Politics & Government
San Bruno CA: Questions and Answers - Salazar For San Bruno Council
Continuing series of articles by the candidates running for San Bruno City Council this November. The choice is YOURS.
Current San Bruno City Vice Mayor Michael Salazar is seeking your vote in the upcoming November 3rd 2015 election for another term as your City Council member.
In an effort to allow you as a San Bruno voter to better understand Michael’s background and goals, I have asked him the following questions and have printed his answers for your consideration.
In November the decision is yours.
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Q#1 What background characteristics will make you a good Councilman?
A #1 - I have to say that the ability to listen with an open mind is the most beneficial characteristic. I always try to listen and consider every opinion whether it comes from City staff, a resident or anyone else. I also tend to be very analytical which is important when trying to find solutions that benefit the residents most.
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Q#2 What accomplishments give you the background to be a good Councilman?
A #2 - The accomplishments that help me most as a Councilman are the ones related to our community. Raising my children in San Bruno brought me closer to the people in the community and gave me a new perspective on the importance of that community. Having served on one of the City’s citizen committees also gave me a flavor for public service and working with the City’s processes.
Q#3 What is the TOP problem that you as a Councilman will work on to fix and WHY?
A #3 - Fixing our aging infrastructure and maintaining a focus on ongoing maintenance will continue to be important to me. Often we focus so much on new development that we completely forget to take care of the assets we already have.
Q#4 What will you do as Councilman to improve San Bruno’s infrastructure?
A #4 - We need to stay focused on the needs and find new sources of revenue to address them. The increases in the water and waste water rates are addressing some issues but others remain unfunded. We have to make sure that the maintenance of roads, open spaces and public buildings are addressed
Q#5 What will you do as Councilman to increase funding and support of the San Bruno schools?
A #5 - While the funding decisions for our schools are made at the state level, we have been working for years to identify ways for the City and the School District to share resources and reduce costs. Councilman Rico Medina and I serve on the subcommittee that works directly with the school board. We will continue to partner with the Board and the new superintendent to help in any way we can.
Q#6 What do you expect to accomplish in your First 100 Days As Councilman?
A #6 - I have held this office for over 2000 days and I still have many things left to accomplish. The pace of government can be frustrating but I will continue my focus on transparency and the effective and efficient delivery of services to our residents. The work of the Council is a marathon not a sprint.
Q#7 What has been the BIGGEST mistake the current Council has made that needs fixing and WHY?
A # 7 - One mistake made by previous Councils is the neglect of the City’s infrastructure. In the past few years we have started to make larger investments in the water and waste water enterprises but other facilities still need our attention. Streets, buildings and recreation areas all need constant upkeep and may eventually need to be replaced. We must continue to find ways to fund these maintenance items.
Q#8 Please list how voters can contact you including your web page if you have one and list when you will be holding a “Meet and Greet” event, if scheduled.
A # 8 - No events scheduled yet but will be coming soon. In the meantime, I can be reached by email at msalazar@sanbruno.ca.gov.
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Robert Riechel
For San Bruno Patch
Photo Credit: San Bruno Patch Archives
Source Credit: Michael Salazar
