Tilos prefers cuts over fee increases

Friday, September 24, 2004 By Susan Fuller, Alameda Journal

Ruben Tilos, 28, is a financial analyst for a high-tech company. He is an Encinal High School graduate and holds degrees in business from Santa Clara University and San Francisco State University.

What do you think about what the city's done on work/live lofts? Should there be work/live in Alameda's future, what and why?

The Work/Live ordinance is a dagger to Measure A.

They could be approved on a case by case basis, without an overall ordinance. A project like Clamp Swing could be approved by council but I'd rather see a larger project, like the Del Monte proposal, go to the voters.

Alternatively, the city should look for commercial or quality retail uses. With the stagnant economy and Oakland revitalizing its downtown, they are harder to attract.

Do you want retail at FISC? Why or why not. What else?

A lot of people don't want to see retail there because of competition with Webster Street. I'd rather see the beautification of Webster Street. I'm against retail there. When there are more high-income residents I could see Webster Street and that retail center being viable.

I'd like to get commercial but it's hard to get those companies.

What do you think about the budget cutting decisions the council made? What other cuts or revenue generation would you have supported?

I don't like the (proposed) 911 fee. I'm against more taxes and fees. People are paying a high premium to live in Alameda.

In the last five years, the quality of life has decreased in Alameda. At the same time we're being charged a lot more to live in Alameda.

More cuts should be made to balance the budget. Shutting down City Hall one day per month is one way. A couple more cuts in various budgets. I'm against the fee increase the council agreed to for (garbage).

Should the city continue helping the schools financially?

It's not the city's job to bail the schools out. Some of the programs the city pays for are viable, such as (police) school resource officers at the high schools. It's part of the job at the police department to make safe conditions in schools.

I don't think the city should pay for police at extracurricular activities.

(Ed note: The school district reimburses the city for police at dances and games.)

Given the constraints of government, what would you have advocated for Harbor Island tenants that is different from what the council is doing?

Litigation should have taken place about 21/2 years ago. Given the code violations there, a lot of preventive maintenance should have happened.

How would you use the barracks at Alameda Point, considering their historical status, challenging layout and Measure A?

I favor preserving the historic zone but am in favor of demolishing some buildings for commercial, retail or single-family homes.

I'm opposed to using those buildings for multiple dwelling units.

What could the City Council do to break down the real or perceived East-West Alameda divide?

The first thing you have to do is integrate Alameda Point. Street names should be continuous, unlike Poggi Street. They should take down walls.

With regard to east and west, there should be park leagues for kids.

I like that Park Street and Webster Street promote each others' festivals.

What actions has the council taken in the past four years that you support or oppose?

I strongly oppose the (proposed) 911 access fee, garbage and recycling (rate increases), the creation of the ACI enterprise and some budget cuts.

(Ed. note: ACI is a private business with a city franchise for garbage collection. The city had nothing to do with its creation.)

I oppose ballot measures that increased property taxes for the library and hospital. I think the new library should be funded.

(Ed note: The hospital tax was placed on the ballot through a petition drive among Alameda residents, with no involvement from the City Council.)

Some say the Alameda Theatre is a white elephant, some say it's the key to Park Street's economic success. What is your position?

I think Park Street is looking pretty successful. With the addition of the library and parking, Park Street is doing really well. With the theater it will be even more viable, with more profits for the city and Park Street Business Association.

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Last Modified: September 24, 2004

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