Swanson: ‘Diversify our economy around recreational tourism’
Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News asked the seven South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates a series of questions. All are the same except for one that is specific to each candidate. The responses are being run in the order LTN received them.
Name: Angela Swanson
Profession/work experience: Grant writer and school facilities planning consultant.
Age: 53
What organizations, committees or groups are you or have you been involved with?: I was elected to the City Council in 2010. Prior to that I was elected and served on the governing board of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District. In addition, I’ve been active in community service since moving to this community in 1993 with husband and infant son. I volunteered in my kids’ schools, served on PTA boards, volunteered in youth sports, and Girl Scouts. In addition, I have had the privilege of serving in many official capacities, some highlighted below.
Appointed service:
• Ad Hoc Legislative Committee member, CSLT City Council 2011-2013
• Board member, Tahoe Transportation District, 2010-2014
• Board member, CalTahoe Emergency Operations Service Agency, 2010-2014
• Board member, California Tahoe Conservancy, 2010-2012
• Board member, Sacramento Division, League of California Cities
• Board member, Solid Waste Tri-County Commission
• League delegate, Transportation, Communications & Public Works Committee, 2011-2014
• League delegate, Employee Relations (PERS) Committee, League of CA Cities, 2014
• Ad Hoc delegate, Water Bond Task Force, League of CA Cities, 2014
• Ad Hoc delegate, CEQA Reforms, League of CA Cities, 2013-14
• Steering Committee, 56-Acre (Lakeview Commons) Project.
Why are you running for City Council?: I am running for re-election to the City Council to continue the successes of the past four years and to keep our city on track for continued improvement. It’s been a privilege to serve this community as a council member the past four years. We have made significant progress in moving the city to greater economic, environmental, and social sustainability. My decisions have supported a strong fiscal policy that took us from a sea of red ink to a balanced budget and a plan to meet our pension and healthcare liabilities. We’re investing in infrastructure. After decades of neglect, streets are regularly paved and bike trails added. Pioneer Trail finally has sidewalks and streetlights, Harrison Avenue is newly revitalized and the hated “Hole” is a retail center. We have our first neighborhood playground at Bonanza Park, Lakeview Commons bustles year-round and Regan Beach is funded for improvement.
There is still much to be done. Protecting our lake requires economic investment in our aged infrastructure. It’s time to simplify permitting, improve broadband service and spur investment at the Y. We need to diversify our economy around recreational tourism, special events, a destination college, and telecommuting professionals. We must also address the needs of seniors, the working poor and our failing mental health system.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: 1. Performance. No other candidate has the track record of success that I’ve achieved in the past four years on council. Some examples. I championed the Harrison Avenue revitalization project, getting it constructed in three years, after 20 years languishing in the “plan pile.” The first-ever joint-agency Recreation Master Plan is now completed. It is the blueprint for projects and investment in our new recreation-based economy. When I joined the council, we laid-off over 65 employees and slashed services. In September we will approve our second balanced budget that also includes over $3 million in capital investment. I pushed for infrastructure investment and delivered a repaving program, new bus stops, and at long last – lighted sidewalks on Pioneer Trail.
2. Vision. Citizens in South Lake Tahoe should be represented by council members that can articulate, coalesce and achieve visionary change for our community. My work with Harrison Avenue, the Loop Road, the turnaround in the city’s culture, and my work building public/private sector partners evidences this skill.
3. Effective leadership. I believe effective elected leaders communicate clearly, demonstrate follow through, are consistent in their logic and actions, have passion for their work and the ability to build consensus. Whatever the topic – building a new recreation economy, plastic bags, the Highway 50 realignment, TMDL regulations, union negotiations – I have consistently used leadership skills to guide my decision-making and to persuade my fellow council members to follow suit.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing South Lake Tahoe and how will you deal with it?: Jobs and Economic Development are hands-down our most pressing issues.
I will pursue a three-fold strategy that starts with stabilizing and expanding existing business, giving them incentives to grow and/or build. We must build on these strengths particularly in the areas of eco-tourism and destination education, cultivating a well-rounded product in those industries. Tax and commodities incentives that get government red tape “out of the way” and enhance zoning are so often the missing ingredients to existing business expansion. These tools are key to growing new business, too.
Second, the city must develop the infrastructure necessary to draw new economic growth. That infrastructure begins with adequate cell and broadband coverage, continues into recreational facilities including bike paths and continues with road improvements. Businesses seeking new locations want to move to attractive communities with high quality housing stock at a variety of price points, good schools and a technological and physical infrastructure capable of supporting their operational needs. We lag behind in these areas. We must not be afraid to invest in ourselves. I’ve watched our city suffer for years because public and private owners have failed to maintain their assets.
