Positions on the Issues

By Harold Cicerone

As presented in the Pacifica Tribune, September 21, 2004:

Harold Cicerone

2. Age, Education, Professional Background and Employment.

47. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1980. For the past sixteen years I have worked for the orthodontic division of a billion dollar dental company. My current position is Western Regional Manager. I am responsible for our west coast sales force and meeting multi million dollar company goals.

3. Personal information you would like to share.

I am married to Brenda, and we have two boys, Dominic who is eight and Mario who is five. I enjoy gardening, family time, and spending time with friends. I spend time listening to music, mostly tunes I grew up with. During football season we go over to Berkeley and see the CAL Bears.

4. How long have you lived in Pacifica and why did you choose to settle here?

I have lived in Pacifica for fifteen years. In my early thirties I was living in San Francisco, and wanted to buy a home. I wanted to buy a home where I could raise a family, and be able to enjoy the ocean, and the outdoors. Pacifica was the ideal choice.

5. How would you assess the current direction and leadership of the City of Pacifica?

On one hand, I think there is much to be thankful for. The beach project is beautiful, and I am excited about the work that has begun on the new skate park.

My criticism is that we as a city are reactionary and not proactive. I am a firm believer in goal setting and implementing plans to achieve them. I do this both in my personal as well as my professional life. I would like to bring a goal-oriented approach to our city government. I am disappointed that we have not moved forward on our efforts to further research a Strategic Plan that was approved last November. As Chairman of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I was thrilled that the Council authorized staff to implement the Steering Committee report Focus on the Future. As has been the case with so many plans in Pacifica, it has gone dormant. If we were to set goals, along with time lines for completion, we would see different results.

Additionally, as leaders of the city I feel we should take a more proactive approach with our local businesses. I would work with the Linda Mar Shopping Center owners to get the vacant shops filled with business that we all want to patronize.

6. What prompted you to decide to run for election or re-election?

I believe in giving back to the community, and I think I can make a difference in how we run our city. I also find the work enjoyable and rewarding. Perhaps the most rewarding part of all the volunteer work I have done over the years is that it really can make a tangible difference to the lives of our citizens. Whether it's helping to shape a project as a Planning Commissioner, or working for solutions for our libraries as a Library Foundation board member, the results can be measured. It is something I am proud of, and gives me a great feeling of satisfaction.

7. Please provide your personal assessment of the following topics and how you might address them as a City Council member:

A: The Rockaway Quarry and its relationship to the Redevelopment Area and any future development there.

This is the eighteen million dollar question. I am in favor of Quarry development, but not as a large housing development. The Trammel Crow proposal was a large-scale housing development with retail as an afterthought.

Two years ago the voters of the city overwhelmingly defeated a proposed development that included a large housing element. That sentiment has not changed. With an eighteen million dollar price tag, any developer will need large-scale housing to make the project economically viable. Unless the purchase price of the site is reduced, I do not see any development of the Quarry in the near future.

I am in favor of appropriate development on the Quarry Site, if we are to create a town center. I think it needs some type of mixed use, and residential to feed the retail, and help create a revenue source for the city. An extension if you will, of the development already existing at Rockaway. If the purchase price were reduced, a developer could put together a proposal that would be acceptable to Pacificans, provide us with needed revenue, and meet the economic needs of the developer.

B: The former Sharp Park Sewer Site oceanfront property, including the current City Council Chambers.

My view is that this is the most valuable property the city owns. Any development must include a continuous revenue source for the city. We need retail shops that fit our coastal environment and meet the shopping needs of our residents.

C: The city-owned property in Sharp Park, including the current City Hall.

These too are valuable properties. I am not opposed to using them in a land swap deal with developers if it leads to a continuous revenue source for the city at another site, the Sharp Park Sewer Plant site for example. I am adamantly opposed to selling them to balance our budget, or to pay for public services. If we were to sell them, the money would be spent, and we would be left with nothing.

D. The city-owned property in San Bruno at Sneath Lane.

At this point, I think the city should sell this property as soon as possible. I think our council and staff must work with and meet face to face with the San Bruno City Council to do all we can to get as much money as possible for the property for the taxpayers of Pacifica.

