Submit Date: Sep 12, 2022
First Name Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
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.
Are you a resident of San Jose?
Yes No
What district do you live in? To verify, please click here: https://eservices.sccgov.org/rov/? tab=dt *
District 6
Length of Residency
6 or more years
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Question applies to Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission I am applying under the following stakeholder categories (Pick top 3): * Community Outreach
Energy Advocate
Environmental (Association, Advocacy, Justice)
Karen Nelson
San Jose CA 95125
Karen Nelson
Employer Job Title
Current Employer Address
Current Employer of Spouse
retired
Address of Current Employer of Spouse
Spouse's Job Title
NA
If you or your spouse is retired and receiving a pension, please state source of pension.
Robert Ruff, my spuouse, receives pensions from: * City of San Jose, Department of Retirement Services * State of California, Public Employees Retirement System (work for Santa Clara County) Interests & Experiences
semi-retired (contract work and
volunteer leadership): Climate
Reality Project: Silicon Valley
chapter
Founder and Co-Chair
Karen Nelson
High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or Other Schools Attended. Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates Attended, Degree and Date of Degree. * Vicksburg High School, Michigan.
Sept 1963 through June 1967 * Western Michigan University, Bachelor of Science with an environmental (biology & ecology) and physical science emphasis.
Graduated with a secondary education Teachers Certificate, Sept 1967 through June 1971 * University of Illinois, Master of Urban Planning with an Environmental Planning specialization. Sept 1972 to May 1974 * Recipient: Fellowship program National Association of Businesswomen (Duke University) 2002 * Ongoing energy related webinars via PG&E, BayREN and other power and clean energy organizations.
List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates.
* Climate Reality Project, Founder and Co-Chair, (June 2018 to present) * Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Avenida Espana Board Secretary (June 2020 - August 2022) * Silicon Valley Clean Energy:
Worked as a contract project manager to produce a 5 hour video course for contractor and installer training on heat pump technology and all-electric appliances, entitled "FutureFit Fundamentals" (May 2020 - September 2021) * League of Women Voters San Jose/Santa Clara, Development Director (April 2014 - 2018) * 350 Silicon Valley, Marketing Co-Director (February 2013 - December 2013) * National
Association of Women Business Owners, Silicon Valley chapter, Development Chair (2002 to 2005) * Bay Area Video Production Association, Programs Co-Chair, 1990 -1994 * Environmental Planner for Santa
Clara County, California (May 1979 to July 1980) (note that Layoffs related to prop 13 budget reductions). * Executive Director for an environmental non-profit, Little Miami Scenic River, Cincinnati Ohio. (1976 - 1978) * Environmental Planner for Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Dayton, Ohio (1974 - 1976)
Languages Spoken
English
Special Awards or Recognitions Received
* Sam Jose Clean Energy:
Selected to as a community non-profit leader supportive of SJCE to represent SJCE in it's press announcement for the Kern County solar and battery storage project. 2022 Media Awards: Pacific Media that I founded in 1990 was awarded over 23 industry awards across 25 years for excellence in video, education, and marketing communication. * General Aviation Aircraft Association: A
1.75 hour on-line interactive course for aviation fuel operators, that I designed and developed, was honored by an industry General Aviation Aircraft Association for excellence and was considered an industry model for best practice training.
It incidentally included sections of environmental protection best practices that I worked hard to include in the course work. * Silicon Valley Business Journal:
My business,
Pacific Media was recognized as one of Silicon Valley Business Journal's Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in 2002 and 2003. * National Association of Women Business Owners: I received a Fellowship to Duke University’s small business leader program through the National Association of Women Business Owners. * International Science Fair:
As a high school science student I was a two time,
4th place International Science Fair winner for research (1) on human bio-rhythms and (2) common factors analysis between plant and human cancer. in the late 1960's Karen Nelson
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.
Virtually my entire life has been devoted to caring about and actively working for a healthy environment.
From study about and education directed to environmental protection which now is focused on reducing GHG emissions from our atmosphere in so many ways:
building decarb actions, active efforts to support
state-wide legislation and policy, active support to avoid the latest CPUC NEM 3 rules that would negatively impact the energy producing role of rooftop solar.
