In The Face of Change and Challenges, the Mayor Speaks Out

One recent afternoon, Mayor Randy Royce sat slouched and cross-legged in the City Hall lobby, dressed casually in a navy blue Hewlett Packard polo shirt, and spoke out about the biggest changes and challenges facing San Carlos.

During his 2010 State of the City speech, Royce's closing statements centered on the need for change. "Change is going to occur. We have to change." And for the past year, change is exactly what the city has experienced.  

"As Mayor this year, I don't think we changed enough," said Royce. "My whole theme was that this is the year we're going to change. But you need to make change where it is going to make a difference. We are halfway there. We need to do more."

Patch: Recently, the city council voted to outsource the police department to the County Sheriff's Office? What are your thoughts on that decision and how will it affect the residents of San Carlos?

Mayor Royce: "The sense I get from the people is that they are comfortable with the conversion, with the quality of service. It's a good business decision and the budget is the driving force. I think people have confidence and are comfortable with the retention of safety."

"Without contracting our police services to the Sheriff, we would've had to keep cutting. Our standard for safety in San Carlos is high. We're bringing the Sheriff in and it's going to get better than where it is."

"The Sheriff's office have been anticipating this and have held back on hiring. We are trailblazers in this, and as other cities outsource their police, our officers will move up the ranks of seniority, making their jobs more secure."

Patch: After five years of service to San Carlos, City Manager Mark Weiss will be retiring. What can you say about Weiss and his decision to step-down?

Mayor Royce: "Mark has been so valuable to our city. He has a tremendous knowledge base. He's financially oriented. He has been very good at making innovative business models. I really like working with him. We're partners. We challenge each other. I respect his opinion. He really does it all."

"I respect his personal goal of retirement and I think it's healthy for the city to change. It is a perfect time to bring in someone new to bring in more innovation."

Patch: What is the status of the schools in San Carlos? What does the future hold for this city's education system?

Mayor Royce: "Safety and schools are what make this city so great. Enrollment continues to grow. Every school we have, regardless of grade-level, is ranked in the 90th percentile. The quality is there. But we know the system, deep down is broken. That's the state of California system as a whole. Dr. Craig has a tremendous challenge ahead of him. 

Patch: In-N-Out Burger will be moving into San Carlos, and their arrival has caused some controversy and excitement among the people here. How do you feel about having In-N-Out as a neighbor?

Mayor Royce: "It has proven to be a professional business that provides a quality product. They pay their people well. They are environmentally strong. And the sales tax is attractive, as well as utilizing a patch of land that is an eye soar of weeds. There are less than half-a-dozen places to eat on the East side. It won't hurt smaller businesses and it will give our residents more options."

"The air scrubbers are a good idea, I think it's good that they've done that. I don't think it is all that necessary since the wind direction is southeast, blowing the smell of burgers and fries away from the city, but it's good nonetheless."

Patch: What does it mean for this city to have its own medical center?

Mayor Royce: "To have a first-rate facility in our city is a diamond sitting out there. It has tremendous value. We are spoiled. We now have medical access to Sequoia, Kaiser, and now the Palo Alto Medical Center. Having these specialists, and choices, it's just so great for our residents."

Patch: A garbage strike was recently an issue for San Carlans. How did it affect the people here and how did you react to the news that there would be a strike?

Mayor Royce: "I called the president of the union, Mr., Morales, and I said, "This is the mayor of San Carlos. I think your strike is impacting our citizens. I think it is childish and that you should work as professional adults." He was not happy with my phone call. I basically told him to do his job. How ridiculous."