Submit Date: Aug 14, 2021
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
CITY OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
Boards and Commissions Application
Profile
Please note, applications are continuously accepted to the City of San Jose Boards and Commissions. The Board or Commission you select may or may not indicate there is a vacancy.
Your application will remain on file for one year from the date of submission. During the year, your application may be considered for unanticipated vacancies.
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Federated City Employees' Retirement System: Submitted
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Public members of the Board of Administration of the San Jose Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan or the Federated City Employees Retirement System must live within 50 miles of San Jose City Hall and meet specified eligibility requirements.
Employee members of the Retirement Boards must be active employees who are members of the respective retirement plan. The Police and Fire Department representative must be an employee of the Police or Fire Department respectively. The employee representatives to the Federated Board shall be employed by different departments.
Retiree members of the Retirement Boards must be persons who have retired under the provisions of the respective retirement plan.
Are you a resident of San Jose?
Yes
No
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Member Category:
*
Retiree Representative
Length of Residency
None Selected
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
If not a resident, do you live within 50 miles of San Jose City Hall?
Yes
No
Mark
Linder
Mark Linder
Street Address
Suite or Apt
City
State
Postal Code
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
Employer
Job Title
What district do you live in? To verify, please click here: https://eservices.sccgov.org/rov/? tab=dt
*
District 8
Current Employer Address
Current Employer of Spouse
Retired
Address of Current Employer of Spouse
Spouse's Job Title
Consultant
If you or your spouse is retired and receiving a pension, please state source of pension.
City of San Jose and CalPers
Demographics (Optional)
The demographic information you choose to provide is
VOLUNTARY
and
OPTIONAL
. This
information will be kept separate from your application and will not be used for evaluating applications or making appointments. The City of San José will use this information to solely conduct research and compile statistical reports regarding the composition of its Board and Commission applicants.
Question applies to multiple boards
Ethnicity
Santa Cruz
CA
95060
self employed
Principal, Mark Linder &
Associates
Mark Linder
Question applies to multiple boards
To which gender identity do you most identify?
Interests & Experiences
High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or Other Schools Attended. Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates Attended, Degree and Date of Degree.
St. Louis Park High School in St. Louis Park Minnesota. Graduated in 1964. Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota Graduated in 1969 with combined BA degree in sociology, psychology, and political science.
Masters in Public Administration from San Jose State University. Graduated in 1994.
Participated in
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Training for Senior State and Local Government Executives.
Completed in June 2011, Industrial Areas Foundation training for community organizer. Completed in July 1973. Court Appointed Special Advocate training in Santa Cruz.
Appointed a special advocate by the
Child Dependency Court in Watsonville, November 2017.
List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates
Assistant General Manager, Santa Cruz Metro Transit District 1987 - 1991 Assistant Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos, 1991 - 1995 Deputy City Manager, City of San Jose, 1995 - 1997 and 2006-2008
Director, Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services, City of San Jose, 1997-2002 Assistant City Manager, City of San Jose, 2002-2006 Director, Parks and Recreation, City of Cupertino, 2008-2013 City Manager, City of Campbell, 2013-2016 Board Member, and audit committee member, Law Foundation Silicon Valley 2002-2008 Regional Strategy Team Member, Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA) 2006-2011 (Santa Cruz, Monterey county civic organization Co-chair, Affordable Housing Task Force, COPA, 2017-prsent St.Stephen's Lutheran Church Council, 2011-2017 (Santa Cruz) Chair, Public Sector Task Force, Project Cornerstone, 1998.
Languages Spoken
English
Special Awards or Recognitions Received
Special Acknowledgement from
Job Corps members, Angell Job Corps Center, Yachats Oregon where I served as a VISTA (Americorps) Volunteer in 1965-1966 Student Body President, Macalester College, 1968-69
Please state why you want to become a member of this Board or Commission including specific objectives which you would work toward as a member. If you are applying for the Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices, please indicate any familiarity or experience you may have with campaign laws.
I am interested in the fiscal stability of the Federated Retirement System.
I believe I bring strong Public
Sector management experience to the Board.
I feel I would be a good representative for City of San Jose retirees.
Mark Linder
Please state any other information which you feel would be useful in reviewing your application
I have a diverse background in private sector, nonprofit sector and local government.
I feel these
experiences will enable me to be a positive contributor to the work of the Board.