I have a special interest in the expansion of
solar energy, having added rooftop solar to our home in 2007. And I’ve actively supported SJCE since its inception with organization tabling teams to promote SJCE, encouraging the formation of the SJCE NGO partner committee, to promoting SJCE via community presentation opportunities and other support along the way.
As I move from a more active role in Climate Reality next year, I want to continue and expand my support for SJCE.
OBJECTIVES THAT I FEEL MOST QUALIFIED TO SUPPORT:
PROGRAM
STABILITY AND PROGRESS TO MEET THE MISSION This objective includes a number of components including:
• Strategy Evaluation: Given my years of evaluation, support for and development of climate/environmental programs and policy, along with creating effective strategy for community climate advocacy, I feel that this is one of my strengths that I'd like to apply in my Commission role.
Given my
efforts have included renewable energy and building decarbonization, I'd like to provide input to prioritization and implementation of community programs, engagement strategies, legislative evaluation, support and development that strengthens SJCE's capabilities to expand their renewable and carbon-free power portfolio.
An aspect of strategy evaluation is RISK and OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT.
Given my
long-time business background that included overseeing all Pacific Media's business relationships and financial activities, I feel competent to support the evaluation of the risks and opportunities associated with various energy and community programs. This includes providing feedback on the success of the program's operational objectives and opportunities to enhance the program's operational success. I believe that my background gives me the tools to ask pertinent questions and work with others to evaluate on reported data.
• Program Monitoring: Effective and detailed program monitoring is required.
This includes requests for relevant data that is easy to access and to understand regarding SJCE’s energy program changes over time, along with data for energy purchasing (procurement process/costs/reliability of supply, etc.), rate setting, and financing indicators all which will permit effective decision-making about the program's effectiveness, impact on both consumers and the CIty, and gradual/appropriate modifications to increase it's renewable energy portfolio advantage. • Outcome
Evaluation: Assure that we can successfully evaluate the program’s success for appropriateness of renewable energy rates, energy mix percentages, and finding the best in class renewable energy providers for the provision of reliable energy, among other important factors.
OUTREACH and
EDUCATION:
Given my non-profit and media communications background I want to support SJCE staff's outreach to our rate-payers and residents regarding San Jose Clean Energy's programs, purpose, and the many benefits SJCE provides the community including expanded renewable energy, reduced carbon emissions, long-term rate stabilization including the potential for lower rates (in the long term).
I'd like our
strategic outreach plans to include all types of rate-payers, from the individual resident to the community business, corporations and non-profit organizations, each with a unique perspective and often with different goals.
My background also lends itself to supporting the creation of two-way conversation with residents. Effective channels of communication will also encourage more empowerment to participate by recognizing each segment of the community plays a role in our local energy governance. Being heard also generates greater connection to the energy system (where we get our energy and how it is used). In this way the SJ Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission can be a forum for public input and feedback on issues related to the program.
BUILDING COMMUNITY is one objective of outreach.
Given
my environmental background, active participation in climate change education and environmental committees on State and Local levels, I'd work to encourage the expansion of our program to include:
opt-ups to higher renewable energy percentages (at the appropriate time in the program’s maturation), publicize our SJCE program's accomplishments, and bring supportive organizations into collaboration with the SJCE program to encourage the successful implementation of SJCE and other carbon reducing practices that are synergistic with the SJCE program (which could accelerate and increase SJCE program adoption). My active work in the League of Women Voters and Climate Reality, plus connection to other relevant clean energy and climate change organizations, can enhance these efforts.
Karen Nelson
Please state any other information which you feel would be useful in reviewing your application
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
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you currently unhoused?
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 identifies certain financial interest beginning with the immediate twelve-month period prior to your appointment.
Please review the scope 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.
Reference 1 Name
Ruth Merino
Karen Nelson
Reference 1 Address
Reference 1 Email address
Reference 1 Phone
Reference 2 Name
Kat Wilson
Reference 2 Address
Reference 2 Email address
Reference 2 Phone
Supplemental Questions
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
Karen Nelson
Please describe your experience in serving on a Commission or Board.
