Mayoral Candidate Q&A: Doug deHaan

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I feel it is necessary that I run for mayor because the next four years are critical for Alameda, with budget constraints, as well as determining Alameda Point's future.  Our city deserves a leader with intelligence, integrity, leadership and budget and operations experience.  A leader who does his homework, has a vision, listens to the people, doesn't take funding (directly or indirectly) from developers, and is not afraid to make a decision. Someone you can trust who has the best interest of Alameda at heart.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?  Fiscal sustainability. Alameda is now at an unprecedented junction in its history. Due to the country's economic/housing spiral, Alameda is facing its own budget crisis with a decrease in revenue, while trying to maintain quality services: Fire, Police, Parks and Recreation, Library, Schools and Public Works, etc. To further compound this problem, it is projected that the property tax revenue will most likely be flat for the next eight years. The city presently has an Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability of $75.4 million, and another $80 million of deferred maintenance needs that must be addressed and funded. All California cities could be further impacted by the proposed State budget recommendations to divert our City Property and Transportation Taxes, and Redevelopment Funds to the State level to cover its $19 billion budget deficit.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have served the City in numerous leadership capacities over the past 20 years, including six years on the City Council. The experience and leadership I have gained in the private (10 years) and public (36 years) sectors are priceless. I have been fair, honest and dedicated to what I believe is in the best interest of present and future Alameda residents. As your Vice Mayor, I have utilized my professional background in operational and fiscal management to benefit the city. I have managed over 1,000 employees in a complex industrial company and managed operating and material budgets that exceeded $500 million.

Where do you work and what is your job title? I am a business consultant, and I am presently the Vice Mayor of the City of Alameda.

Age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share? Birthplace:  Oakland, California.  I have lived in Alameda since I was three days old. I'm a life-long Alamedan. I was raised in the Woodstock Homes neighborhood in the West End of Alameda. I attended Longfellow Elementary and Encinal High School. I met my wife, Gail, while attending Encinal High School. Gail was raised in the North Side of Alameda. We have two children, five grandchildren, and all reside in Alameda. I'm proud to say that our grandchildren are fifth generation Alamedans. Both my daughter and daughter-in-law teach for the Alameda Unified School District. My entire immediate family resides in Alameda.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. Encinal High School, Laney College, AS, University of San Francisco, BA. Postgraduate Studies: University of California, Berkeley, George Washington University.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? Yes. City of Alameda Councilmember. I am currently serving my second term.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? $20,000

Have you ever served in the military? I served the military for 36 years as a civilian at the Naval Air Station, Alameda.

What's your favorite thing about Alameda? Quality of life, schools, public safety, open space, recreational activities and the people.

What is the biggest problem in Alameda? Short and long-term fiscal sustainability of the City of Alameda's operating budget. Alameda has not faced budget uncertainties of this magnitude for the last fifty years. The sustainability of the budget for the next eight years will prove to be paramount.

I do not see Alameda Point as a problem. I see the development/redevelopment of Alameda Point as the biggest and exciting challenge and opportunity facing our community.