Marc Chalon Spillman
Age: 45
Family: I have lived in the City of Lakeport for 11 years, with my wife Karen and our two sons Casey and Alex. Our sons graduated Clear Lake High School and have continued on to higher education. My wife and I have been married for 24 years. I have worked for Piedmont's truss division (in Calpella) for
17 years. Karen is the department head of the nursery at Piedmont's Lakeport store.
Experience and community involvement: I am serving in my second four-year term as a Lakeport Planning Commissioner. I sat as the chairman of the Lakeport General Plan Advisory Committee. I have certification in ethics training, per State law AB1234. I am a member of the Early Lake Lions. I am serving in my second year as treasurer of that club.
Endorsements: I did receive the individual endorsement of Mayor Bruns. I will not compete for, nor accept any group or organizational endorsements. I am not accepting donations.
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?
It is a council member’s responsibility to represent not only the people who elect them, but all citizens in the City of Lakeport. Meeting with citizens and listening to their needs and concerns is key to being a good council member. Council members need to understand each issue before them and not just how it will affect Lakeport today, but how it will affect the city years from now. I possess the above qualities.
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?
Development: Having the city define what it wants to accomplish (based on up-front citizen input) should be the first step of any major project. After that input a specific plan can follow. The city and the public must be on the same page so to not create confusion for developers and business owners. In critical project locations, such as Dutch Harbor, I would recommend a citizen’s committee be formed to work with council and redevelopment.
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?
My management style is a combination of hands on plus delegate. There is a need to micro-manage sometimes – but that should not be run into the ground. The city is staffed with competent professionals that do not need constant babysitting. The city staff does need to understand that with a tight budget comes questions and review. The city staff must be patient with that process.
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?
I have yet to see why the Redevelopment District needs eminent domain. Eminent domain should not be used to increase the tax base.
5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?
Redevelopment: Again with the citizen input at the beginning of the process. I think Lakeport needs to expect the best for itself. We don’t want to do (re)development simply for (re)development sake. Citizen committees can help guide redevelopment and help keep areas like Natural High in the public hands.
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?
Budget: Lakeport can not outspend revenues by half a million dollars annually. I support looking at benefit packages. I support dropping travel and training expenditures in the next year or two. I would support robbing redevelopment funds, if it is possible, to get through the next few years.
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” funds should not be used to balance the city budget. Council member Irwin brought up the need to proceed on specific road projects today – for the funds we have now – so that they can start those project early this next year. I support that. A Road Advisory Committee would aid in helping to prioritize projects.
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 of city government requires four things in Lakeport. First – no backdoor meetings. Second – no discussions outside the ears of the microphones during meeting. Third – a top of the line Web site to easily locate and download all public information available. Fourth – televised meeting to help offset the light citizen turnout. The first two are just good politics and common courtesy and cost the city nothing. The second two are money well spent when affordable to the budget.
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?
I helped to update the 20 year General Plan and I feel it is solid. That plan only lays out city goals – land uses, etc. Lakeport needs to use the community to find out where to take the city. Do we want cookie-cutter chain stores and fast food in our main downtown? Again ... we need to expect the best for Lakeport. We have a great downtown. We need to utilize and protect the lake for both economic and recreational uses. We need to protect and enhance the natural open spaces adjacent to the lake.
10. If elected, is there any project or issue you plan to tackle first?
If elected I will first start and sit on a Road Advisory Committee. I will hold county and private contracts accountable. I will look at every available option to balance the city budget. I will listen. I will understand that my decisions have great consequences for Lakeport’s future.
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