Name: Guy “Mike” Lee
Age: 61
Job: Retired building trades
What office are you are running for? Mayor
What is the main reason you are running? The City is seriously out of control. It is non-responsive to the needs of the community. Finding it acceptable not to answer e-mails or phone calls. Words and no action. It is fiscally irresponsible. $1,000,000,000 debt and climbing. Escalating crime rate and rent threatens our children’s and grand children’s future.
Why are you qualified for the position? I am committed to including the community in all phases of crafting public policy through the use of neighborhood assemblies.As a steward of public revenue I bring solid financial management tools resulting in financial stability. I will not be simply content to talk about problems but solve them. My solutions will be result orientated. Putting words into action.
What sets you apart from other candidates? My opponents want to talk things to death. Propose things which are unrealistic but sound good. I’m not going to talk about problems I’m going to solve them. I take pride in being the solution.
Accountability. I will insist that the community hold me accountable for all my actions. The means to do that will be an open door policy.
Financial stewardship. The current council is focused on tax and spend. We never see any cost management actions . Instead it is spend everything we have then go borrow some more money.
How did you end up in Berkeley? I came back to the Bay Area from Las Vegas, Nevada seeking better health care.
What are the three biggest challenges Berkeley faces in the near future?
Financial Stability The City is currently $1,000,000,000 in debt. Others come up with unrealistic solutions that drive us further under. The City budget must be run like you any household.
Strategic plan. We have the tools and resources to solve the current challenges. What we don’t have is a clear plan on how to best use our present ability. Staring with the agenda we must prioritize the most important issues. Public policy must deal with those issues first.
Economic stability. The greatest challenges that we currently face, housing, homelessness, public safety, are not being addressed primarily because of the lack of financial resources. The city must go on an austerity program and stop spending money on patch trucks instead of our kids.
What are your ideas to solve them?
Community must be involved in crafting policy. There are tons of really innovative ideas that are not being heard. The creation of neighborhood assemblies will be the vehicle insuring those voices have a forum.
Fiscal responsibility. Every contract must be performance based. You don’t do the job you don’t get paid.
Demonstrated need. Unless there is a need for something we don’t buy it. Just because we want two patch trucks we only have need for one.
Provide direction and specific instructions to commissions. Example: Homeless commission be directed to develop a strategic plan within sixty days to end homelessness including costs.
What is your most inspired/unique idea for Berkeley? LOL Current City council has to go find a real job like flipping burgers or digging ditches. Wanting to turn downtown into a pedestrian mall. City needs money? Well then I’ll go sell cookies and sit in a dunk tank so we can fund the arts.
How will you be accessible to constituents? Open door policy. Answer e mail and phone calls. Eating lunch in very public places. Facebook page. Regular program on BCM. WALK EACH DISTRICT. Coffee with the mayor. Come on down have coffee let me know whats on your mind.
How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? $1,500
A final thought? Who ever gets elected Mayor must create a way that the community is directly involved in crafting public policy. My opponents want you to believe they are Moses and will solve all your problems. They aren’t. You and your neighbors are the solution. The Mayor is a facilitator and partner in community efforts to improve the quality of life for all of us.
Campaign information
Website: www.oldbumformayor.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/692045224265198
See past Berkeleyside coverage related to Guy “Mike” Lee. See complete 2016 election coverage on Berkeleyside.
