Randy,

What motivated you to run for the Simi Valley City Council?

Brian,

Thanks for inviting me to do this interview. I am running for City Council to improve the quality of local government decision-making and to set a positive example for public service. My top three priorities are 1) To make sure Simi Valley stays financially sound and can manage its off-balance sheet debt properly 2) To promote economic growth that will bring high-paying new jobs to this city 3) To focus on 'smart development projects to make sure we do not turn into another San Fernando valley.

What do you consider smart development? Can you give us an example of a project in Simi Valley that meets that definition?

What's the best thing the city can do in the near future to promote economic growth?

I consider 'smart' development projects to be those that provide the community with a valuable asset, such as more senior housing which is badly needed. I also consider whether the new deveopment fits well into the existing neighborhood, makes a sincere effort to provide usable open space, retain natural features such as large trees, and provides features such as access to walking paths and the natural natural environment. The new single family senior development project just approved by City Council would be an example. I provided public input that a better fence barrier was needed along the railroad track and the mayor, a councilmember, and the applicant agreed with me. I'm not talking about 'green' projects, although I favor them as well.

Have you been following the discussion of the Arroyo Greenway plan? What are your thoughts on it? Do you think in addition to state and federal money we should be willing to pay to implement it?

It needs to do two things immediately. I go into a lot of detail on this subject on my new website. It will be published tomorrow. 1) The city MUST make a deliberate effort to better manage its image online. I cite an example of how Wikipedia states in the second paragraph that Simi Valley is located adjacent to the site of one the worst nuclear accidents in history back in 1959. That is simply an unfounded assertion made by an attorney trying to win a court case. There are many different viewpoints on what actually happened at Santa Susanna, but I'm sure that description would scare off potential firms looking to relocate to Southern California. 2) The city's planning and development process needs to be thoroughly reviewed and streamlined. This is not a business-friendly city. Its too bureaucratic.

Do you think city employees are paid too much? How will you help to keep the city financially stable?

Do you think people in Simi Valley should have to leave the city to buy medical marijuana? Medical marijuana is legal in California. What other legal products should people have to leave Simi Valley to purchase?

Yes, I've been following the Arroyo Greenway project for several years since I was Chairman of a Neighborhood Council. I think it is a great project that will become a huge asset to this city but it will take decades to complete it. I favor trying harder to obtain grants to fund it as well as seeking donations from corporations or other private groups. No, in the current economic climate I do not think the city should provide funding. I am in favor of breaking it up into smaller components so parts of it could be completed sooner though.

What do you think of the right to vote proposal?

No, I do not think city employees are paid too much. They work hard for their living. Simi Valley is a conservative city. There is no reason to believe it pays its employees wages that are not competitive. There is just one exception: City Council members who on average make about $50,000 a year in TOTAL Compensation, which includes salary, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, car allowances etc. for doing a part-time job. That's pure crazimess. In terms of being able to help make sure this city stays financially sound, I have a fantastic resume in the private sector for managing other people's money in a fiduciary duty. I was responsible for the day-to-day management of $6 Billion dolars in five mutual funds for four years. I provide a level of financial expertise for cost control and monitoring that none of the other candidates, or the incumbents, can match.

I support the right-to-vote initiative 110%. I believe it is the most fundamental legal right that Americans have. I did not agree with the current council members that said cost should be a deciding factor. Yes, that is a consideration, but their are smarter ways to schedule an election (for City Council) without it costing the taxpayers $200,000. I think that's a scare tactic to justify putting one of their cronies on the council rather than letting the people choose their representatives. I was pleased to see the council recently decide to follow Thousand Oaks' example because it makes more sense. That was a good decision.

Randy, How can we create more high paying jobs in Simi Valley? How many Wal-Marts does the city of our size need?

Do you think the city does an effective job working with community groups to address issues with homeless people?

Do you think people in Simi Valley should have to leave the city to buy medical marijuana? Medical marijuana is legal in California. What other legal products should people have to leave Simi Valley to purchase?

