ESC has worked to encourage our neighbors to come out and vote as this is a very important local election. We have 4 out of 5 city council seats to be filled in this November 5th election.  Thanks to San Mateo Daily Journal and the question answer they have provided on each candidate to allow us a better idea of our candidates beyond the statement they submitted when they filed for their campaigns.

These questions are directly from The San Mateo Daily Journal

John Harry Prouty
Age: 66
Education: A.A. degree, College of San Mateo  Aeronautical Operations; B.S in business management, San Jose State University
Experience: Broker associate with Prudential California Realty
Family: Married, one child
Residence: South San Francisco for most of life
except for education and time in Air Force Reserves

What measures should the city take to better downtown?

John Harry Prouty: Bringing increased retail foot traffic downtown is critical, make it easier to get from the east side of the freeway. Better public transit connections, schedules and services. Lot mergers allowing for the larger retail spaces. Working with our business and property owners to revitalize blighted buildings

What can the city do to encourage use of the ferry terminal?

John Harry Prouty: We need to make connections with our ferry, BART, SamTrans and Caltrain more direct, simpler and easier. A comprehensive study with MTC to maximize our investment in the new ferry service. Partnering with business, transit agencies and the public to devise an plan that works and that we can afford.

Do you think the city has taken the right approach to development throughout the city?

John Harry Prouty: The city is doing a good job managing development, encouraging sustainable growth. The city needs a plan for job growth and more housing near transportation corridors to create alternatives to automobiles to go to work, home, school or play. Planning will evolve with input from all stakeholders in South San Francisco

What is one ordinance or fee you would like to see repealed?

John Harry Prouty: The city has already repealed an ordinance that was troublesome: the sewer lateral inspection and fee prior to selling your personal residence.

Do you think the city has made fiscally responsible decisions?

John Harry Prouty: The city has done an excellent job managing our finances in these difficult economic times. If elected, I will pledge to work with our community partners to keep city spending within our means and building reserves for the next economic downturn.

Candidate Statement