E. The Little Brown Church, along with the two different ballot measures that are part of the Nov. 2 election.

It just should not have come down to this. While supportive of the Little Brown Church, I am not in favor of making the city responsible for its maintenance or retrofit. We simply cannot afford it. Having said that, I am disappointed that an arrangement could not be reached regarding the LBC. While a compromise appears to now be reached, why did it take so long? If the city were more proactive in their discussions with the Historical Society a settlement may have been reached that could have avoided this embarrassing situation.

F. Fees for parking at the Pacifica State Beach. The overall renovation of the beach and San Pedro Creek Flood Control project.

I am strongly in favor of no parking fees for Pacifica residents. If your car is registered in Pacifica there are no parking fees. Pacifica residents have paid for our beach costs for years. I believe visitors should help pay their own way. We have to be able to keep our new beach clean, and free from vandalism. One of the ways to pay for enforcement is through parking fees for non-residents.

G. Pacifica's infrastructure has suffered from "deferred maintenance" for many years. What is your feeling about the city's current infrastructure status and what would you like to see happen?

As with so much in our city geography plays a role. A few years ago, the city was able to undergo a major repaving project. Unfortunately, many parts of Pedro Point, Vallamar, and East Sharp Park (by the Castle) were not repaved. The roads are in terrible disrepair, and their condition is getting to the point where more than simply repaving will be needed. Because of our weak economic infrastructure we do not have the funds to do the necessary maintenance. It is another reason why I support measure A, and will lobby Sacramento for local assistance.

H. With 40,000 people and an annual budget of just over $20 million, Pacifica is fairly unique. What is your assessment of how Pacifica spends its money? Is there waste in your opinion? How do you rank Pacifica's budget priorities?

I think overall the city has done as much as they could given the limited recourses available. Important services were maintained and funded. Police and fire, public works, PB &R, the resource center and our libraries all were funded. A fire assessment parcel tax that I supported was passed to help maintain and improve our fire services.

One area that does concern me is the budget for our City Attorney's office. I do believe, and want to stress, that it is imperative that the city defends itself from lawsuits. Having said that, a city of 40,000 people with a $20,000,000 budget cannot afford nearly 10% of its budget, or close to two million dollars a year, on the City Attorney's office. The budget does not include any judgments or attorney fees that have been made against the city and are now on appeal.

Truthfully, at this point I cannot say for sure that there has been waste, and these huge expenditures may be warranted. Correctly, many of the legal decisions have been made in closed session. I can say that we cannot afford to be sued. We must set as a high priority, the implementation of lines of communication between all our department heads that alert us to any potential litigation. Council must get involved at the early stages to resolve potential litigation.

I also feel our budget process should be more public and more detailed. With modern PC accounting programs we could produce quarterly or monthly line item budget reports that will allow us to closely track how we are to budget, and alert us of pending problems. Having current, correct, information available is the key to good management.

8. Pacifica has two library branches and is a member of the county Joint Powers Authority. Describe what you see as the current situation involving the libraries and identify what recommendations, suggestions or direction you would like to offer, if any. Are you in favor or opposed to the notion of consolidating Pacifica's library resources into a single, modern library facility?

As an original member of the Pacifica Library Task Force, and currently serving as Past President of the Pacifica Library Foundation, our libraries future is of the utmost importance to me. It is important for me to state that the views I am expressing are my own, and not that of the Pacifica Library Foundation.

I was thrilled that the city was able to come up with the necessary funding for our libraries in this year's budget. While impossible to look at future budgets through a crystal ball, I believe libraries are an essential public service and should be funded as such. I believe as a community we must decide how to answer the question of what type of library services we need. I personally feel that we must always keep the Sanchez Library open, as it is so important to those in the south end of town. A new modern library could be located more centrally. By first assessing our true needs and desires, we will then know what must be done, and we can implement a plan to achieve it.

9. What is your understanding of the city's legal situation as it relates to the "Fish and Bowl" projects and North Pacifica LLC? What advice or recommendations would you offer as a City Council member? Also, please comment on your opinion of the ongoing litigation involving former City Manager David Carmany. Are you satisfied with the city's legal representation arrangement? (Pacifica has alternated between having a contract attorney and a staff attorney relationship. Do you have a preference?)

I apologize in advance for the lengthy answer, but this is a critical issue. How it resolves itself will have a profound impact on our city for many years.