Do you own property in the City of San José?
Yes
No
If yes, please list the addresses here.
Do you rent property in the City of San José?
Yes
No
If yes, is it a month-to-month lease?
Yes
No
State and local law require that you abstain from participation in decisions that may affect your financial interests, including sources of income, interest in real property, personal finances or investments.
In addition, if appointed, you may be required to fill out a disclosure statement which indentifies certain of your financial interest beginning with the immediate twelve-month period prior to your appointment.
Please review the scopr of your
board/commission in Municipal Code Chapter 2.08.
Based on your best judgment, does this
Board or Commission make decisions that may affect sources of income, interests in real property, personal finances or investments of you or your spouse?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain.
Please identify any organizations, associations, corporations, or entities by which you are employed or associated that might be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission, and the positions you hold in these entities.
Question applies to multiple boards
If appointed, you will be required to fill out a disclosure statement, which identifies certain of your financial interests beginning with the immediate twelve-month period prior to your appointment and annually on or before April 1 of each year thereafter. Please confirm that you have read Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700 Reference Pamphlet and agree to file required FPPC Form 700 Statements of Economic Interest, as required by current City Council Conflict of Interest resolution.
Yes
No
Mark Linder
Question applies to multiple boards
Have you ever been required to file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) and failed to do so?
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please explain in complete detail.
I filed as senior executive in Town of Los Gatos, City of San Jose, City of Cupertino, and City of Campbell Question applies to multiple boards
Please confirm that you have reviewed and agree to comply with the San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 12.08 (Prohibition of Gifts), City of San Jose Ethics Policy (City Policy Manual
1.2.1), and City of San Jose Gift Policy (City Policy Manual 1.2.2).
Yes
No
Reference 1 Name
Jay Castellano
Reference 1 Address
Reference 1 Phone
Reference 2 Name
Leslye Corsiglia
Reference 2 Address
Reference 2 Phone
Supplemental Questions
Mark Linder
If applicable, have you ever attended a meeting of the Commission(s) to which you are applying?
Yes
No
Would you be available to attend meetings at the scheduled time?
Yes
No
Please describe your experience in serving on a Commission or Board.
I have not served on a City of San Jose Board or Commission.
I have served on the Law Foundation
Silicon Valley Board.
I have served on a League of California Cities Committee working on establishing a League run health insurance program for retirees and current public employees.
I served on Church
Council.
I was a member of the Advisory Board for the Davenport Institute which is affiliated with Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy.
Considering your experience and activities in business, labor, professional, social, or other organizations,
indicate the experience, training, knowledge and/or skills which qualify you for appointment to the selected commission(s).
I have thirty years as a senior executive in local government including almost 13 years for the City of San Jose.
For San Jose I was the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, Deputy City Manager, and Assistant City Manager.
Prior to public service I was a leadership consultant, the vice president of a mortgage company, and a professional community organizer.
I was an adjunct professor for
the San Jose State Public Administration program teaching courses in public budgeting, organization theory, and leadership for 11 years.
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? My understanding is the Commission is responsle for ethical and fiscal guidance of the Federated Retirement System.
The Board makes decisions over investment policy and program policy. The Board also makes decisions regarding retirements and disability retirements.
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Commission should address.
The ongoing challenge of having a healthy and adequately funded retirement plan and OPEB.
Second,
the Board needs to improve communication with the City Council and the City Manager's Office. This was a recommendation found in the October 2017 City Auditor's recommendations.
Third, the Board needs to
reexamine the evaluation of investment managers and consultants.
A portion of the operating budget is
for investment managers and consultants. This recommendation was found in the October 2017 City Auditor's report.
Mark Linder
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
I would like to say . . .
that I bring a wide range of experience in local government issues.
I have worked with labor unions and
management in local government.
I feel I would be a contributor to the Board and would learn a great deal as well.
I feel I could be a good communicator
to City Council, the City Manager's Office, current
employees and retirees if that was ever needed.
Retirement Board Questions Only
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Please list your applicable experience or expertise relevant to public retirement plan administration.
*
Health and welfare and/or employee benefits management
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Please summarize your qualifications to serve as a member of the Retirement Board? Briefly highlight your skills, training, education, qualifications, experience (licenses and/or certifications) and personal qualities that you will bring to the Board and share with the organization.