Third, use the resources of our private sector partners like the city’s recently formed economic development task force and both of our chambers, to recruit new businesses in the areas of recreation/tourism, destination education, and health and wellness. Building on these established bases is smart and logical. We need to also seek out and recruit the tele-commuting young professional who would appreciate the luxury of living and working in Tahoe.
If the city cannot reach an agreement with its bargaining units, are you willing to go to impasse? Why or why not?: Yes. The city has been direct and transparent about our present and future financial challenges and the role employees need to play in righting the course. To ensure we are a sustainable organization, we must collectively share the burden of righting past policies that led us into unfunded PERS and health care liabilities. If that means we must go to impasse as part of the negotiations process, then we will do so.
How would you resolve the CalPERS and health care issues in the city?: I am the only member of the city to work directly with legislators, the governor’s office and fellow city officials to solve PERS. As a member of the League of California cities PERS committee and the ad hoc task force, I work directly at the state level to resolve these problems. This experience confirms for me that the city is on the right track.
The CalPERS and health care unfunded liabilities should have been dealt with 10, event 20 years ago. I hear from many current and former staffers who tell me they knew then that the program was unsustainable. The problem? Nobody was prepared to make the tough decisions. I have been a consistent advocate to address these issues fairly. Toward that end I supported council’s action course initiated by council over the past two years to resolve the city’s unfunded CalPERS and health care liabilities. In my first year on the council, employees began to pay the matching share into PERS (8-9 percent). The next year, council voted to set aside additional funding against our PERS indebtedness. By refinancing our PERS liabilities repayment schedule, we will be able safeguard our employees retirements and eliminate the red ink.
Health care. We have to hold the line on health care costs. Presently, our $30 million/year General Fund must fund over $4 million on health care. Of that nearly $2 million goes to retirees. We must balance the needs of the current workers with the retirees. We also have an obligation to return dollars back into our community. On the table is a proposal that provides equal access to health care for all with a net savings to the General Fund. This proposal would also fully fund retiree health care, eliminating a problem that past councils allowed to linger for a decade.
What is your opinion about term limits for the council?: I believe the voters of South Lake Tahoe thoughtfully choose their council members. The real question is how do we broaden and enrich the candidate pool.
If the city has positive cash flow, where should the money be spent?: Uncommitted funds should go first into improving our community’s built environment. I am proud that this council has adopted and funded the first Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of substance in a decade. We’ve identified four key projects – road repairs, moving the maintenance yard from the 56-acre complex to our new industrial location, improving Regan Beach and renovating the rec enter. Any additional funds should go to the unfunded projects on the list.
We are learning from the lessons of the past. Don’t throw money away. Invest in capital.
What are your ideas for increasing the city’s revenues?: Cities are funded primarily from three sources – sales and property taxes and TOT. Our most effective way to raise the bottom line is to stimulate the economy so existing businesses thrive and new business is drawn to South Lake Tahoe. We are a notoriously difficult place to develop because of our regulations. The city needs to focus attention on smoothing the permitting and planning process and do more to facilitate private investment. We also need to implement the Tahoe Valley and Tourist Core area plans. These blueprints identify prime areas for private investment.
What is your vision for the 56-acre project?: As a member of the 56-acre steering committee, I collaborated in forming a strong vision for the site. It is the heart of our community and needs to be developed to complement the work done at Lakeview Commons and nearby Harrison Avenue. Moving the city’s maintenance yard from the site, make the existing rec center into a water complex, building a new indoor complex would create a more complete recreation experience as would adding interpretive trails and signage. An outdoor amphitheater and revitalized campground are additionally required amenities. Lastly, the senior center and museum should be transformed to include a full-bodied community center complex.
What would you do to improve relations with El Dorado County?: Good relations require relationships. That is why I have made the effort to build relationships with the full Board of Supervisors, the CAO and key staff members. I know many of the Placerville City Council members and have worked to learn about the issues important to them. This is why I volunteer my time with the League of Cities and other organizations in Sacramento.
Is the city on the right course with restructuring debt and focusing on recreation? Why or why not?: Yes. Restructuring debt took the budget from red ink to black and resolved 20 years of poorly negotiated agreements. The public has told us that recreation is the new hub for our tourist economy. Investing in the public infrastructure needed to support recreation is our contribution to economy revitalization. With our fiscal house in order and our recreation infrastructure in place, South Lake Tahoe will be poised for additional economic development and expansion.
