Qualification and Experience Statement

By Bruce R Frohman

A statement as to why I feel I am well qualified and experienced to serve on the Modesto City Council

Past Public Service: Chairman, Stanislaus Area Association Of Governments Citizens Advisory Committee for 3 years, 5 years membership on the committee ending in 1999. During my tenure, I often challenged basic assumptions and traditional ways of thinking, introduced new and innovative ideas, and always insisted on finding better ways to deliver services. Our committee made a difference. I am running for office now because I think I can make a difference.

Chairman, Stanislaus County Advisory Board On Alcohol Problems. I learned a lot about Alcoholism and Drug use and how the habits lead to crime, homelessness, and the breakdown of families. As a society, we enable people to destroy themselves by granting easy access to alcohol. Government cannot stop people from self-destructive behavior, but it can educate. As an elected official, I intend to increase the public discussion of the problem and search for solutions.

Member, City of Modesto Capital Facilities Fee Committee. I worked with City staff and other members to fully evaluate the cost of new residential growth to the community. After, the committee completed its work, the City Council raised fees by 54%. The reason Modesto is so short of cash became readily evident: new growth has been heavily subsidized for many years. In view of the fact that the council shaved off $100 million of the committee's budget recommendation for road improvements, residential growth is still heavily subsidized. The subsidy has caused overproduction of housing, leading to depressed property values compared to the rest of the state. The depressed values have resulted in a higher percentage of home foreclosures than elsewhere. Declining property values result in declining neighborhoods. People losing their homes don't maintain them. Before raising the fees by 54%, the city council allowed 4000 parcels to be vested at the old fee level, guaranteeing that the subsidies will continue for years. When a developer buys a large area of land for a housing subdivision, he does not donate park land that serves his project to the city. Nor does he resell park land at the price he paid for the land. Instead, the city allows him to mark up the price of the land to the full subdivided land value, giving the developer a windfall profit. As a result, the city does not have the money to immediately develop the park in the new part of town. New residents often go for years without a park. This policy needs to be changed.

Member, Planning For Growth Committee of Forward Modesto IV--an opportunity to learn much about city operations.

Co-wrote ballot argument for Stanislaus County Measure X, the Primary and Secondary Sewer Service Initiative. Approved by voters. The initiative ended the use of septic tanks by subdividers.

Co-wrote ballot argument for Measure M, City of Modesto Advisory Vote initiative. Approved by voters by 2/3 majority. The initiative requires an advisory vote of the citizens before annexations of land into the city. The initiative was written by a developer who was unhappy with city council decisions approving annexation of excessive amounts of parcels.

Co-wrote ballot argument against Measure P, City of Modesto Advisory Vote initiative proposing many annexations simultaneously. The measure was voted down by 2/3 majority. The City Council had already voted in favor of 8 annexations BEFORE the vote was held. Many voters have felt betrayed because it appears that the council ignores our wishes. I believe my views represent the wishes of the majority of voters. All three of the ballot arguments I wrote were upheld by a majority of the voters, twice by landslide.

Current employment: Employed by U.S. Government agency for 24 years. I have extensive experience in dealing with bureaucracies. I know how to get things done. I know when "we can't" means "we don't want" versus "we really are unable to".

Past Relevant Experience showing leadership ability:

President and Vice-President of G.O.A.L.: Growth, Orderly, Affordable, and Livable. President and Board Member: Oakmont Homeowner's Association President and Board Member for over 10 years: Fig Gardens Homeowner's Association As a licensed California Real Estate Sales Agent, I know California Law regarding real estate transactions.

I do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. I have never used or tried any non-prescription unlawful drug.

If you would like to help my candidacy, please tell your friends about me. Also, tell them about this web site. The more we know about our elected representatives, the better off we will all be.