I have held senior executive positions in local government for thirty years. During this service I have been responsible for overseeing employee benefits, participated in labor negotiations regarding employee benefits, and served on a League of California Cities committee working on health care benefits.
I also
bring experience from being a part of the leadership of local government organizations participating in CalPers.
I served on the audit committee for Law Foundation Silicon Valley. I have a calm demeanor, do my homework, and work well with others.
I listen well and am
not afraid to ask questions. I have
experience in the financial world when I served as Vice President and General Manger for a mortgage company
from 1982-1984.
I have experience in working with elected officials. Prior to my work in the public sector I was a consultant with Cupertino-based Dale Watson & Associates.
My clients included San
Francisco Municipal Railway, Santa Clara County Transity District (now VTA), and Santa Clara County Public Guardian's Office.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Please discuss your pension plan and/or investment management and oversight experience including the development of key financial policies.
During my tenure as Campbell's City Manager I worked closely with the Finance Director on our retirement policies in relation to CalPers and OPEB obligations. I also worked with the Human Resources Manager on policies related to retiree health care. My wife and I work closely with our financial planner regarding our deferred compensation investments. As treasurer and then president of the St. Stephen's Church Council I worked on policies related to staff retirement and health care.
Mark Linder
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Retirement Board and City Council? The City Administration? Retirement Services staff? Employee bargaining units? Plan participants and beneficiaries?
The City Council makes final high level policy decisions for both Police and Fire and Federated Retirement Systems. The City Council appoints the members of both retirement systems boards.
When I
served in San Jose, the Director of the Retirement System report to the City Manager and was part of the City Manager's senior staff team.
Today, according to the organization chart on the website, the CEO of the Retirement Systems reports to the Federated and Police and Fire Boards which report to the City Council.
Employees of Retirement Services are managed by the CEO.
The Board works with the CEO,
the General and Fiduciary Counsel, and the CIO.
The Board works closely with the Office of Employee
Relations. The Board would not deal directly with bargaining units or plan participants and beneficiaries except to make retirement decisions including disability retirement.
Working with the bargaining units is
the responsibility of the OER staff. Day to day activities and employee, retiree, and beneficiary interactions are handled by the System staff.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
What do you perceive as the short and long-term goals of the Retirement Board? Provide clear and understandable information to elected officials, City employees, and plan participants and beneficiaries. Make wise decisions regarding the fiscal health of the retirement funds and OPEB funds. Make wise and responsible investment decisions that have been well researched and are understood. Assure that retirement staff receive the necessary tools and training to do their work well.
Work collaboratively with one another and with the CEO.
Examine the evaluation criteria for investment
managers and consultants.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Do you believe that the retirement funds that are invested by the retirement boards are public funds? Why or why not?
I believe these are public funds that are to be used to provide retirement benefits to employees who have retired. The funds are public funds because most of the funds are provided by the tax payers of San Jose..
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Have you read the report by the City Auditor entitled, “Pension Sustainability: Rising Pension Costs Threaten the City’s Ability to Maintain Service Levels?” This report is available at: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3208
Yes
No
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
If so, how is this report applicable to the work you would do as a Retirement Board Member? This report and the October 2017
report on transparency, communication and budget are applicable.
The
reports specify the challenges facing the Commission regarding adequate funding for the system, communications with Council and the City Manager's Office, and the System's operating budget. The reports also spells out the impact on the City's budget and the services the budget funds.
Mark Linder
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
How do you ensure that you are maintaining an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of institutional investing and the capital market environment? I would be sure to read and understand all information provided by the staff, the investment managers and the consultants .
I would also seek recommended reading from the staff and the other Board members.
I
take this position seriously and would want my decisions to be grounded in solid information.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Given the current status of the capital markets, where do you see opportunities to increase return and reduce risk in the pension portfolios? What is your experience with risk budgeting?
Current capital markets have become a bit less stable in recent months. At least the unprecedented upward climb of the capital markets has leveled off and become more normal with steady incremental growth.
However, the markets are stable over time.
Any investment of pension funds should be in safe
and solid organizations for both equities and bonds.
Investment in real estate should be carefully reviewed
in terms of long term viability. To me, there appears opportunity with investments in companies with strong price-earnings ratios and companies with long history of well managed finances and revenues. I feel there are possible opportunities real estate investments.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Please describe your views on the role of asset allocation and provide detail on your recommended asset classes and proportions for pension funds like those serving the employees of the City of San Jose.
