Draft Interview Questions for Council Applicants
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the City’s budget and long-term financial plan? What actions would you take to remedy and take advantage of strengths?
2. What do you agree with and what do you disagree with in the City’s new General Plan and Housing Element?
3. What City services can be improved and how would you approach these?
4. What is the most serious challenge you believe PH is facing over the next 22 months and how would you address it?
5. What is the most important characteristic or quality that you believe a councilmember should have?
6. Our city manager is retiring this year and council must select a successor. What characteristics or qualities do you believe are most important the next city manager should have?
7. Pleasant Hill, like most cities, has an unfunded pension liability. Projections from the state indicate that our City’s payment to CalPers to pay down this liability will increase significantly and the city will need to draw down its reserves. Within a few years we will have expended our entire reserve. How would you cut expenses and/or increase revenue to prevent the city from this financial catastrophe?
8. During the campaign, candidates discussed traffic issues within Pleasant Hill. If you agree there are traffic issues in our city what are the top 2-3 issues you would like to see addressed?
9. Smaller cities in CA are exploring how they can help mitigate climate change. What are a couple realistic ideas that a smaller city like PH can do to make an impact and/or engage citizens?
10. Sales tax is a primary revenue resource for Pleasant Hill. What are 2 or 3 ideas you have to share that you believe would positively impact our business community?
11. What is one organization or commission in Pleasant Hill you are most proud to be associated with and why?
12. What is your first priority as a Councilmember and why?
13. Can you tell me a time where you may of had a different view on a group topic and how did you overcome that? Or did the group end up following your opinion?
14. How is your relationship with other local elected officials and civic partner agencies? Can you give an example of something you have done to help build a relationship or foster the relationship for Pleasant Hill?
15. As a councilmember, there are a number of council subcommittees, community and regional boards and activities available for assignment. Which, if any, would you like to participate in? Please explain.