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By Kristin Kjaero
September 15, 2012 (La Mesa, Ca.) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosted the first City Council Candidate Forum, and East County Magazine was there to record so you can hear the candidates in their own words.
Below, we provide a link to each question asked on each topic, with some background material for those who wish to dig further.
Question 1: Council Compensation
Given the City Council is a part time position, what is your position on the City Council getting a lifetime pension and medical benefits? Would you propose any changes to those benefit packages?
Background: Council Compensation
As a large water user, should the City of La Mesa take a position on the Helix Water District rate increases that are coming?
Background: Latest rate increase 8-15-12
Question 3: Parking Meter Revenues
Raising parking fees has been suggested as a way of increasing revenues. What projects should parking revenues fund?
Background: Smart Meters
Question 4: PBID (Property-Based Improvement District)
What is your position on the proposed PBID?
Background:
La Mesa council discusses PBID, won't make final decision
Question 5: Unfunded Pension Liability
What do you plan to do about our $31 million unfunded liability that the city has incurred, and costs us about $2.3 million per year in interest alone?
Background:
Calpers Valuation Report (Misc.)
Calpers Valution Report (Safety)
How many City Council meetings have you been to in the last six months?
Question 7: Park Station/La Mesa Crossroads Project
Do you support the Park Station Project [La Mesa Crossroads], and what are your thoughts on the 18 stories and height limit?
Background:
Question 8: Cleaning Up La Mesa
How would you propose cleaning up La Mesa in regards to the homeless problem, gang activity around the trolley, and another proposed 7-11? Do you support a homeless shelter in the city?
Fair Trade USA has been lobbying the city to name itself a "Fair Trade City." Would you vote yes or no on this issue?
Background:
La Mesa votes down fair-trade designation
Question 10: Costs & Outsourcing
Exactly what would your plan be regarding outsourcing and specific things you would do to control costs?
Background: City of La Mesa Budget Information
Question 11: Candidate Closing Statements
Click here for our summary article, “Development Issues Dominate La Mesa Candidates’ Forum.”
The League of Women Voters will host the next La Mesa Council candidate forum on September 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the La Mesa City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa. All candidates have been invited.
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