Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Grover Beach

THE TRIBUNE ENDORSES

STEVE LIEBERMAN
9/21/04

Background: Four years ago, The Tribune believed Steve Lieberman lacked the public-policy making experience to sit on the Grover Beach City Council. That isn't the case today.

He wound up be elected then and has proven his mettle. His focus while on the council, and as mayor for a year, has been public safety.

Perhaps because of his background as a former police/fire dispatcher and training as an emergency medical technician, Lieberman took a leadership role in sharing fire, emergency medical and code enforcement duties between Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande fire departments. The arrangement not only gives Grover a full-time department for the first time but saves money through shared service efficiencies.

Lieberman is a staunch supporter of the city's fire sprinkler ordinance that's triggered by remodels. He says that the cost of such retrofits can be offset to a degree by lessening demands for other upgrades (curbs, gutters, sidewalks, undergrounding of utilities) that are triggered by remodeling.

During his tenure on the council, the city has completed such projects as downtown improvements, Oak Park and the boardwalk.

Lieberman has clearly demonstrated leadership skills. The Tribune endorses him for another term on the Grover Beach City Council.

Our Concerns: None.