Why are you running?
The reason I am running for office is to serve the community and build a better and safer city. After graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law, I have practiced in the area of real estate litigation and transactions as an attorney. I have had the opportunity to work with the City of Morgan Hill on real estate issues. My wife Marilyn and I are active members of St. Catherine’s Church and volunteer at local events for the benefit of charities. Also, I serve on the Board of Directors for our homeowners association. My wife and I have many family members and friends in the South County and want to ensure it remains a family-friendly community where our children can receive a good education.
What are your three top priorities?
- Budget: While other California cities are filing for bankruptcy during this down economy, the budget will be an important issue to ensure Morgan Hill continues to prosper. I would support a fiscally responsible budget and if necessary make reductions without cutting essential services or jobs. The Redevelopment Agency has been eliminated by the state which was a big source of tax revenue. In response, we need to better allocate our resources and focus on infrastructure and public safety.
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Economic Growth: The city council must promote economic growth by having a business friendly environment while maintaining the city’s small-town feel. The city council should do all it can to support local businesses. I am not in favor of a recently discussed increase in city taxes which would hurt local businesses and make it more difficult to attract business to Morgan Hill.
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Public safety: The safety of residents is of crucial importance. Morgan Hill must remain a family-friendly community. I would back the police department to provide them with the resources they currently need to ensure public safety. In addition, we should expand programs for at-risk youth.
What will be your objectives when negotiating new contracts with the city’s three labor unions when the current contracts expire June 30, 2013?
The city council must conduct tough negotiations with the unions to reflect the fact that the city has decreased tax revenues due to the economy and the Redevelopment Agency dissolution while experiencing increased pension costs. While a large percentage of the General Fund is expended on public safety and government services, this should not be an area that we attempt to find savings. It is important we do not cut any jobs as our police department is already understaffed and underfunded.
What kind of relationship do you expect the council to have with the new city manager over the next four years, whoever he or she may be?
First, the city must conduct a thorough search for the next city manager. This position is extremely important to the city. The city council should appoint a city manager who has experience and a successful track record of success related to budget issues. In addition, the next city manager should have an understanding of our community and the wants and needs of residents. The city council must have a good working relationship with the next city manager. However, the next city manager should not be a “yes man” or “yes woman” but instead present a strong opinion for the city council to consider.
Would you support asking the voters for a local tax (sales, parcel, utility, etc.) to provide an extra source of revenue to pay for street repairs or other basic services which cannot be adequately covered by existing revenue sources?
No. During a bad economy, businesses and residents do not need additional taxes. The city council should support a fiscally responsible budget with existing revenue sources that adequately provides for street repairs or other basic services.
Do you think the City should continue to pursue redevelopment of downtown properties such as the Granada Theater and Downtown Mall, despite the absence of the redevelopment agency and the recent state controller’s report that could remove local control of those resources?
This matter may be taken out of the city council’s hands considering the controller’s report. However, I do believe the city should continue to work to support the downtown businesses by making downtown a destination. I would like to see the Granada Theater and the Downtown Mall be a part of this plan.
Do you think there is enough cultural or ethnic diversity on the city’s three commissions? What would you do to improve diversity?
Cultural and ethnic diversity on the city’s three commissions should reflect and represent the community. The goal and procedures of the city should be to obtain the most talented and experienced personnel available from all communities.
What volunteer activities are you involved in?
My wife Marilyn and I volunteer at local events for the benefit of charities and the community including the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Also, I serve on the Board of Directors for our homeowners association.
What are your two favorite movies? Why?
- Anything playing at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival in the Granada Theater!
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“Any Given Sunday” because of the themes of a successful underdog, perseverance, and a team concept. Also, it goes to show the fact that anything can happen on Nov. 6.
Do you think the city and council should do more to reach out to the community to inform residents of meetings, decisions and events that affect them?
As your city councilmember, it would be my goal to be very accessible to the public to hear any concerns. I believe Mayor Tate does a good job of making himself available. Finally, I find that the city website is a good source of information for the public. The city should always look for new ways to reach out to the community to inform residents of matters affecting them.
Where do you think the city should purchase property to develop new baseball and softball fields?
The southeast quadrant is a great location for the baseball and softball fields. I agree with the current locations being discussed by the city council near the Outdoor Sports Center and Aquatic Center.
Matt Wendt
Age: 31
Occupation: Real estate attorney
Family: Married
