City Council Candidate: Stewart Gary

We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here's the answers we received from Stewart Gary, who is running for city council.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Provide the best, most experienced, non-incumbent leadership to maintaining the Urban Growth Boundary and Scenic Corridor Protections to preserve open space, agriculture and Livermore’s distinct visual appearance. Provide the fiscal leadership - to balance budgets through strategic, long-term fiscal planning, as I have been a leader for and successful at, in the Livermore School District budget. Livermore needs diverse city income sources by growing a well-rounded business and leisure economy.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

BART on I-580 along with business growth for fiscal stability.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My extensive experience and two college degrees in local government operations, finance and leadership. My proven ability as an elected official for Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) to listen and build consensus on the most difficult issues.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Retired Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Chief after 32 years in the fire service. Currently I consult on fire services design and re-organization across the United States.

Age and birthplace?

56 years old, San Diego. Lived in Livermore for 17 years.

Who’s in your immediate family? Spouse, children?

Married 35 years, two adult children.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

I hold both a Bachelors (1981) and Master’s degree (1989) in Public Administration from San Diego State University.  I hold an Associate in Fire Science Degree (1977) from Miramar Community College in San Diego, a Certificate in Fire Protection Administration (1981) from San Diego State. Mobile Intensive Care – Paramedic License (1976). I have attended hundreds of hours of seminar course work in fire protection and local government administration, including legal and personnel issues.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

Yes, LVJUSD School Board, elected in 2008.

Prior to retirement in 2005, I served as a Board Member representing cities on the Governors’ California Office of Emergency Services-Firescope Board, and served two terms as President of the California League of Cities Fire Chiefs Department and two terms as the Fire Chief representative on the California League of Cities Board of Directors.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

Yes, see above.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?

Unknown at this point, still receiving donations.

Have you ever served in the military?

No.

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

No.

How long have you lived in Livermore?

17 years since January 1994.

What's your favorite thing about Livermore?

Quality of Life. The open space and blend of our winery and other agriculture heritage with suburban living in a city with a historic core of buildings and homes.

What is the biggest problem in Livermore?

Economic vitality. Increasing businesses with jobs that Livermore residents can be employed in. Increasing, stabilizing city revenues to provide the quality services we all expect to receive.

Do you have a campaign website? If so, what is it?

www.stugaryforcouncil2011.com