Meet Margo Meiman, Candidate For Pacifica City Council

Age: 61

What is your educational background?

B.A. University of Virginia, double major in Economics and Spanish; M.Ed. George Washington University, masters in secondary education

What is your professional background?

After graduating from college, I spent three years in Washington, DC doing market research for the financial services and healthcare industries. I then transitioned into teaching—three years at Mount Vernon High School, followed by 20 years at Hillsdale High School—before retiring in 2022.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

What are the top three issues facing your district/constituents right now?

Pacifica's first major challenge is the structural deficit: without new revenue or cuts, we face a $2.3M shortfall for 2027-28, plus additional losses in state VLF funding. We must diversify our revenue sources while keeping our small-town, coastal character, and we must scrutinize all expenditures, including our consultants.

Second, District 5 residents are worried about safety. I'll work with Public Works and Police on traffic studies along Linda Mar Boulevard, especially at Peralta, and with Supervisor Ray Mueller and Police and Fire on evacuation routes. I'm endorsed by Mueller, Firefighters Local L2400, and the San Mateo County Labor Council.

Third is housing. Pacifica has become unaffordable for people of all ages. I'll encourage affordable projects on City-owned land, such as near the Sanchez Library. Growth should go where infrastructure exists, like Park Mall and the Linda Mar Shopping Center, while protecting our hillsides and open spaces. I'm endorsed by the Sierra Club.

What is one specific policy you would implement in your first 100 days?

I'm committed to cleaning up the pollution in San Pedro Creek! The good news is that there are many organizations already working on the issue, including Surfrider and the Linda Mar Water Quality Coalition. While it is a rather complex issue involving leaking sewer laterals and old sewer mains, the solution is straightforward: once the source of the pollution is definitively identified by scientists, we can pursue funding to fix it. I will ensure that the City remains actively involved in this effort, from public education about the problem to strengthening the City's existing sewer lateral replacement incentive program.

What is your plan to reduce homelessness, and how would you measure success after one year?

Homelessness is a regional problem that requires regional partners and regional, compassionate solutions. I intend to leverage and expand all of our existing relationships with neighboring agencies and nonprofits. I also believe we need to compare Pacifica's ordinances with those of neighboring cities to understand whether and how they're contributing to the recent rise in Pacifica's homeless population. I spoke with Anita Rees of the Pacifica Resource Center recently and learned that 25% of the Pacifica Resource Center's budget is allocated to homeless outreach and services. One of the challenges Pacifica faces is that we don't have temporary shelter within city boundaries; unhoused residents must wait for spots in Half Moon Bay, Daly City or Redwood City. Therefore, I intend to seek county and philanthropic funding for transitional housing and rent subsidies, even when those housing locations are outside Pacifica itself. I'd measure success in at least two ways: the results of the next San Mateo County one-day homeless count in 2028, and the number of people who have transitioned into permanent housing.

What is one specific change you would make to improve public safety?

Pacifica needs to adopt an electric bicycle ordinance. Too many riders—especially young riders—travel on e-bikes at excessive speeds. The ordinance would include speed limits for riders, a minimum age requirement, signage on trails, and an education component.

How would you improve transparency or accountability in local government?

Pacifica residents would benefit from a more user-friendly website where residents can find the information they need more readily. I would improve operational transparency by hosting dashboards or portals with searchable data on expenditures, revenues and the status of projects across all departments.

Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

Effective City Council work depends on building and sustaining relationships. Over six years of climate advocacy, I've built strong working relationships with elected officials, staff, and community members across Pacifica and the broader Bay Area. My service on the City's Climate Action and Resilience Plan Task Force—and now its implementation committee—has given me a close, practical understanding of how Pacifica's government operates. That operational insight, paired with a wide network of relationships, positions me to be a skillful Council member from day one. I'm proud to be endorsed by State Senator Josh Becker.

What changes, if any, would you support regarding the role of federal immigration enforcement agencies, including ICE, and how they interact with state and/or local governments?

I support Pacifica's status as a Sanctuary City: "The City provides services to all residents, regardless of immigration status. The Pacifica Police Department has a policy to not participate with federal agents to enforce federal immigration law."

What role do you believe government should play in regulating or supporting the development and use of artificial intelligence?

I agree with this position from the Sustainability Directory: "Governments and regulatory bodies can guide AI's development by setting ethical standards, ensuring fairness, promoting safety, and fostering innovation through funding and collaboration. They balance progress with public well-being."