
Why are you interested in this position?
I am currently the Assistant City Attorney for Long Beach and I’ve been practicing law for 30 years representing cities and government agencies. The City Attorney’s Office is fortunate to have an exceptional group of attorneys who work hard every day to do the best possible job for the City. I am ready to take on this challenge and lead this amazing team.
What relative experience do you have in this career field?
As noted above, I have spent my entire 30-year career as an attorney representing cities and governmental agencies. I spent 6 years with a federal agency, NOAA General Counsel, as their senior Endangered Species Act attorney handling issues throughout California; many years in private practice representing cities and agencies throughout the state; and the last 6 years I have worked in the Long Beach City Attorney’s Office. I am experienced trial attorney and have handled cases in both state and federal courts, including one that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. Over the years I have specialized in many issues relevant to Long Beach – environmental law, First and Fifth Amendment issues, land use issues, real estate and contract issues, nuisance abatement, Brown Act issues and regulatory issues.
What are 3 changes you would like to make while in office?
To ensure everyone in our office acts ethically and with integrity
To provide the best possible legal service to the City of Long Beach
To work with City departments to reduce as much as possible the litigation filed against the City
What are your top priorities for small businesses ?
I will support the City Council’s policies to protect and support small businesses
With regards to your background and expertise in environmental law, what are major issues you foresee the City facing?
Specifically relating to environmental law, the City is likely to be facing two major issues. The first relates to the movement to immediately cut off oil production and reliance on fossil fuels. This could raise significant issues regarding contractual liability and transitional technology. The second issue involves air quality and the debate between automation (reduces emissions) and job loss.
What are 2 key improvements or initiatives you wish to implement as City Attorney?
More communication and public outreach regarding the activities of our office
Work with City departments to find ways to reduce litigation against the City
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