I believe that medical marijuana SHOULD be available to patients who have a valid Rx at pharmacies in Simi Valley. I'm originally from Ohio, which is the second most conservative state in the union and that was not even an issue there. I guess Midwesterners (like me) have common sense. I'm sorry....I cannot think of any legal products that are permissable for sale in California that a Simi Valley resident should have to go elsewhere to buy. Legal is legal.

Medical marijuana is not available at pharmacies. It is sold at dispensaries. Do you support allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in Simi Valley?

Do you have some endorsements you would like to share with us?

Do we have enough police officers on the streets?

Hi Richard. Good to hear from you. First the Wal-Mart part. I think Simi Valley is dang lucky that WalMart decided to occupy the vacant Mervyn's eyesore on Cochran. WalMart is the best-run retailer on earth, bar none. That store, when it opens, will bring economic revitalization to that entire shopping plaza and much needed customers to all of the small businesses in that locale. I shop at WalMart all the time. I buy automotive products, music, blue jeans, work boots and lots of household items there. WalMart has historically been a major donor to the Samaritan Center as well and I would like to see them help us more. The number of WalMart concepts in Simi is irrelevant. Bottom line is that if ANY retailer seeks to move into an existing store that is already zoned for that kind of use, the city CANNOT refuse to allow them to do business there. IF there is a decision made for WalMart to open its newer food market concept at the old Vons on Tapo, the city cannot disallow that kind of use. It would be one supermarket replacing another supermarket. My personal opinion is that Simi Valley consumers would see food prices drop IF that happens. At this time, it is not anything more than a proposal per city officials. I will answer your other question separately.

Randy,

Thanks for coming on my blog. Take all the time you need to answer the questions that have been posted. After that I will lock it from further posts. I appreciate your time. Thanks for giving voters choices in this election. Keep us updated on your campaign.

What can Simi Valley do to attracct more high-paying jobs? Lots actually. I go into this topic in depth on the Issues page of my new website. I built it myself and it WILL BE ONLINE tomorrow. I've tried to be different; as is being a Reagan Democrat is not different enough. But I put a lot of thought (and some humor too) into the contents of my various proposals. Its not boilerplate blahblahblah at all. Its REAL solutions to REAL problems this city faces. I don't have all the answers, but I tried to give the audience a REAL good idea of what I will actually do WHEN I'm elected. (shameless plug).

Now the answer to you question:

1) Simi Valley must do a better job of managing its image online. 2) Simi Valley must try HARDER to compete fot new businesses because thats what brings jobs to town. 3) Brian Gabler must stop serving pasta at volunteer dinners and start working his tail off to bring new employers, retail stores, restaurants, EVERYTHING to Simi. T.O. is booming again. Valencia is booming again. Simi Valley is sufferng. 3) Simi Valley must thoroughly review, revise, and streamline its planning nd development process and procedures. Their 'one stop shop' idea is a joke. Do you really think a business owner is more likely to come here if he/she has to walk a few feet less across a plaza? That is apprently their major process improvement. 4) Simi Valley must become more business-friendly. It took 9 years for a small businessman to get approval to build an oversize vehicle storage lot at the edge of town. Next to a railroad track. And these people think they're pro-business? HaHaHa

I think Simi Valley DOES A FANTASTIC JOB of providing services to the homeless population. I will tip my hat to councilmembers Barbra Williamson and Glen Becerra for all the work they've done with the Taskforce for Homelessness over the years. Rarely will you hear a candidate praise an opponent, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. As you know, I'm a member of the Board of Directors of The Samaritan Center and am planning to donate 100% of my public salary to this charity when I am elected. It is one of Simi's crown jewels that other cities in California can't even hope to emulate. The staff is composed of wonderful human beings whose goal is to help those who are less fortunate than we are as Jesus commanded us to do. I would like to clarify one important point. Many of those people you see panhandling at the entrances to WalMart or Target or similar big box stores are not truly homeless. They may very well be professional panhanders who beg for a living. A pretty good one too. I read that they can earn a living of about $40,000 that way because Simi is a very generous city and its tax-free. The city staff and the Taskforce put together a great brochure that helps REAL homeless people find the REAL help they need. The fakers don't want that kind of help; they want your money.