I recently served on the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Avenida Espana HDC Board as Board Secretary from early 2020 through August of 2022.
The board's focus is to review the operations of the
housing projects it oversees and to accept the financial reporting, both audits and tax returns for each project. As board members we can question and ask for clarification regarding all aspects of all projects operations.
I reviewed and commented on the operation of 9 distinct housing projects.
I served as
Development Director for the League of Women Voters San Jose/Santa Clara Board of Directors. As Director of funding I was was charged with the acquisition of donations and in that role also collaborated with the other directors to oversee all aspects of the League of Women Voters San Jose/Santa Clara operation.
I was a board member on the Santa Clara County Sister County Commission (Moscow) in the 1980's.
As was executive staff to the Board for the Little Miami Scenic River non-profit I was also a member of the Board and oversaw all aspects of the non-profit's operation during my tenure as Executive Director.
Considering your experience and activities in business, labor, School, professional, social,
Commissions, Boards, or other organizations, indicate the experience, training, knowledge and/or skills which qualify you for appointment to the selected commission(s).
There are a number of factors that quality me for the SJCE Advisory Community Commission including: • The breadth of professional and volunteer experience • Focus on environmental and climate related issues • Active connection with a wide array of community organizations focused on clean energy and climate issues
My background spans a wide array of credentials from business to government to non- profit and has been further expanded by working for a very wide range of clients from technology to higher education and environmental products.
This broad experience gives me the ability to see the bigger picture from a variety of perspectives, needs and goals. It allows me speak the language of each these spheres. And with my years of work in communication, both for adult education and marketing, I have applied the principals of effective communication to transfer information, thoughts and ideas to create shared understanding, build awareness and change behavior. I've had to respond to client's needs quickly with creative communication solutions that could be implemented within tight budgets.
I've had a wide
array of roles and experience including as an award winning local business owner that included media based promotion of climate solutions, leadership on local board and commission, founder and chair of a major climate focused organization in Silicon Valley, contract work with Silicon Valley Clean Energy, employment as Santa Clara County environmental planner, Executive of an environmental organization, environmental-centered higher education and award winning International Science Fair participant.
Each
distinct role has grown my leadership and collaborative capabilities.
Virtually all these roles have informed
my deep awareness of renewable energy's value to combat climate change. These varied roles all required well-tuned analytical and systems thinking regarding the operation of both non-profit and for- profit organizations dedicated to developing and utilizing systems, technology and programs to address climate and environmental issues. My roles have always required that I successfully evaluate the consequences of proposed solutions and opportunities to discover innovative ways to achieve operational goals.
This multi-faceted expertise enhances my ability to think strategically about programs and operations.
And usually in roles that are collaborative, I've honed my communication skills both in team settings and in the development of written documents that support plans, strategies, reviews, advocacy and promotion of ideas.
My attached bio details my broad experience.
Karen Nelson
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? My understanding is that the San Jose Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission’s purpose is three-fold including:
• First and foremost is to act as a bridge of communication between the community and SJCE that provides a free flow of input from the San Jose community via members who have expertise related to SJCE’s objectives.
• Provides thoughtful and studied review and comment regarding a wide range of SJCE’s functions for on-going operations.
Our reviews and comments on SJCE’s
operations offer community insights to SJCE’s decision-making. • To support the staff’s outreach to the community that encourages greater community involvement in SJCE’s programs.
The Commission's
advice and comment extends to the SJCE Director and staff that work to assure the SJCE is meeting its goals and providing thoughtful consideration to address challenges that arise from the external policy of the IOUs, state and local players, as well as the economic, social and regulatory environment.
The
chapter may at times communicate with other City of San Jose staff including the Mayor's office to build strong ties of understanding regarding SJCE and relevant topics external to SJCE’s goals and strategies.
Some of the key functions we focus our review and comment on include: • Energy procurement, PCIA related issues and response to local, state and now Federal legislation and policy. • Community programs
that SJCE is now able to expand, especially to support the shift to all-electric with emphasis on assuring equitable opportunity to participate in these programs. • Community outreach where our role can extend beyond comment on marketing and staff outreach efforts to also act as a voice from SJCE to the San Jose community.