I reviewed the Investment asset allocation policy adopted by the Board in December 2017.
I feel the
allocations presented in the policy make sense.
I acknowledge I am not an expert in this matter and am
committed to learning as quickly as possible.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Should pension plans like those in San Jose invest in alternative investments such as private equity, commodities, infrastructure or separate account real estate? If so, how? If not, why?
I think these possibilities should be explored as to what benefit they might bring to the pension funds.
I
would avoid any high risk and volatile investments that could harm the overall fund.
Any investments need
to be thoroughly researched before any decision is made.
That being said, these alternative investments
provide good opportunities and should be investigated.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
How would you evaluate an investment manager? When would you terminate an investment manager? How should due manager diligence be conducted? I would evaluate based on investment recommendations made, clarity in explaining why and ongoing communication as to results be they good or bad.
I would terminate any investment manager that would
not tell the truth or would try to hide any bad results. I would establish performance expectations and receive updates on the results. I would
expect investment managers
to work well with the CEO, CIO and
other staff.
The Board should help determine how the information is reported so it is useful in making decisions.
Mark Linder
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
What should be included in a pension plan’s statement of investment policies? Please address the roles of trustees, staff, consultants, investment managers and custodians in asset allocation, portfolio structure, manager selection and due diligence, rebalancing, reporting and analysis.
The statement of investment policies should be clear and understandable by City Council, City employees and retirees and beneficiaries. Trustees are responsible for System oversight and investment policies.
Trustees would also be responsible for approval of the budget.
Staff responsibilities should be clearly laid
out.
Consultants and investment managers responsibilities should be clearly outlined. Asset allocation should be communicated at a high level with the rational behind the allocation policies. The same is the case for portfolio structure, manager selection, due diligence, rebalancing reporting, and analysis. I feel the December 2017 investment allocation report is a good example of a useful and clear report.
I
acknowledge I will need to learn much more about this, but I am committed to do so if selected.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Individuals applying for appointment as public members of the Board are ineligible for appointment to the Board if they meet certain criteria. Please confirm if you meet any of the following criteria:
Retired members of, or persons participating in or receiving benefits from the Police and Fire Retirement Plan or Federated City Employees Retirement System
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor within the past five years or a felony within the past ten years (except for minor traffic offenses that resulted only in a fine)?
Yes
No
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
If yes, please explain in complete detail. State the nature and approximate date of the conviction, the sentence imposed, whether the sentence has been completed, and any other information you consider relevant.
CA
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Are you or your firm currently or within the past five years been the subject of any litigation or claims resulting from any investment activity, advice, a fiduciary relationship, or regarding alleged financial improprieties?
Yes
No
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
If yes, please provide details.
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Are you or your firm currently or within the past five years been the subject of any investigation or disciplinary action by any governmental and/or regulatory body (SEC, NASD, states Attorney General or Insurance Commissioner, etc.)?
Yes
No
Mark Linder
Question applies to
Police and Fire Retirement Plan Board,
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
If yes, please provide details.
Verification
By checking the box below, you agree with the following statement.
I agree that all of the information contained in my responses to the questions on this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further agree that, by checking the box below and submitting this application, online or otherwise, I am affixing my digital signature to this form as of the date submitted.
I Agree
*
Mark Linder
Submit Date: Sep 01, 2021
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address
Suite or Apt
City
State
Postal Code
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
Employer
Job Title
CITY OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
Boards and Commissions Application
Profile
Please note, applications are continuously accepted to the City of San Jose Boards and Commissions. The Board or Commission you select may or may not indicate there is a vacancy.
Your application will remain on file for one year from the date of submission. During the year, your application may be considered for unanticipated vacancies.
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Civil Service Commission: Submitted
Are you a resident of San Jose?
Yes
No
Length of Residency
6 or more years
What district do you live in? To verify, please click here: https://eservices.sccgov.org/rov/? tab=dt
*
District 9
Current Employer Address
Current Employer of Spouse
n/a
William
Brill
San Jose
CA
95118
Retired
n/a
William Brill
Address of Current Employer of Spouse
Spouse's Job Title
n/a
If you or your spouse is retired and receiving a pension, please state source of pension.
