (B.A. Administration –Accounting) and over thirty-five years of accounting, auditing and management experience in private industry and government equips me to bring accountability to our city’s financial activities. As a result of meeting with many individuals who have worked with and in the City, I already have a good understanding of critical issues that need to be addressed or brought to the public’s attention. As a City Council member, I would be in a position to seriously address the items in question 2 above and begin to make changes in management of our City. I am not afraid to ask hard questions and bring difficult discussions to the table.
7. What is your economic development plan for Redlands? Be specific about your plan.
My economic plan is two-fold. As mentioned in #3 above, we must have a professional working every day to bring new business to town and who would also work closely with the existing business community. Secondly, we must change the City environment to one that is pro-business. The City of Redlands has had a reputation for making it difficult on development projects and business expansion. Excessive fees also contribute to this problem and must be evaluated and changed to encourage growth.
8. What is your opinion of commercial development?
Like all development, we must be thoughtful and consider long term issues instead of just short term revenue. I believe a city and its citizens are best served with a balanced mix of commercial development. For example, we don’t want to primarily have just warehouse development in our City. We should seek professional, hi-tech, retail, restaurant, entertainment and other types of business that would encourage local business traffic and attract out of town visitors as well.
9. What do YOU plan to do to attract businesses to Redlands? Be specific.
I would like to meet regularly with the person hired to bring new business to town and help with the growth and expansion of existing businesses to ensure progress in reaching specific goals. These goals should be developed coordinating the City’s Economic Development Plan and input from our business community. Also, I would work to reduce excessive fees and assessments that might otherwise drive new business to neighboring communities.
10. Are you a member of the Chamber? If not why not?
I am not currently a member of the Chamber. While ministry commitments and other volunteer work I do in our Community have certainly caused me to work in tandem with Chamber goals, I have not joined due to my time commitments to these other organizations. I would certainly consider membership in the Chamber if elected to City Council, as a large constituency of ourRedlandscitizens are small business owners or are employed by our businesses. I strongly support the mission of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and I believe in being active inRedlands!