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Commission should address.
Three San Jose issues the Advisory Commission should address all relate to accelerating GHG emission reduction in our community and, given SJCE’s mission, should focus on those specific issues most alleviated by the expansion of renewable and clean energy for the community.
ISSUE 1: SJCE has the
means to accelerate a shift to all-electric infrastructure by households, business and organizations.
This
requires providing adequate clean energy to support the shift.
It also requires education about the value of
all-electric and the means for residents to financially make the shift which is based on rebates and lower cost funding mechanisms that are tailored to the needs of that sector, whether household, business or organization.
Providing rebates for heat pump technology helps encourage people to go all-electric.
Heat
pump technology will continue to expand as both residents and contractor/installers are made aware of the benefits and have the capability to select the right heat pump technology with installation know how.
Encouraging more solar rooftop installations is accelerated by SJCE providing education, working with the City to simplify the permit process, protecting the NEM 3 rules to avoid excessive PG&E rate increases that will discourage rooftop solar, sharing the solar incentives and encouraging low-income residents to apply for low cost and no cost systems.
ISSUE 2: SJCE can also influence the shift to electric vehicle transportation.
SJCE is and should continue to support convenient access to EV charging at single family households, multi-family complexes and other public locations via educating the public about incentives, low financing costs and system discounts.
Hopefully as SJCE has more discretionary funds, it will also be able to provide rebates and other financial encouragement to install EV charging, especially level 2 and 3 stations.
ISSUE 3: Reducing electric energy costs.
This is a challenging issue given the role PCIA plays in rate-setting.
However, with the slow reduction of PCIA costs to SJCE, the negative impact of this factor may diminish.
Right now, SJCE is tracking with PG&E rate increases for a variety of reasons.
Although
the challenges SJCE faces to reduce the rate structure are many and complicated, a larger electric rate differential and therefore lower rates compared with PG&E would also encourage greater use of clean energy.
Karen Nelson
Question applies to
Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission
Based on the stakeholder categories you selected, please briefly describe your qualifications and applicable experience. Please attach resume at the end of the application.
The stakeholder categories I selected include:
Community Outreach, Energy Advocate, and
Environmental Association/advocacy.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH and ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSOCIATION/ADVOCACY are very closely aligned for my qualifications and applicable experience.
My
decades of work as a communicator and educator has honed my skill-set to communicate with varied audiences using a variety of tools from presentation, to news media, social media video and using online interactive tools.
Via my Pacific Media business, I produced hundreds of marketing and instructional messages for clients.
For the Climate Reality chapter our monthly newsletter achieves an average 61% to 69% open rates which is an very high industry metric.
I’ve utilized social media for decades in my
business and activism work and success requires an understanding about how to best market and promote messages to the target community.
My work has targeted business audiences, narrow niche
environmental audiences, and broader community audiences of varied demographics. My work includes the design and development of digital marketing, sales, corporate communication, education and training tools.
These skills can be usefully applied to the planning, development and evaluation of SJCE’s outreach tools and efforts.
My business efforts to advocate for clean technology through my former GreenTech TV website, environmental media work for clients, and my climate change volunteer work with the Climate Reality, League of Women Voters, and 350 Silicon Valley has focused on advocating for GHG reduction via a shift to clean energy for buildings and transportation.
My work has included strategic
program planning for climate change, presentation development and delivery, committee leadership, along with legislative analysis and research to develop position statements on environmental topics. •
LOCAL NGO LEADERSHIP.
I founded the Climate Reality Project: Silicon Valley chapter in 2018.
Since
then I have acted as Chair and now as co-chair. An example of our chapter newsletter and the emphasis we place on SJCE partnership and energy related topics can be found here. https://conta.cc/3w3PPQM
•
LONG-TIME ACTIVE SJCE ADVOCACY. I’ve actively supported SJCE since its inception with organizing tabling teams to promote SJCE at events, encouraging the formation of the SJCE NGO partner committee, to promoting SJCE via community presentation opportunities and other support along the way. • BUSINESS OWNER: As a 28 year diversity small business owner, I worked extensively with all types of clients getting to understand their needs and motivations.
