Some Answers

By Irene O'Connell

We are coming out of a long and difficult recession, during which the Council had to make very hard choices. We were successful in taking care of our employees while not diminishing the level of service the people of San Bruno have come to rely on and expect. We learned a lot about ourselves and how we do business. We now have the opportunity to apply those lessons to making the City even better. New technology, new revenues, and new development make this the time to do so. We are turning the page on an exciting chapter in the history of San Bruno.

2. What will you do as a Councilwoman to improve San Bruno's infrastructure?

One of my goals for the city, when I first ran for office, was to generate Master Plans for each part of our very crucial and vital infrastructure - our streets and roads, our water, waste water, and storm drains - and to have the financial means to implement those plans. We HAVE made a great deal of progress - unseen and unnoticed, for the most part. But, as with all aging systems, there is a lot more to do.

Staff is always looking for ways to do a better, more efficient job and to ensure that any work that is contracted out is completed to the highest standards.

3. What will you do as a Councilwoman to increase funding and support of San Bruno schools?

The City of San Bruno looks forward to creating a stronger partnership with the new leadership of the school district. The city of San Bruno already supports the school district to a great extent + both directly and indirectly + including but not limited to:  Library after-school homework program  After school programs  Sports field maintenance  Lower or no fees for use of city facilities  Cable internet connection  Filming of meetings

4. What do you expect to accomplish in your First 100 days as Councilwoman?

After the election, the New Year will be upon us providing a time of reflection and resolution. The new Council will review its mid-year financial situation, cinema site construction projects, progress on the Crestmoor neighborhood rebuild, and so forth. Prudently, the new Council will evaluate where it is in relationship to where it wants the City to be.

5. What has been the biggest mistake the current Council has made that needs fixing and why?

Our biggest mistake was believing that our utility company, P. G. & E., was taking care of their infrastructure and that all of our residents were safe. We also believed that the California Public Utility Commission "had our back" and were watching out for us. Unfortunately, we were horribly wrong. We will not make that mistake again. We will remain vigilant and keep insisting that both entities do their jobs.

Out of this tragedy, the City demonstrated to the world that it can pull itself up by the bootstraps in the worst of crises and overcome adversity. The tenacity of the Mayor and Council to seek compensation from PG&E resulted in a $70 million restitution settlement to benefit the entire City of San Bruno which is now being managed by the San Bruno Community Foundation, created by the Council.