Favorite Movie: The Godfather Favorite thing about living here: Spending time with my family.
Have you ever been arrested: No Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had financial insolvency issues: No Endorsed by: Santa Monica Police Officers’Association Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers’Association Santa Monica Firefighters’Association 41st Assembly District, Democratic Central Committee For a complete list, go to http://www.matteodinolfo.com 1. What is the single biggest issue facing Santa Monica? What do you intend to do about it, if elected? Be specific.
I believe the biggest issue concerning our citizens is homelessness. If elected, I would aggressively advocate for the development of a regional homeless task force. The task force would include representatives from other communities in the region and will have a three-fold mission: To establish regional policies on homelessness; to develop regional solutions; and to form partnerships with charities and social service agencies throughout the region to more evenly distribute services, care, and financial responsibility. 2. Where is the city spending money, that, in your opinion, can be used for something else?
I would not burden the city with the development of further bureaucracy. I would endeavor to avoid costly litigation and would strive to resolve disputes in an expeditious manner through mediation. I would examine the budget in extensive detail with an eye to redirecting monies to support the schools, including early childhood development programs. I would be in favor of slowing capital development, with the exception of continuing work on our libraries and public safety facilities. 3. The city has hired an urban design consultant for $54,000 to tell us how the downtown area could be designed better. Do you think the downtown commercial zone needs to be redesigned and how much would you allocate toward such an endeavor?
I believe that a comprehensive review of the entire business corridor, extending from Main Street, the Pier, Santa Monica Place and the Third Street Promenade, should be undertaken. I believe that support of these business areas is imperative to increase sales and business tax revenues. However, some creativity should be used to decrease the costs incurred. To that end I would consider seeking private funds and/or forming partnerships with the business community to fund this endeavor. 4. The city is facing a $9.5 million budget shortfall this year and future budgets look just as bleak. What are the top three items in the city’s budget that you would cut to east the taxpayer’s pain?
At a recent city council meeting, city finance director Mike Dennis stated that the budget gaps are primarily expenditure-driven. The city will be required to fund the decline of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) investment portfolios. I would put a freeze on new capital development, until city staff has an opportunity to assess the impact to the city as a whole. I would also freeze property acquisition. Thirdly, freezing these programs would necessitate evaluation of staffing needs. 5. The Santa Monica Police Department has some of the highest paid officers in the region. Do you think the salaries of Santa Monica’s finest are justified? Why or why not?
I believe the salaries are justified. Police officers are in a hazardous occupation that demands courage, professionalism, and loyalty. Our public safety is of paramount concern. Salaries for those who bear responsibility for it should be a priority. By ensuring that our officers are well compensated, we have as a community given them our vote of confidence and our respect. In addition to salaries, I would advocate for the most advanced training and technology available. 6. The Pico neighborhood hasn’t any formal representation on the City Council in the history of Santa Monica. Do you think the blighted neighborhood’s drug dealing and gang activity is reflective of that? How would you represent this neighborhood?
I believe the issue that has the greatest negative impact is not a lack of representation but rather the performance gap in education. That is why I am campaigning for increased city financial support of our schools. Ensuring that all children have an excellent education, including early childhood development programs, is the single greatest deterrent to gang and criminal activity. In addition, I would support social programs to assist children and provide alternatives to the gang culture.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 29, 2002. Read the original PDF.