I’ve supported organizations from:
FORTUNE
500 FIRMS like Cisco, Apple, Intel and NetApp and many others to small business such as Steinberg Architects.
GOVERNMENT including the California Department of Public Health, City of San Jose, Union City, and others.
NON-PROFITS such as AVID (preparing students for college readiness) and CA Forward, among others.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS such as University of California, San Jose State, Evergreen Valley Community College, Stanford University and the National Science Foundation.
ENERGY ADVOCATE My capability to play an energy advocate role comes from a number of directions including: • SUPPORTED SVCE’s energy programs via articles, tabling and other means and have closely followed SJCE’s energy procurement efforts, the PCIA challenges, rate structure policy and other energy related efforts. • ACTIVELY ANALYZED LOCAL AND STATE LEVEL ENERGY LEGISLATION
AND POLICY
o Worked closely with Dave Rosenfeld, Executive Director of the Solar Rights Alliance, consulted SJCE for their opinions regarding the CPUC proposed NEM 3 rules, and worked to ask the League of women Voters at the state level to change their policy regarding support for the CPUC rules and worked in tandem with a Climate Reality Silicon Valley chapter member to research and release a background report on the genesis of the NEM 3 rule language. o Actively analyzed, wrote public articles
and educated about on a number of California State energy related bills in the 2021 and 2022 legislative Karen Nelson
sessions.
o Actively worked on San Jose’s reach code adoption process in 2019 and 2020 via meetings with San Jose Council members, reach code adoption articles to educate and promote support. • SILICON
VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY CONSULTING for All-Electric Energy.
I consulted with Silicon Valley Clean
Energy to develop a 5 hour video course designed for contractors and installers to learn fundamental knowledge about the value of shifting infrastructure to all-electric.
Key topics included heat pump
technology and products, induction technology, solar rooftop installation, and an introduction to the wide array of all-electric appliances.
My role during this 1.5 year contract included project management, instructional development and design. I also consulted with SVCE to work on online Board Member education that describes SVCE’s history, role and programs.
Separate from this project was the creation
of a highly produced 7 minute video to educate board members about the varied impacts of climate change and the urgency to take action. • GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING.
My education
and professional work as an environmental planner has given me an understanding of how to successfully work with agencies, government departments focused on energy policy development and implementation.
• BUSINESS OWNER:
My 28 year business ownership experience will help me evaluate energy procurement plans and implementation for effective financial and sound management practice.
For
all three stakeholder categories, I can add my communication background, advocacy experience and knowledge and business perspective to the Commission while drawing on my experience in government and non-profit work to offer a broad understanding of the needs and goals for a wide array of stakeholders.
Question applies to
Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission
Given the small number of committee members, having a quorum is essential.
Please
describe your ability to make a commitment to attending and actively contributing to the committee (The committee will meet at least quarterly and in the evenings, but may meet more frequently in the early stages)
I am completely available to attend all meetings along with a commitment to actively contribute to the work of the commission.
I welcome a frequent meeting schedule that assures we are moving forward in a timely manner.
Serving on the Advisory Commission will be my highest volunteer priority.
I fully expect
and look forward to spending significant time devoted to successfully fulfilling my duties as a member of the SJCE Community Advisory Commission.
I also anticipate that my broad community connections in the climate and renewable energy space will facilitate a more responsive and effective contribution to the commission.
Anything else you would like us to know?
In addition to the two references noted above I would like to submit two additional references that can comment on my background, relevant to the Commissioner position:
Diane Bailey, Executive Director,
Menlo Spark and Director of Fossil Free Buildings Silicon Valley [email protected]; 650-281-7073
Peyton Parks, Energy Services Lead, Silicon Valley Clean Energy [email protected];
(408) 636-3722; 14180 Sycamore Ave. San Martin CA 95046 And for reference the titles of my first set of
references are: Ruth Merino: Chair, San Jose Clean Energy Community Advisory Commission Kat
Wilson: Climate & Sustainability Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo Current local community
NGO organizations I am affiliated with that are relevant to the Commission role and demonstrate my ability to support effective community outreach: * Climate Reality Project: Silicon Valley (founder and co- chair) * Fossil Free Buildings Silicon Valley (member and active for reach codes efforts) * Building Decarbonization Coalition and their The Switch Is On campaign (member of the NGO Ambassador advisory committee) * League of Women Voters San Jose/Santa Clara (member and monitor the climate change/natural resources committee) * Elders for Climate Action (they are a partner with CRP SV) * Sierra Club - Loma Prieta (member) * Mother's Out Front (member and active relationship with the local leaders)
Karen Nelson
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Retirement Board Questions Only
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
*
Karen Nelson
Submit Date: Jun 20, 2022
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?
