Mayoral Candidate Q&A: Frank Matarrese

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?  I am just finishing up my second term in office as an Alameda City Council member. I enjoy serving on the council and I feel that a  great deal has been accomplished. I have gained valuable insight to how our city government works, or, in some cases, doesn't work. There is much more to do, and as mayor, I would like to lead these efforts by bringing (1) both technological innovation and greater public accessibility to city government (2) sustainability, both financial and environmental as imperatives for our future (3) sensible re-use of the former Naval Air Station Alameda.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?  The top priority is policies to keep the city financially solvent, while continuing to deliver essential services. To do this, we, the City Council and our labor organizations must arrive at an agreeable solution to the cost of pension and other post employment benefits. I believe that there are hard decisions to be made on both sides, and I see an opportunity for the mayor to set the stage to come to an agreement. Another top priority for the future of Alameda is at NAS Alameda. Re-use of NAS Alameda should include steps to generate jobs, build a commercial tax base for Alameda and incorporate features for our environment (i.e, wetlands restoration, an executable traffic demand management plan, preservation of habitats, etc.) 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?  I have been on the City Council for nearly eight years and over those years my approach is to be fully engaged in the job. As a councilmember, I serve on two key liaison committees: City Council- Alameda Unified School District and City Council-AC Transit. Working on these committees, I have honed my ability to discuss tough issues with other agencies and come to mutual agreement in solving problems. I serve on the City Council-Navy subcommittee, which will now be tasked with working directly with the Navy on Alameda Point. This is a key leadership role which will have a critical part in the path forward for re-use. I have brought Council Referrals forward on numerous key issues in order to initiate action rather than simply to react to what is brought before the Council. In order to make sure that issues and actions that I deal with on the Council are in full view, I have held regularly scheduled Town Hall meetings so I can have face-to-face discussion with Alameda residents (I held my 28th in September). I am the only Councilmember to do so. Finally, I run a successful consulting business, providing QA support for small biotech companies. Having been in the corporate world and running my own business gives me unique experience that is directly applicable to meeting city budget challenges. 

Where do you work and what is your job title?  I run a successful consulting business, providing QA support for biotech companies in manufacturing and testing new products  (see www.gxpbase.com). I am the owner and principal consultant 

Age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share? I am 55 years old, born in Oakland. I am married (27 years, Kris) and have three sons, all college graduates. 

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.  St. Elizabeth HS (Oakland CA), class of 1973 and University of California Berkeley, AB Biology, Class of 1977  

 Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?  A campaign costs between $30 - $50 thousand. I will try to raise as much as I can to this range.

How long have you lived in Alameda? Since Nov. 1994 

What's your favorite thing about Alameda? Alameda is a safe and peaceful place to live, close to big city experience without the problems that go with big cities and within easy reach of the best of California. We have great weather too! 

What is the biggest problem in Alameda?  Our biggest challenge  is building the financial strength to keep the City safe and in good repair.