Gary Plass, Candidate for Healdsburg City Council

General Information

Name : Gary W. Plass
Age : 59
Place of residence : 1032 Langhart Drive

Education

College

Attended college : Yes
College : SRJC, Humbolt State San Jose State

Employment Information

Job titles held : Mayor, City of Healdsburg, Private Investigator, Realtor
Employers : Self

Political Information

Party affiliation : Other
Party affiliation : Non Partisan Race
Running for a: Local office
Running for position: City Council
Chamber/district:
Incumbent: Yes
First elected: 02 November 2004
Previous elective offices : NA
Unsuccessful bids for elective offices: NA

Party HQ

Address 10
Healdsburg
California
95448

Campaign Manager

Name : Lorraine Plass
Title : Treasurer

Other facts

I have lived in Healdsburg for 57 years. Growing up here was a wonderful experience. I attended Healdsburg Schools and participated in student government. After serving with the Healdsburg Police Department for almost 28 years I was elected to the City Council.

I enjoy working with my friends and neighbors in Healdsburg. We get things done here and we do it as a team. As a community we come to the aid of all without question. If it's a repair to the Senior Center, building the Carson Warner Memorial Skate Park or fixing one of our many treasures like the Plaza Gazebo or the renovated Clarence Ruonavaara Grand Stands at Rec Park.

The Public/Private projects that this community fosters are incredible. I am proud to have been a part of all of them. We have made progress as to our budget issues. All city employees are now paying the employees contribution to PERS and contributing to their Health Insurance costs. We now have a reduced retirement package for new employees. City staffing has been reduced in all departments and cost of living adjustments have not been given since 2004, with the exception of some union contact adjustments.

We have had to make cuts in funds earmarked for non-profits and other projects. However, we have a long way to go. Only by constant diligence and oversight of the cities expenditures can the budget be balanced.

I will continue to work with the community, city staff and council to get this done. All avenues will be explored. For example I will be looking at items such as broad banding (an employee learns to do more then one job), a cafeteria style medical plan, larger employee contributions to the retirement system, outsourcing some city modalities, supplying of mandated uniforms and safety items instead of an annual allowance.

I have and will make the tough decisions. I look forward to working with you in the coming years.