Measure T Community Oversight Committee: 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 2
Current Employer Address
Current Employer of Spouse
Rani Theraputics
Rich Giammona
San Jose CA 95136
San Jose Unified School District Substitute Teacher
Rich Giammona
Address of Current Employer of Spouse
Spouse's Job Title
Office Manager
If you or your spouse is retired and receiving a pension, please state source of pension.
Question applies to multiple boards
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.
Gunderson High School - 1992-1996 Evergreen, San Jose City, DeAnza, Vangaurd University - off and on since 98' The National Hispanic University - 2002 -2004 BA Liberal Studies w/ emphasis cross-cultural studies
List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates
Served on Vista Park Community Association board from 2014-2017 Served on the Neighborhoods Commission from 2014-2021 Currently serve on independent citizens oversight committee for 2016 measure b quarter cent sales tax (term out on June 30, 2020) Currently serve on Measure T oversight committee
Languages Spoken
English
Special Awards or Recognitions Received
magna cum laude
Rich Giammona
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.
I believe in trust and accountability. The Measure T Oversight Committee as the ballot measure stated; needs a citizen oversight committee. The citizens on this committee deserve appropriate financial information to review in depth. The public is trusting that this commission can conduct proper oversight.
Please state any other information which you feel would be useful in reviewing your application
I have a background in business. I operated a small business for eleven-years. I've created budgets, business plan, reviewed financials, researched, and stayed successful.
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.
Rich Giammona
Reference 1 Name
Craig Ash
Reference 1 Address
Reference 1 Email address
Reference 1 Phone
Reference 2 Name
Gary Cunningham
Reference 2 Address
Reference 2 Email address
Reference 2 Phone
Supplemental Questions
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've served on the NC since 2014 and as a member of the oversight committee for measure b 1/4 cent sales tax the past 2 yrs. The NC and oversight committee do great work. Great citizens of this city who dedicate their time for a common good. Being on the NC and serving on the oversight committee has educated myself and many others that I know; about the inner workings of city hall.
Rich Giammona
Considering your experience and activities in business, labor, School, professional, social,
Commissions, Boards, or other organizations, indicate the experience, training, knowledge and/or skills which qualify you for appointment to the selected commission(s).
I believe my business skills will be of use. I've created monthly budgets, reviewed numbers, assisted in the audit of payroll, and much more. As a educator I can bring my research skills. My time serving on the Vista Park Community Association Board put me in contact with many in the vista neighborhood. I have a voice to inform citizens about the happenings at city hall.
Lastly, I believe my time served on the nc for the
past five plus years and 2 on the oversight committee make me qualified. On the NC we have been tasked by council on numerous occasions to provide our yearly budget recommendations. We have studied numerous topics and issues facing the city over the years. One especially that stands out is that of department of transportation and the massive amount of debt they were in regards to paving roads.
Without measure t these roads wouldn't be repaved anytime soon. On the measure b committee I've worked with fellow committee members in reviewing the spending of the first two years of measure b funds. We've researched and advocated for a matrix to specifically answer for where the money is going.
We pushed to get a system established to properly itemize the spending of the money in this measure.
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? This committee is to oversee the spending of Measure T money as such as the independent citizens oversight committee for the 1/4 cent sales tax of measure b 2016.
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Commission should address.
The cities budget, department of transportation, and emergency services.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I'd like to be apart of this committee if it doesn't interfere with my ability to stay on the Neighborhood Commission or specifically the measure b oversight committee.
Rich Giammona
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Retirement Board Questions Only
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
*
Rich Giammona