PG&E and IBEW Local 1245
Demographics (Optional)
The demographic information you choose to provide is
VOLUNTARY
and
OPTIONAL
. This
information will be kept separate from your application and will not be used for evaluating applications or making appointments. The City of San José will use this information to solely conduct research and compile statistical reports regarding the composition of its Board and Commission applicants.
Question applies to multiple boards
Ethnicity
Question applies to multiple boards
To which gender identity do you most identify?
Interests & Experiences
High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or Other Schools Attended. Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates Attended, Degree and Date of Degree.
Graduate of Branham High School in 1969.
Attended San Jose State 1969-1971.
Also took many classes
at San Jose City College.
List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates
Served on the Executive Board of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition from 1986 to 1999.
Served on the
Executive Board of East Valley Community Clinic from 1995 to 1998. Served on the City of San Jose Housing Advisory Commission from 1990 to 1993. Served on the City of San Jose Federated Retirement Board from 1996 to 1998. Served on the City of San Jose Police and Fire Retirement Board from 1998 to 2008. Served on the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury for 1997-1998 term.
Languages Spoken
English
William Brill
Special Awards or Recognitions Received
Ted Zuur Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 1990. Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition award for my commitment to the environment and a healthy community in 1998.
Please state why you want to become a member of this Board or Commission including specific objectives which you would work toward as a member. If you are applying for the Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices, please indicate any familiarity or experience you may have with campaign laws.
I will continue to be open minded in our hearings and other work to ensure due process is practiced.
Please state any other information which you feel would be useful in reviewing your application
I would like to be considered to continue to contribute to the City of San Jose on this Commission.
Do you own property in the City of San José?
Yes
No
If yes, please list the addresses here.
Do you rent property in the City of San José?
Yes
No
If yes, is it a month-to-month lease?
Yes
No
State and local law require that you abstain from participation in decisions that may affect your financial interests, including sources of income, interest in real property, personal finances or investments.
In addition, if appointed, you may be required to fill out a disclosure statement which indentifies certain of your financial interest beginning with the immediate twelve-month period prior to your appointment.
Please review the scopr of your
board/commission in Municipal Code Chapter 2.08.
Based on your best judgment, does this
Board or Commission make decisions that may affect sources of income, interests in real property, personal finances or investments of you or your spouse?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain.
Please identify any organizations, associations, corporations, or entities by which you are employed or associated that might be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission, and the positions you hold in these entities.
William Brill
Question applies to multiple boards
If appointed, you will be required to fill out a disclosure statement, which identifies certain of your financial interests beginning with the immediate twelve-month period prior to your appointment and annually on or before April 1 of each year thereafter. Please confirm that you have read Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700 Reference Pamphlet and agree to file required FPPC Form 700 Statements of Economic Interest, as required by current City Council Conflict of Interest resolution.
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Have you ever been required to file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) and failed to do so?
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please explain in complete detail.
Question applies to multiple boards
Please confirm that you have reviewed and agree to comply with the San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 12.08 (Prohibition of Gifts), City of San Jose Ethics Policy (City Policy Manual
1.2.1), and City of San Jose Gift Policy (City Policy Manual 1.2.2).
Yes
No
Reference 1 Name
Kathy DiQuisto
Reference 1 Address
Reference 1 Phone
Reference 2 Name
Sam Swift
Reference 2 Address
Reference 2 Phone
William Brill
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? The Civil Service Commission is responsible to make recommendations to the City Council, the City Manager or any other appointive power on matters relating to the administration of personnel in the classified service.
The commission hears appeals from personnel decisions affecting City employees and applicants and may evaluate and recommend changes to existing Civil Service Regulations.
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Commission should address.
Continue the work listed above in overseeing the administration, hearing appeals and make recommendations to any changes to existing Civil Service Rules if appropriate.
Question applies to
Civil Service Commission
Council Policy prohibits former or current City employees to serve on the Civil Service Commission. Have you previously been employed by the City of San Jose?
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you meet the requirements for appointment to this commission?
Yes
No
I would like to say . . .
I have lived in San Jose for 56 years and have always been involved with issues that will continue to make San Jose a great city to live in.
Retirement Board Questions Only
William Brill
Verification
By checking the box below, you agree with the following statement.
I agree that all of the information contained in my responses to the questions on this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further agree that, by checking the box below and submitting this application, online or otherwise, I am affixing my digital signature to this form as of the date submitted.
I Agree
*
William Brill