Name one vote the City Council made in the last four years you are proud of and one you are disappointed in – why?: The vote to fund the Harrison Avenue renovations. I was the champion for this project, working with the owners, staff, and consulting team to resolve 20 years of debate. The result – a project that nearly completed representing over $5.8 million in public infrastructure improvements. More, the project includes an important partnership with the local property owners and businesses that generate economic and environmental wins for our community.
I am disappointed that council chose to delay the second phase of the plastic bag ban. It is frustrating to revisit ordinances repeatedly. Council’s job is to set policy then stay out of the weeds when it comes to implementation. I was particularly disappointed that the delay was implemented for no clear purpose. There was no protest from business or individuals. Instead there was an outpouring of support for final implementation from nearly 200 residents. I believe council missed an opportunity to listen to and serve our voters.
What is working in the city and what isn’t; and how would you go about changing what isn’t working?: The citizens survey guides me in this area. They said they wanted infrastructure, better communication, a balanced budget, built environment improvements. Four years ago we turned this around, making the cuts to balance the budget.
Being on the council requires working with four others. Give readers an example of how you work well others in difficult situations with differing opinions: SnowGlobe is an excellent example of working well under pressure under contentious circumstances. I was newly elected when SnowGlobe came to town, catching us all by surprise with its booming bass levels, crowds and congestion. I spent long hours on the phone with irate residents across the city listening to their complaints and working with the city and staff to solve the problems. Council received strong protest and criticism in the weeks following. It was important to me that council allowed community members to express their opinions. More, we needed to ensure that conflicting opinions were respected. It wasn’t easy, but the post-SnowGlobe discussions resulted in many good suggestions for improvement.
When the question of bringing SnowGlobe back for a second time came up in the fall, there was great opposition. I am proud of my work, along with my fellow council members, to identify opportunities to correct mistakes and provide a better concert experience. I drove through neighborhoods every night of SnowGlobe that second year, visited the site and sat in the daily site briefings. Being informed and pro-active gave me the tools to problem-solve issues with residents and businesses.
Now, going into our fourth year of the SnowGlobe music festival there are still challenges, but the most significant debate is past. Instead we have a city/community partnership working each year to minimize problems. Looking forward we have no venue after this December.
What is your opinion about the following topics:
• Ferry service on Lake Tahoe?: Ferry service is an interesting prospect that could potentially better the economy and vitality of the Tahoe basin if it is tied into an effective multi-modal transportation system that runs frequently and reliably. The full analysis that assesses the economic and environmental viability of ferry service is still months from completion. I believe that finding revenue to make both ferry and bus service free to riders is an important part of transforming Tahoe as a recreation destination.
• Loop road?: First, we don’t have a project yet. The project is an opportunity to draw in $60 million in improvements to that detour.
Second, the more relevant question is this. Is the city of South Lake Tahoe prepared to leverage that roadway investment to revitalize the adjacent residential and business neighborhoods per our old Ski Run and Stateline community plans? If the answer is yes, as I believe it should be, we have the rare opportunity to make major improvements such as a neighborhood park, greenway and bike path, pedestrian lighting, quality workforce housing and mixed use housing/retail opportunities. This is the critical question. If the city is unwilling to take advantage of the investment opportunity presented by the loop, it’s not worth the effort.
• Future of Lake Tahoe Airport?: Expanding the general aviation (GA) activities at the airport is our most viable option for creating a profitable operation. Commercial air service is not viable without a multi-million dollar subsidy, a sum unaffordable for the city nor on offer from other jurisdictions. There is a business model for GA that can transform our airport into a bustling, profitable venture. Pairing our GA activities with expansion of routes/carriers/gateways at our regional partner airports (Reno, Sacramento), we can attract more visitors across a broader geographic and economic spectrum.
• Increasing the transient occupancy tax?: Until we have a clear picture of what citizens would support there is no reason to raise TOT. Believe there are projects the community would only consider a TOT increase (or any other type of tax) if it is linked to a specific improvement or benefit that is fully vetted by the community. A 1 percent TOT increase will generate about $500,000 a year, a one-half cent sales tax increase about $2 million. Implementing either requires voter approval.
