RPV Council Candidate Aims to Rebuild Public's Trust

With the Nov. 8 elections fast approaching, eight candidates are vying for three open seats on the .

Candidates are Eric Alegria, small business owner and teacher; Susan Brooks, former Rancho Palos Verdes mayor; Ken Dyda, former Rancho Palos Verdes mayor; Dave Emenhiser, current Rancho Palos Verdes planning commissioner; Dora de la Rosa, current PVPUSD Board of Education president; Jim Knight, current Rancho Palos Verdes planning commissioner; Jerry Duhovic, current vice chair of the RPV Finance Advisory Committee; and Cynthia Smith.

Palos Verdes Patch asked candidates to talk about their campaigns, in addition to what each would bring to the council if elected.

Here is how de la Rosa responded to a Patch questionnaire about her campaign:

Palos Verdes Patch: If elected, what would be your top priorities in the city?

Dora de la Rosa: My top priority is setting fiscal priorities and long term strategic planning. Although our city is in relatively good financial shape, especially as compared to other cities and public entities such as the school district, there are many fiscal challenges. Infrastructure needs are estimated at $20 to $40 million, while our capital improvement program fund is at a mere $7 million. The city workforce has just filed a petition to become unionized, even though all employees recently received a merit increase plus a 5 percent ongoing raise to offset pension reforms. A pension reform plan was recently adopted by the current council, but pension costs continue to rise. Public safety is also a priority and an area where some residents have called for expanded services. All of these items must be prioritized and needs must be placed ahead of wants. Finally, we must be transparent and inclusive in planning, setting priorities and keeping the community apprised of our actions. 

PV Patch: What makes you best suited for a spot on the council?

de la Rosa: My experience as an elected member of for the past eight years and my legal background as a retired business lawyer uniquely qualify me to provide the new leadership Rancho Palos Verdes needs. The leadership roles I have held in our school district, from PTA president, to bond campaign chair, to school board president, have taught me valuable problem solving skills. The school district has the largest budget on the Peninsula, at roughly $90 to $100 million, and is the largest employer, with approximately 1,200 employees. I am the only candidate who has had experience running a larger public entity in trying economic times and in dealing with public employee unions. Furthermore, I have earned the trust and respect of my colleagues as they have elected me president four out of my eight years on the board. 

PV Patch: What are the biggest issues facing Rancho Palos Verdes?

de la Rosa: Infrastructure needs are potentially the biggest issues and must be weighed in terms of overall fiscal priorities. The capital improvement program currently has a balance of $7.2 million, but outstanding infrastructure needs total between $20 and $40 million. Long term strategic planning is imperative. Imminent structural failures should be given the highest priority. The city for approximately $9 million in state funding to address the San Ramon Canyon repairs and is seeking matching federal and county funds.  The Portuguese Bend landslide area needs equal attention. The city currently spends in excess of $500,000 annually in short term remediation efforts for Palos Verdes Drive South. No adequate long term solution has been identified. I will make this long-standing, lingering problem one of my priorities.

PV Patch: How might you conduct business differently than the current council?

de la Rosa: In my role as president of the school board I have conducted hundreds of meetings. Issues can be contentious, people don’t have to be. Treating the public with dignity and respect usually encourages cooperation and consensus building. Furthermore, I would try to ensure that the council meetings do not last until the wee hours of the morning. Conducting business past midnight is disrespectful to our residents. Finally, the council must hold its staff accountable. The council should be data driven in its decision making. Policy and direction are set by the council. Staff implements council policies and direction. However, the council must provide sufficient oversight to ensure effective project management so that resources are not expended on projects not in the best interests of the residents.

PV Patch: Are there any issues you feel deserve more attention in the city? How would you address them?

de la Rosa: One issue that needs attention is restoring civility on the part of the current council towards the residents. Residents should be treated with respect and dignity and not attacked if they have a differing point of view. I believe local government exists to serve its residents in the most efficient and transparent manner and that council members work for the residents. Local government can and should partner with residents, local businesses and community organizations to solve problems. However, in order to do this the city must earn the public trust. Trust is earned through fiscal responsibility, respect, accountability and transparency. The new council must focus on rebuilding the public’s trust and earning the respect of the residents.  

PV Patch: Where do you stand on the city’s ?

de la Rosa: Congratulations to the city for approving a new pension benefit contribution structure for new employees. However, I am troubled by the lack of time and attention spent on developing the reforms for existing employees. Current employees have been asked to fully fund their share of the contribution (picking up an additional 6.5 percent), but they have been given a 5 percent ongoing raise as an offset. The question is whether this results in a net savings for the city or whether it has the unintended consequence of increasing pension costs as the 5 percent becomes part of pensionable income. Not enough analysis was done to adequately address and answer this question. A related question is whether this results in retirement benefits spiking for those employees closest to retirement. Again, more analysis is required.

Click here for more information on de la Rosa's campaign. And visit Palos Verdes Patch for more candidate responses in the coming days.