YES, I support the sale of marijuana at dispensaries here in California. I believe it is done differently back in Ohio. State laws are different sometimes, but the idea is the same. It is dispensed to patients to allieviate the pain caused by a serious illness. My understanding (although I've never actually used marijuana) is that it is more effective than prescription pain-killers and has fewer side effects. Many years ago, while in college, I worked as a pharmacy technician at a major hospital now owned by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. I actually prepared drug 'cocktails' for cancer patients that contained controlled substances so I know for sure that hospital pharmacies dispensed these types of drugs to patients for medical uses. I was thinking about a hospital pharmacy; not a CVS-style retail pharmacy when I gave my earlier answer. Sorry about that.

Chief McCann, who I have already started a positive working relationship with, is responsible for making the decision on how many officers to put on the street. I can tell you that from my interactions with Mitch to date, I believe that Simi Valley made an outstanding decision to hire him away from Beverly Hills. Their loss is our gain. If you want my personal opinion; I would say NO. I would like to see more officers on the streets at all times. I already recommended to him that the city's Community Crime Prevention Taskforce be phased out because I think it has outlived its usefulness and 80% of the functions it provided can now be accomplished more cost-effectively by using newer social media technology that was unavailable a few years ago. One benefit to that is it would free up senior officers to be on the street fighting crime rather than in a big conference room talking about it. Mitch said he agrees so I'm hoping that his recommendation will be accepted by our City Council.

Whew! This has been a workout. I can't say I'm a virgin anymore. I would like to express my gratitude to Brian for giving me the opportunity to present my ideas on why I'm the best-qualified choice for City Council. I laughingly say that I'm Simi Valley's very first "DemoCAN". I consider myself to be the "Best of Both Worlds" who is a social moderate and a fiscal conservative with a positive CAN do attitude. Apparently, the SEIU endorsement committee, which represents many of our city's employees agreed. My friend (and competitor) Keith Mashburn told me earlier this evening that I had won my first endorsement, but I'm still trying to verify it. That would be a very good thing for a first-time candidate running for public office. If you would like to learn more about me, you can check out my Facebook page. Its Randolph Nemecek (Randy) and my new website will be available tomorrow. I will answer ANY question that you have on ANY subject. I'm a very open and honest guy and I look forward to serving the residents of this great city with honor.

What is your (Randy) web address?

Randy,

I am going to overlook your shopping at Wal-Mart because I am far more impressed by your dedication to the Samaritan Center. I have volunteered there myself. Your dedication proves your are not simply someone who talks the talk like far too many politicians (including far too many local press-loving politicians). You are one who regularly walks the walk. It is time to reorganize the local good ol' boys and girl club know as the Simi Valley City Council. You have my support.

Please tell me you will be far more visible in Simi Valley so that folks who do not know you, will become familiar with your name immediately. Replacing entrenched local leaders is tough in this community. I admire your dedication and explanation of smart growth. How about encouraging the entertainment community and high tech companies to set down permanent roots here? We do not need another discount store opening for Ms. Williamson to tout as improving business on the front page of local papers

We also do not need more sour grapes from Steve "the man who would be Mayor" Sojka. We need new leadership with a vision beyond the old school way of thinking about Simi Valley. And I wholeheartedly agree with you that the "anointed and appointed" mentality of so-called "leadership" has got to go.

Get that PR machine in high gear and lets get you elected!

Mr. Independent,

Thanks for your positive comments. I am trying VERY HARD to get my local campaign going strong. I have a new website (http://www.RANDYNEMECEKFORCITYCOUNCIL.com) and a brand new Facebook page: (RandyNemecekForSimiValleyCityCouncil2012) in addition to my personal Facebook page:RandolphNemecek Randy) I will be holding a series of Town Halls every other Tuesday evening from 7Pm to 9PM at the Simi Valley Town Center's upstairs community room. The first one is Tuesday Sept. 4 at 7PM (the evening after Labor Day). Please stop by and share your ideas for making Simi Valley a better city in which to live. I will be at the Senior Center every week and will be all over town listening to the voters between now and election day.