In my view, the situation is dire. To the best of my understanding, the city is presently facing approximately five million dollars of judgments against it. They are currently on appeal. The judgment phase of another suit will come shortly. Members of Council that I have spoken to are optimistic that the city will prevail on the appeals. I hope they are correct.

While certainly no legal scholar, I have read many of the public documents that relate to the Fish & Bowl, and I am not as optimistic about the outcome. I understand that settlement negotiations have taken place, but thus far have not been successful.

I truly believe, at this point, the relationship between the City and Mr. Fromm of North Pacifica, has gone beyond business, and is now personal. In my view, the deep feelings of resentment will hamper any settlement. As a new Council member, with a background in business and negotiations, I would pick up the phone, call Mr. Fromm, and ask him to meet me. It would be my hope that we could have a discussion that would lead to good faith negotiations, and a possible settlement. If necessary, I would suggest bringing in the expertise of the American Arbitration Association or other like organization to assist in the process.

While there is, in my view, a slim chance of Pacifica winning on appeal, there are still lawsuits pending with North Pacifica and Mr. Fromm. There were a total of nine lawsuits on the agenda at the September 13th City Council closed session meeting. Eight of them were regarding North Pacifica. Should the city fail on appeals, the cost of litigation alone, not to mention legal fees and judgments, will be staggering. While it is imperative that we look after the city's best interest, I believe we must further explore the settlement these suits. We must put this all behind us, so that we can plan for the future with certainty and clarity. As I mentioned in an earlier question, we must also put into place a line of communication that alerts us to potential litigation, and Council must be involved at an early stage to minimize any future litigation against our city.

As to the litigation with David Carmany, I have only read the documents that were made public after his termination. I think the city must weigh the cost of litigation against a settlement. If possible, I believe a settlement should be reached. We have to move forward, and not dwell on the past.

10. Many people believe Pacifica has a history of being hostile to growth or commercial development. What is your position on the city's reputation? Is it fair? What is the City Council's responsibility when it comes to commercial development? How do you view the council's responsibility for economic development? Is there anything you would like to see occur in Pacifica, from an economic viewpoint?

While I may disagree with the word hostile, I think Pacifica is clearly opposed to massive large scale commercial and housing development, and I am in agreement with that premise.

I think it is the City Council's responsibility is to be a scale if you will, that balances our economic needs, with the desire to protect Pacifica's natural assets. To work closely with local citizens groups, and potential developers, so as to reach conscientious on projects that can actually enhance Pacifica's reputation as an environmentally conscious city, but yet brings us revenue that we so desperately need.

11. On the other hand, Pacifica also has a reputation for protecting open space and having tremendous natural beauty. What is your opinion of Pacifica's natural resources? What is your view of the city's relationship to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?

I believe most of us to some degree moved to Pacifica because of its natural beauty and open space, and I am no exception. I look at out the GGNRA land on Milagra Ridge everyday from my home. I feel the GGNRA land is an extremely important part of Pacifica's natural beauty, and the city should work in concert with the GGNRA to assure our citizens access to our beautiful open space.

12. Do you have a philosophy about housing as it relates to the future of Pacifica? What is your assessment of the Pacifica housing market and how do you feel about the concept of "affordable housing" as it relates to government policies?

Pacifica's property tax base, and most Pacifica homeowners, have benefited greatly from the rising costs of homes. On the other hand, many young families, and first time homebuyers are being squeezed out of town by escalating costs. Many simply cannot afford to live here.

I am supportive of efforts to create affordable housing. I believe it must be done with a measured approach that does not put too much of a burden on potential developers. This can be achieved by using density bonuses and in-lieu fees. In-lieu fees can be used in creative ways that not only pay to administer the affordable housing program, but can in fact be used to help eligible families with down payments.

13. Identity three areas or topics of primary concern to you as they relate to your potential role as a leader in Pacifica. What would you take on as a "champion" if you could select any local issues?

I am in favor of a community based comprehensive strategic plan. The Pacifica Strategic Plan Steering Committee, that I chaired, presented its recommendations Focus on the Future to the Council last November. The recommendations were approved on a 4-1 vote. Since that time, nothing has happened. I firmly believe that a community-based strategic plan will give us the road map we will need to follow that allow us to balance our love of the environment with our economic needs. To accomplish this I will work to foster our community wide citizen involvement and volunteer efforts that are the signature of our community, and a clear sign of our cities vitality. If anyone would like a copy of Focus on the Future please contact me.