• Changing the vacation rental ordinance to reduce the number of such units in neighborhoods?: During my first term on council, we have dealt with the vacation rental ordinance at least once a year. When this issue came up in July, I asked staff to prepare a detailed analysis of our code enforcement activities, identifying the types and volume of complaints and whether the city is adequately enforcing existing codes and ordinances for vacation rentals.
The public voted to not elect you supervisor, why do you think they will re-elect you to the council?: Missing a spot in the general election by 12 votes was disappointing to the nearly 1,000 voters who gave me their vote of confidence.
Tell the voters something about yourself that they may not know: I’m a farm girl who grew up working alongside my parents in the fields and working with livestock. As a result, I say the word almond like I it rhymes with salmon.
A few questions to get my vote:
Leadership – Why have your peers never appointed you mayor or mayor-pro tem in 4 years if you are such an adept leader?
You state that, “I have consistently used leadership skills to guide my decision-making and to persuade my fellow council members to follow suit.” Do you think they would agree that you persuaded them to vote the way they did?
“No other candidate has had a better track record of success” – Haven’t you served the past 3 years with Tom Davis? Doesn’t he have the same record of success as you? Please explain the differences that makes you more successful than Tom?
Your comments Ms. Swanson, I hope you will answer them.
Yo Angela you forgot to take credit for the Parking Meters.
I believe it is time for you to ride off into the sunset and let some other bought and sold person take your place on the Council
I have always wondered who the Champion of the Harrison Avenue project actually was.
Mystery solved.
Excellent questions reza….it is so easy to take 90 percent credit for things you have 10 percent of the responsibility for. Lest we also not forget the brown paper bag for some indication of the ability of thinking through not too complex situations by yourself.
What WAS she thinking?
Integrity is the corner stone of trust, trust is one of the most important qualities in a public official. Angela still needs to explain her acceptance of a brown paper bag full of money from a local drug dispensary, all of which lead to the district attorneys charge of bribery.
You have had years to help this town become recreation and activities destination. Now that’s a buzz word everybody is now jumping on the band wagon. College is supportive, in fact until this year all other entities but the city have jumped on board. The city is still too expensive for facility use (except snoglobe), lacks any type of facilities that are worthy of use and don’t see the whole picture in terms of generating revenue. You had your chance, let’s see what new blood can do. Harrison Ave. has no champion except for the land owners that fought for 20 years for a realistic plan. Anybody on current city council or management had nothing to do with it.
I think that giving all the “champion” credit for the Harrison Avenue project improvements solely to the Harrison Avenue land owners is unfair. The City’s staff (who are paid by the SLT taxpayers) did all the leg work related to the design team, meeting all regulations, the permitting, arranging for all the community meetings for the property owners/business operators to attend, the RFPs, and all the administrative work associated with establishing the assessment district. Also, the taxpayers of SLT paid a huge chunk of money for these improvements, and the City using taxpayer money made low interest loans to the Harrison Avenue property owners for their portion of costs that they can repay to the City via an assessment on their property taxes over the next 20-years. I would characterize this as a successful public/private project that increased the values of those Harrison Avenue properties, improved the appearance of our town, and think that credit should be given where credit is due.
I would hope that the Harrison Avenue property owners follow John Cefalu’s lead and make improvements to their buildings and take advantage of this opportunity to really bump up their property values.
Any idea if there are any more candidates forums scheduled?
4mer,
I think you need to do a bit of fact checking. Primary sponsor was the conservancy. Plans were shoved down property owner and business alike. Had it not been for these business owners and property owners pushback plan would be much different as would the opinion of folks involved. Double check the amount of SLT money??
I would not give property owners all the credit. They went to meetings and said no until they got a project they liked. Without the facilitation of CTC, the city and funding by the taxpayers to make it happen it is doubtful the property owners would have gotten anything done on their own.
Actually, my bad on the financing, you are correct most of the money did come from the city. Although, I stand by my comment in regards to property owners and business, making the plan much more user friendly. All in all, as stated a good example of public/private partnership. We need more of the same. Hopefully all projects don’t take over 20 years.
Slapshot….CTC employee? You give the CTC credit where it is not deserved at all. The city helped put the brakes, on but the CTC was doing everything they could to railroad the process.
Less than impressed.
Not an employee of CTC, but their push helped moved it forward. It may have taken a couple of approaches and version but without them, the city and the taxpayers there would have been no project. That’s why the property owners don’t deserve all the credit. Though they will get a good benefit as the value of their holding appreciate. I have no problem with members of the city council taking some credit.
