Larry Schroeder

Why are you interested in serving on Claremont's city council?

Everyone has a duty to give back to their community with the talents they have. I have made every effort to better the communities where I have lived and worked through leadership roles in various service clubs, participating on school committees, and most recently as a member of the Claremont Community Services Commission. My knowledge and experience as a retired Finance Director and Doctor of Public Administration puts me in a unique position to give back to Claremont as an effective member of the Claremont City Council; I want to assist in keeping Claremont a wonderful place to live.

 

What can the city council do to make sure the city's finances will be safe in these troubling economic times?

Constant vigilance is necessary. In addition to a complete mid-year budget review by staff presented to the City Council and the public, there should be monthly reports to the City Council on major revenue sources and major expenditures. This would require minimal staff time if automated, and would allow the City Council to oversee the budget as the fiscal year progressed.

The economy aside, there will always be reasons that businesses close. The City Council must direct a sustained effort to retain existing Claremont businesses and attract new diverse businesses that are appropriate to Claremont.

Village West is struggling to find tenants as more businesses are closing up shop. What kind of economic development tools can the city implement to attract more customers and secure more businesses in the area?

The City, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, should sponsor a series of meetings with Claremont businesses to establish their needs and determine what the City can do to assist businesses other than the programs currently offered by the City.

The City should gather demographics for the area and identify businesses for which these demographics are favorable. Of those businesses, select the ones which are appropriate for Claremont. Finally, bring those appropriate businesses and leasing agents together to work out mutually beneficial agreements for both. I have been a part of efforts such as these and they work well.

 

What makes you different and unique from the other candidates running and who are currently on the City Council?

I have a unique combination of experience and knowledge that is distinct from the other candidates. I currently represent the interests of Claremont residents as a Community Services Commissioner and also have 26 years of experience in city government, 19 of which were as Director of Finance for the cities of Glendora and Lakewood. I was also an integral part of economic development in those cities for 17years.

In addition to intimate budget experience as a Director of Finance, I have a doctorate degree in Public Administration and teach a course in public budgeting at the University of La Verne.

 

What are your favorite TV show, favorite book and favorite movie?

My television viewing is limited due to my involvement in other pursuits. I enjoy scientific and historical documentaries on The History Channel. My taste in books tends towards nonfiction, although I do enjoy a John Grisham novel. One of my recent favorites is “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman. The perspective of the world as presented in this book makes me reflect on my views, beliefs, and our community’s place in the world.

I enjoy a wide variety of movie genres including science fiction and adventure; one of my recent favorites was “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

 

Bridget Healy

Why are you interested in serving on Claremont's City Council?

Thirty-one years ago, I chose Claremont as the ideal community to raise my three children.  Claremont is safe and we have parks at or near schools, distinctive neighborhoods, the appealing Village area, landscaped medians, great schools and a sense of community.

I have been an active community volunteer.  With 31 years experience in three cities, I understand how local government works.  I am passionate about Claremont, public service and good government.

Serving on the City Council will give me the opportunity to establish polices that will promote a safe and desirable quality of life for future generations of Claremont residents.

 

What can the City Council do to make sure the city's finances will be safe in these troubling economic times?

There is no single or easy solution to the current economy. Sales tax revenues are down and the status of State funds is uncertain.  Following on the success of the committee that developed the Sustainability Plan, we should establish a committee of Claremont residents to develop recommendations regarding a long-term approach to the city's fiscal needs.

If the event the economy is not showing signs of recovery by 2010-11, it may become necessary to consider service reductions. I believe that before such measures are taken, there should be an extensive public input process to determine acceptable service levels.

Village West is struggling to find tenants as more businesses are closing up shop.  What kind of economic development tools can the city implement to attract more customers and secure more businesses in the areas?

A Business Improvement District, if formed, would generate funds from local merchants to be used in marketing and promotional efforts. Such efforts should be developed in partnership with the City and Chamber.  Several local merchants have suggested that marketing efforts be directed east of us as we're not likely to draw from the Pasadena area. However, I think marketing in La Verne and San Dimas would be a good idea.

Attracting customers to Claremont promotes a prosperous business community, allows for a greater diversity of services for Claremont residents, and provides sales tax to support services to our residents.

 

What makes you different and unique from the other candidates running and who are currently on the Council?

I am the only candidate who raised a family in Claremont.  Seeing the community through my childrens' eyes provided a unique understanding of everything Claremont offers to families.  This motivates me to continue and enhance programs for youth, families and seniors as well as partnerships with the Claremont Unified School District.

Having lived in Claremont for 31 years, 18 of which were spent working for the City of Claremont, I know the community well and I know how government works.

My 31-year career working in three cities provides me with unique knowledge and experience that will complement the expertise of current Council members.

 

What are your favorite TV show, favorite book and favorite movie?

I really don't have a favorite TV show.  When I do watch TV, I enjoy everything from cooking shows to Dateline and 60 Minutes. 

My favorite book?  That is even more difficult to assess.  Generally, it is the one I am currently reading.  The last book I read was The Book of Joe, a Christmas gift from my college roommate.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.

My favorite movie is "Legally Blonde."  There is much to be said in both the story and Elle Woods's Harvard Law School graduation speech.  Her words, "passion, courage of conviction and sense of self" resonate with me.

 

Corey Calaycay

Why are you interested in serving on Claremont's city council?

I was brought up to believe in public service. I enjoy people and I enjoy assisting them. It has been part of my career working for local legislators. Serving on the council is another expression of that. I find that people are more likely to support decisions and actions if they feel that they have had a fair hearing. It has been my objective to ensure that our process is transparent and open and that people are given every opportunity to have their views and input count.

What can the city council do to make sure the city's finances will be safe in these troubling economic times?

The State budget crisis and current local economic challenges present significant uncertainties that will require some "out of the box" thinking. The Council maintains a list of twenty priorities identified through citizen input. It will likely be necessary to extend the timeline for completion of some of those priorities that have a significant fiscal impact. If the challenges persist beyond the next two or three years, we will have to consider making do with less, but with the cooperation and goodwill of our citizens and employees, I know that we will get through these difficult times.

Village West is struggling to find tenants as more businesses are closing up shop. What kind of economic development tools can the city implement to attract more customers and secure more businesses in the area?

The City should continue facilitating events to generate foot traffic, participating in regional promotion, and working with property owners to identify and recruit businesses that would complement and enhance our business mix. Our goal must be to eliminate vacancies. A significant increase in the vacancy rate will lead to the loss of excitement and interest by visitors in our City as a destination spot.

While we have rules to maintain community character and quality of life, we must ensure that these rules don't create an undue burden or hardship on businesses that are struggling to succeed.

What makes you different and unique from the other candidates running and those who are currently on the City Council?

I am unique from my fellow candidates in that I possess a record that voters can consider as they evaluate my job performance. I have maintained my original campaign promises that have also served as my guiding principles: honesty, integrity, and transparency in government; fiscal responsibility and citizen driven policy. I have demonstrated the ability to be a dissenting voice on some issues without being an obstructionist or holding grudges. I am the only candidate or council member who resides in the northwest part of the City and who has been a resident of the community since age three.

What are your favorite TV show, favorite book and favorite movie?

I don't watch much television and, therefore, don't have a favorite TV show. I've gotten a lot out of "How to Read a Person Like a Book", since I first read it. I especially enjoyed the movie, "A River Runs through It".