Mayoral Candidate Q&A: Marie Gilmore

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? Differing views for Alameda's future have divided us when we should be working together.  Politics have clouded sound judgement at City Hall. I believe that has to change.  The next mayor has to bring Alameda back together—to find community-based solutions to planning for our future. We need a full time mayor to get back to basics, to ensure adequate police and fire protection, and to improve maintenance of our roads, buildings, parks and library services.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? We have several significant needs, including restoring our focus at City Hall as I mentioned above. However, our city finances must also be a priority. We need to maintain a balanced budget and be disciplined about our spending so that we can address long term liabilities like deferred maintenance. Addressing our pension obligations will help our financial prospects.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have the ability and the desire to be a full time mayor in order to work on Alameda's challenges and opportunities. As a full-time mayor, I can provide the leadership that is necessary for staff and the council to work together as I did while president of the Planning Board. A part-time mayor simply cannot devote the necessary time to provide leadership and tackle the complex issues facing Alameda.

Where do you work and what is your job title? Next to raising my family, the eighteen years of work I have given to the City Council, Planning Board and Recreation and Park Commission have been the most rewarding in my life.

Age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share? I'm forty-nine years old and I was born on the island of Dominica in the West Indies.  My husband and I have two children, one is still in high school and the other is in college.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. Stanford University, A.B., 1983; University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law, J.D. 1986

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? Councilmember (7 years); Planning Board (8 years); Recreation and Park Commission (3 years)

Have you run before for an elected public office? I successfully ran for City Council in 2004 and 2008.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? I hope to raise enough funds to give every Alameda voter enough information to make an informed decision.

How long have you lived in Alameda? My husband and I moved to Alameda in 1989 to start our family.

What's your favorite thing about Alameda? Alameda is a great place to raise a family because of its emphasis on schools, parks and activities for all ages.

What is the biggest problem in Alameda? Most residents with whom I speak are worried about how state budget cuts are going to affect the quality of education in Alameda and businesses are concerned that they are being asked to help pay for the shortfall without adequate input into the process.