As a member of our wonderful South Lake Tahoe community, I have personally seen Angela’s leadership in very difficult situations that has made dramatic, positive changes. She asks the right questions and gets to the important pieces of topics. She has made it very obvious to me that she strives for what is best for South Lake Tahoe and our community.
Kim George EMTP RN BSN
I’m aware of the huge part the CTC played in the Lakeview Commons Project but I’m unfamiliar with any part they played in the Harrison Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project. Could someone please explain their involvement.
Thank you.
I believe the CTC was involved in a land swap that helped to facilitate the program.
https://www.laketahoenews.net/2012/03/ctc-s-tahoe-land-swap-could-add-parking-to-harrison-ave/
As you can see a number of organizations and most importantly the taxpayer were involved in the project and as I stated above its doubtful the principal landowners would do the project on their own.
Slapshot,
Thanks for the reminder about the CTC; I completely forgot about that. I 100% concur with your remarks.
If you had attended meetings 20 years ago. You would know the CTC was to be the primary contributor to the project. You are correct there would have been no project if not. Most of the property owners could not afford that type of project, as well permitting would be very difficult. The conservancy traded the city for the lot next to tribune building, but as many of the businesses in the corridor are finding is the lot will be a non factor as it will not be utilized. In fact many large trees were cut down, something a land owner would not be allowed to do. The conservancy went on to sell the drive in property which is now being developed. I am pleased that it will be developed as I own the property next door and will benefit from this development. Although if you read the conservancy mission statement they really are not supposed to be in the business of development but rather conserving sensitive land.
As I mentioned it took all parties involved to make the project happen not just the property owners, but in my opinion most importantly the tax payers.
Property owners are the taxpayers.
The City revenues that are paying for these Harrison Avenue improvements have been and will be generated from all sorts of revenue sources and not just from property taxes collected, thus not every person that’s paid taxes and is helping to pay for the City’s portion of costs is a property owner. And not every SLT property owner will realize the type of direct financial benefit to their own personal property from these improvements as those owning property on Harrison Avenue. While I support these types of enhancements it would be nice if the property owners who have been assisted by the rest of us demonstrated a modicum of appreciation for our contribution. I’ve been waiting more than 10-years to have maintenance performed on the street where my property in the City is located and would be thrilled to have those improvements and happy they finally came rather than angry it took so long. If the City offered to do to my street what they did on Harrison Avenue and asked me to help pay a portion of those costs via an assessment I’d be asking where they want me to sign.
I speak only for my self. I don’t own any property on Harrison Ave. sold the biz I had five years ago. My thanks would go to those that wrote the grants and the lodging industry for their contribution via TOT. Whether or not the property owners benefit is still yet to be seen??
Just a thought in regards to your property. Form a Business Imrovement District with your neighboring properties. I wonder how many of them would or could afford to buy in? If they did I wonder how many would agree on the plan?
You state anger???? No anger just disbelief that it takes as long as it does for projects to take hold.
Angela – you have been diligent in working to accomplish the goals you set when you first ran for City Council, and the results are visible as the City has come a long way in the past four years. You are always clear about what you stand for and I appreciate your respect for, and true interest in listening and learning from your constituents.
Angela is the council member who walked out of an early morning vote on paid parking. She also tried every trick in the book to keep her constituents from voting on parking. She also does not turn down any increase on the voters i.e. 911, cable, trash and 10 cents for a paper bag and the bag of cash? She has had too much kool-aid from the city manager. Time to sit down and take a break.
Let’s hope the Harrison Avenue property owners’ benefit—I’d hate to think that the City and the property owners expended a lot of money, along with what had to be significant disruptions to those Harrison Avenue businesses this past spring and summer, and not get a really positive return on that investment in the future.
I agree on the formation of Improvement Districts to get upgrades accomplished. With the elimination of most federal & state grant roadway funding and the high cost of roadway infrastructure improvements I don’t think our local government by them self or the property owners by themselves have the funds to make much in the way of upgrades. Unless a person is living in a really affluent area (likely outside Tahoe) it’s starting to look more and more like the partnership that the City and Harrison Avenue property owners forged will be the way of the future if we want to make significant upgrades.
Most of the bad roads are in residental areas, so biz i provement districts wont work, you would have to setup a mello roos tax for those areas.
Reloman, The former city attorney tried to make the whole town a BID but a group similar to the Tahoe for Tahoe group shut down the houx in 2005.
Lou. What was that attorneys name?
So give me two names that you think won’t win our little city council. Just 2 for now. Who will be out and why primarially?