Palos Verdes Estates City Council Candidate Evaluation
PVP Watch invited all 3 candidates running for the Palos Verdes Estates (PVE) City Council in this November's election to complete a questionnaire and attend in-person interviews. After careful reviews and analysis. PVP Watch recommends the following two candidates:
Desiree Myers
Craig Quinn
Below is a summary of our opinions and reasoning based on the candidates' questionnaire and interview responses.
Desiree Myers (Campaign website: https://www.dez4pve.com/)
Strengths:
Involved in solving PVE issues for over 10 years, even without a title or recognition. Her dedication to PVE residents is outstanding. She provided many examples where she helped PVE over the years.
Showed strong motivation to serve PVE.
Shows good leadership qualities.
By far the most knowledgeable candidate on PVE issues than other candidates.
Has in-depth knowledge of the key PVE issues, particularly financial and housing density, and offers solutions.
Researched facts on issues and based her decisions on facts.
Committed to keeping their Police Force and explained her rationale in detail.
Communicate effectively to build trust on issues such as Measure E, Housing Element, and the Roundabout initiative.
Understood financial issues including debt, deficits, and pensions, and offered solutions.
Her effort led to the passing of PVE Land Preservation Act to protect parkland and open space.
Focus on contributions and ideas in her campaign, and does not smear other candidates.
Concerned about employee turnover at the City Hall.
Advocate for the City Council to define policies instead of City staff dictating the policies.
Weaknesses:
No noticeable weaknesses with this candidate.
Craig Quinn (Campaign website: https://www.quinn4pvecitycouncil.com/)
Strengths:
Priorities are Local Control, retaining local police force, revenue shortfall, and safety.
Stated that he would stand firm on his points of view to the City Manager, City Council, and Legal Council when and if necessary.
Demonstrated a calm demeanor and good listening skills to work with other Council members to resolve issues. Shows good leadership qualities.
Has been attending City Council meetings, mostly virtually, to keep track of PVE activities and issues.
Has extensive background in insurance programs and negotiated health benefit programs for City employees and Labor Unions. Very strong on financial issues.
Has a good grasp of Housing Density issues and the PVE Housing Element. Concerned about the Housing Density plan and location for the 199 units required. Suggested using existing ADU's to fulfill the requirements.
Aware of and understand previous Bonds, Measures D and E for the Police Dept.
Show pragmatism related to fixing or replacing City Hall. Stated that the solutions should be based on the City's financial ability and constraints.
Stated that the City Council should institute policy and the Staff should implement it.
Concerned about the staff turnover and will work toward staff retention.
Feels there is a lot of citizens' disrespect toward staff and wants to change that.
Was honest about issues with which he was not familiar.
Weaknesses:
Unsure of solution for High Fire Danger Zone rating for PVE.
Derek Lazzaro
Derek Lazzaro was invited to an interview and to fill out our Questionnaire. Derek had an interview scheduled but did not attend, nor submit his questionnaire.
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