I will work closely with our state legislative leadership Senator Speier and Assemblyman Mullin, to keep our property tax dollars in Pacifica so we can fund our local programs.

I would also like to continue to work for the needs of our libraries. I believe our libraries are an integral part of our community and benefit young and old alike. The Pacifica Library Foundation is working hard to reach out to the community through public forums, and by developing relationships with all of the various organizations in our city to help access our library needs. I would look forward to a positive constructive relationship with the PLF, the Friends of the Library, and all who care so deeply about our library situation in Pacifica, to chart a course for a secure future for our libraries.

14. How do you feel about Measure A (re-establishing the half-cent county sales tax to fund transportation projects)? Do you think Pacifica gets its "fair share" from Measure A? Will you vote in favor of the Measure?

I support measure A and will vote for it. I believe Pacifica gets its fair share, and we are about to receive a large amount of money from Measure A funds to widen Highway 1. While the widening will be done using all possible mitigation measures to protect our environment, the traffic congestion on Highway 1 must be fixed.

15. What is your opinion of the Highway 1 widening project, known as the Calera Parkway? Do you feel traffic congestion warrants this project or would you handle it differently? Do you have any comments on how this project could affect future development along Highway 1, the Quarry or proposed developments near the Fassler intersection, particularly the recently proposed condo project on the site where the previously approved hotel project known as the Sea Rock Inn was located? Is traffic a major concern for you as a potential council member?

As I mentioned in the previous question, I am supportive of an environmentally sensitive widening of Highway 1 using Measure A funds. We do have a traffic problem during the commute hours. I live by the Castle, and on a few mornings, it has taken me longer to make a round trip to drop off my son at preschool in Linda Mar than for my wife to drive to her office in Cupertino. I think traffic is an issue.

Any future development on the Quarry Site or anywhere on Highway 1 must be acceptable in all phases of the development, and that includes traffic. If they are unacceptable, they will not be approved.

16. What is your assessment of the Devil's Slide Tunnels project and its potential impact on Pacifica? Are you in favor of seeing it begin soon?

I think the tunnel should be built, and Devil's Slide must be fixed before more lives are lost. The trail system must also accompany the project, so as to give further access to our natural resources.

17. What is your assessment of public safety in Pacifica? Especially the North County Fire Authority and the Police Department. Did you support the recent Fire Suppression Assessment District? Are you satisfied with the way that turned out?

I think overall our public safety in Pacifica is very good. I did vote for the Fire Suppression Assessment District, but it is my hope that with proper leadership and goals, revenue can be found that will make the assessment not necessary in the future. I think both our police and fire departments do an excellent job, and we should all take a minute when we see them on the street and say thank you.

18. Identify two "pet peeves" you may have about Pacifica.

I have a number of "Pet Peeves" but they can almost all be taken care of very simply. Code Enforcement. We have a very good code enforcement officer, but he is not allowed to do his job. As it stands today, he can only react when a complaint is filed. No one wants to "rat" on their neighbor or cause problems for people. As a result, very few complaints are made. Let our code enforcement officer do his job, use his good judgment and common sense, and most of my "Pet Peeves" will disappear.

19. Identify two of your "favorite things" about Pacifica.

The ocean. I love to watch it, and play in it.

The wonderful sense of community that we have. I cannot think of another city our size that has such a small town feel. Neighbors getting together for impromptu BBQ's, people saying hello in the store, people caring so deeply about our city.

20. What is the last, best book you read and what is a movie you have enjoyed and would recommend friends to see.

The last best book I read was Tom Clancy's The Teeth of the Tiger. A real page-turner but the ending was a little anti-climatic.

I'm not one that goes out to the movies, but I like to watch them at home when I can. I just purchased the new DVD re-release of Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and watched it with the boys. If you're like me and haven't seen it in twenty years, check it out. I also greatly enjoyed "Master and Commander." An action-packed movie with a naturalist sub-plot.

21. What would you like the council's role to be in dealing with other local agencies, such as school districts and the North Coast County Water District?

I am such a believer in communication at all levels. While the council, school district, and water district each have their own set of priorities, they all serve the residents of Pacifica. Regular, ongoing, constructive communication between all agencies, will lead to a more harmonious results driven relationship that benefits us all.