The first Sun question for Seal Beach City Council candidates: What specifically will you do differently from the past council, and more importantly, how will it be funded? Word limit: 400. Deadline: 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 24.
Email ed*****@*****ws.org and cc ed****@*****ws.org.
Next week, we’ll just run the question, not a whole article.
(Related news: On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the council held a special meeting to discuss canceling elections in Districts Three and Five. The meeting was held after our editorial deadline and the results will be reported next week. The District One race, with four candidates, will go on as scheduled.)
Traditionally, the Sun asks Seal Beach City Council candidates a question each week leading up to the election. The Sun prints the question, gives the candidates a deadline (this year, it’s 5 p.m., the Monday following publication of the question), and a word limit (400). To make sure the candidates get the questions, we’re going to print them in the Sun, on the Sun Facebook page, and email the question to the candidates.
We will NOT edit the candidates’ replies. No, not even to correct spelling, punctuation, or grammar. We will NOT publish a single word that goes above the 400-word limit.
(We have asked the candidates to provide photos of their faces. As of Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Sun had received two photos.)
The candidates’ replies will be published the following week in the Sun.
Remember that candidates have the right to refuse to respond to any or all questions.
One thing we’re doing differently this year:
We’re going to start by printing the entire list of questions for the series. Next week, we’ll just run the one question.
• Question 1: What specifically will you do differently from the past council, and more importantly, how will it be funded?
Deadline: 11 p.m., Thursday, 27. Word limit: 400 words.
• Question 2: How would you address the city’s long-term financial health?
• Question 3: Should Seal Beach advertise to attract more visitors?
• Question 4: Should there be a performance audit of city departments? (Definition of terms:: A CPA firm audits accounting records. Performance audits review what management does.)
• Question 5: Should Seal Beach charge for curb parking in the Main Street area?
• Question 6: Should Seal Beach reduce or eliminate parking fees in the beach lots?
• Question 7: Would you support a parking structure near the beach area?
• Question 8: Should the city consider a fundraising drive to cover the cost of a new Lifeguard Headquarters?
• Question 9: If elected, would you ever seek advice from a past council member? If so, who?
• Question 10: Name three things you will not do if elected.