City Council Candidate Q&A: Lena Tam

What is the primary reason you are running for City Council? I am seeking re-election to my seat on the Alameda City Council to continue advocating vigorously for open and transparent government while providing leadership on tough issues.  During my first term in office, I have listened, acted, and built partnerships to advance our shared vision for a safe, environmentally-friendly community that is both well-planned and economically sustainable.

I am committed to working on our community's behalf to strengthen our partnership with our schools, retain and recruit more businesses, maintain staffing levels for police and fire, and continue to deliver quality community resources and amenities.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? If re-elected, an important priority is working collectively to maintain the quality of life that Alamedans have grown accustomed to in these challenging fiscal times. I have always felt that government works best when its leaders listen, it is time for us as your representatives to listen, work together, prioritize our goals and do this in a transparent environment.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I completed my first term on the Alameda City Council and am seeking to complete my second and last term.  Through my leadership on the City Council, I forged alliances with our education, youth, business, historical preservation, and public safety communities to create over 5,000 good-paying green jobs, expanded opportunities for economic development, and maintained the safety of our community.  In the past four years, we completed the new Alameda Free Library, renovated the award-winning historic Alameda Theatre, the Shinsei Gardens Veterans housing, built Ruby Bridges Elementary School and Park, and constructed much needed road improvements on Webster and Park Street.

Where do you work and what is your job title? I am employed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District as the Manager of Water Resources Planning.  I am a licensed civil/environmental engineer.

Age and birthplace? 48, Guam, USA

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. University of California, Berkeley, Bachelor of Science, Civil/Environmental Engineering; University of San Francisco, Master of Public Administration.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? Prior to my election on the Alameda City Council in 2006, I was an elected member of the Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors, and served as president of the board for two years.  I also served as chair of the Alameda County Planning Commission.  I have also served as president of the Alameda League of Women Voters, both at the City and County level. 

Have you run before for an elected public office? In 2006, I ran successfully for the Alameda City Council, and served as Vice-Mayor from 2006-2008.  I also ran successfully for the Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors in 2004, and served 4 years on the Hospital Board.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? I plan to raise about $50,000 for my campaign.

How long have you lived in Alameda?  My family has lived in Alameda since 1968, or about 42 years.

What's your favorite thing about Alameda?  The high quality of life that comes with the people and its location in the Bay Area.

What is the biggest problem in Alameda?    Alameda faces the need to maintain our high quality of life (safety, good schools, small-town feel) balanced with doing our part to meet several economic and environmental challenges as an island city, related to sustainability in generating revenues for our schools and public safety services, funding transit-oriented development and providing jobs and housing at Alameda Point. We also need to find sustainable alternatives in our reliance on imported water and clean energy sources.