Why are you interested in this position?
I have extensive career experience creating better conditions for students, families and communities. There are numerous issues in Long Beach that require attention. I believe that I not only have the experience to make a contribution for a better, stronger Long Beach, but I also look forward to giving back to the city I've called home for almost 35 years.
What relative experience do you have in this career field?
As a Superintendent of Schools, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Business Official, Chief Labor Negotiator and civic leader with more than 25 years successfully leading public agencies in diverse communities, I have worked with elected officials and administrators at all levels of government to move communities forward. In these roles, I have been responsible for ensuring high standards for the safety, care and education of thousands of students; for compensation and working conditions for thousands of staff members; and for fiduciary responsibility of taxpayer funds in three Orange County school districts. I have a demonstrated record of building community trust and achieving positive results in each of the communities I’ve served.
My record demonstrates a wide breadth of leadership, governance, policy development, public finance and public works knowledge and experience that has produced real results in each community I've served. Please see: https://strongerlbc.org/meet-greg/ for detailed background and specific experience supporting my candidacy.
What are 3 changes you would like to make while in office?
Increase community safety and security
Mitigate the impact of the homeless population
Enhance business climate and conditions
What are your top priorities for small businesses ?
Better align City resources and small business needs
Create 3rd District business roundtables to identify needs and develop collaborative opportunities to foster business development, growth and retention
Create more efficient City business support services and streamline burdensome regulations.
What are your 3 goals or main concerns for District 3?
Greater security and public safety for families in the 3rd District
Reduce homelessness and the impact of homelessness in the 3rd District
Improve 3rd District infrastructure & city services re: streets, sidewalks & median maintenance
How would you address people who are concerned about the City and States Affordable Housing plan and its impact on their neighborhood?
I agree that we should be concerned about the City and State's Affordable Housing plan. Splitting lots is not the answer. Having the State direct the City on our development is not the answer. The City does need a greater component of affordable housing. Each project however needs to be evaluated to ensure impacts are mitigated and the project complements rather than detracts from unique neighborhood character, and/or further burdens our infrastructure and the community resources.
What is an innovative way you plan to involve the community in your decisions?
In addition to forward looking and continuous communication via email and social media, I will use focus groups and town halls to gather input on major issues. I will also work directly with community associations to assist in guiding the community interest agenda. Lastly, in support of working with neighborhood associations and interest groups, I will utilize communications technology and an online survey platform to gauge the broader community interests, drill down on specific interests and proposals, and to guide my priorities, policy development and decision making.
Is there a City-wide issue you would most like to address?
Transparent and accountable leadership. Long Beach needs leaders that will be accountable and focus on the good of the city, rather than special interests and/or window dressing for the next elected office. As a candidate with experience leading publicly elected boards and community committees, and who does not aspire for a higher elected office, you can be assured I will be a strong voice to advocate for the best interests of the 3rd District and our City. With leadership that is focussed on the best interests of our City, we will deal with the impact for rising crime and homelessness and improve business conditions to create a stronger Long Beach.