George Spurr
Age: 56
Family: Married 34 years with no children.
Experience and community involvement: New to politics, have supported charity work with adoption centers, veterans, abused mothers and children agencies.
Endorsements: Friends and family.
1. Explain what you believe a city council member's responsibilities are. How would you fulfill these? What qualifications do you possess that make you a good candidate for office?
To help guide the city into the future.
To examine facts to determine the outcome of disputes and variances from normal procedures and processes.
To listen to the citizens and use their input as part of the decision making process.
In my current profession I use logic and common sense to complete complex tasks to the benefit of all parties. As a councilman I would use those tools plus the morality of the citizens to solve issues.
2. There are several large development projects inside and outside of Lakeport that are being discussed. They include Cristallago, a golf course and subdivision on the city's sewer property, a potential marina and commercial development on the Dutch Harbor property, and a proposal to build a large hotel within the city limits. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Lakeport? Why or why not?
The development projects have already legally been contracted for the golf course and Dutch Harbor, therefore as a new council member I would have to follow the contracts that have been previously signed by the prior administration. Lakeport is a tourist city which needs to draw tourist dollars to keep the city viable. I have other ideas that may produce income for the city in the future.
3. Explain how your management style would be applied to your position as council member. Are you hands-on or do you set policy and delegate?
In my current profession I am a hands-on person that works with people to train them in skills so they can accomplish their tasks, with little input from me. I am both hands-on and I delegate with overseeing a project as needed to insure quality and completion.
4. While the city of Lakeport may use eminent domain, the Redevelopment Agency currently does not have eminent domain authority as a tool for acquiring property. However, earlier this year it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency amend its plan to include eminent domain, and that discussion is expected to be continued after the election. How do you feel about the use of eminent domain? Should the city's plan be modified to add that power?
The Redevelopment Agency does not need eminent domain. The City Council should review individual issues and try to resolve them without eminent domain. If all else fails there may be a need for eminent domain as a very last resort.
5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?
Yes, on most of the issues. I did not agree with one of the project's optional choice, which was to pave the alley behind City Hall.
6. The city is dealing with a tight budget this year, and could be facing similar issues in the coming budget year as well. How would you propose meeting the city's budget challenges while protecting city services? Are there any areas of spending that you believe should be reconsidered, or any potential revenue streams that should be pursued?
All potential revenue streams should be pursued as long as it does not impact the city services such as police, fire, and emergency medical. As the budget gets tighter it should be re-evaluated to keep the City in the black.
7. Measure I, which generates revenue from sales tax for city projects such as roads, was instituted in 2004. Do you believe Measure I funds are being spent properly? Are there any projects that you believe are particularly appropriate or inappropriate for the funds?
Measure I was passed by the citizens for a specific purpose and that money should be spent for that purpose alone.
8. Some citizens have said they want to see more transparency in city government. As a council member, how would you address that concern? What does transparency in government mean to you?
Transparency means to not make changes that citizens are not aware of. Government is for the citizens. I would encourage citizens to see the changes and help create the changes.
9. Over the past year the city has established a long-range business plan for the city. Do you believe this plan includes relevant projects and ideas for the city's future? What is your vision for the city of Lakeport over the next 20 years?
As long as the plan keeps on track to include improvements to the infrastructure water, sewer, roads, etc., that compensates for predicated population growth. Thus, the plan will create a better city in the future. I would like the city to remain with a small town atmosphere, and strengthen tourism with increased events. Also encouraging new businesses to fill vacant stores in the downtown area.
10. If elected, is there any project or issue you plan to tackle first?
I would be one of five council members making decisions. Staying within the budget would be one of the highest priorities. I would evaluate all the projects and issues, then prioritize them to best serve the citizens and businesses of Lakeport.
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