The Interviews: Council Candidate John Sieling

John Sieling, Broker Associate/Realtor, 33 year resident

Randy Royce: You were one of the few who mentioned outsouricng strategy. We’ve outsourced to Sheriff, Park and Recreation, maintenance and we’re doing some very creative things. How does it change how we manage those services and how do we measure success?

John: At end of the day it’s about execution, getting things done. I think we are faced with a lot of challenges and money is a big one, and execution is a big one too. It’s building a framework for making decisions and sticking to it.

Matt Grocott: We have requested the person we select to not run in the fall. I like your history, and I’m curious why I should choose you for this and exclude you for the fall?

John: Interesting question. I suppose, at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to, if the priority is to solve what’s in front of us, you pick the best person….I don’t care about November. Solve this first, worry about November later. Go now if you feel I’m the best guy for it.

 Bob Grasssilli: I have some experience in real estate. There is certainly an element of team play. You have to work with different folks. But essentially you are working for yourself. How do you think you’re going to fit in when you have one voice, and you have to listen to four others. You’re sort of a lone wolf and I want to know how that will effect how you work.

 John: The role of an effective realtor is a very collaborative worker. I’m by no means the ultimate expert. I have people to reach out to. I think there is actually a lot of give and take.

 Andy Klein: You are king for a day, what would you do if you could make any changes, or what would you change about the city if you could do anything?

John: I tend to think that working with the education system to prepare our children to be more effective thinkers in terms of life and social skills. We focus a lot on geography and math, but what seems to be getting away from us is the ability to be better citizens. If you can make more effective thinkers out of our kids in this community, it helps promote a more sustainable infrastructure. 

Editor's Note: San Carlos Patch is printing the highlights of each applicant's interview with the city council.