SLT City Council candidate John Shearer

All candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.

John Shearer, 49 years old, has lived in South Lake Tahoe for over 30 years and own and operate several local businesses.

Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?

My interest in serving on City Council is to give back to the community that has given my family and I an opportunity to build our lives in South Lake Tahoe.

Over the years I have had to work nearly everyday with numerous organizations and agencies with my businesses. I understand how difficult it can sometimes be to make things happen within the roadblocks of regulation, however I see this time as an opportunity for positive changes to be made in the city of South Lake Tahoe.

Concerning the proposed HWY 50 Revitalization Project, what is your stance and why?

I like the idea of having a thriving city center and making it safe for everyone, how-ever I think the current plan has a lot of room for improvement and I would like to see the community be able to have a say in helping decide the fate of the project.

Do you believe there is a low income and affordable housing issue in SLT, and why? If you believe there is, what do you see your role as a council member to address it?

I believe that we have an affordable housing issue in our city, however I know that there are many little components that are contributing to the issues and there is not one solution. My role as a city council member will be to look for all opportunities to collaborate with public and private agencies and work together to find a solution that is best for our city.

Do you believe the Council should work as a team and collaborate to come to a solution as to what is best for the community? Explain your answer.

I believe that collaboration is the key to success, we cannot expect to make anything happen without partnerships and working as a team and as a community in order to make positive changes.

A hot topic in the town are Vacation Home Rentals. The current Council and staff held public meetings on the subject and have come up with a new set of codes trying to address concerns. Do you think VHRs are a vital need to tour-ism in the community? What do you propose the next step should be since both sides of the issue are still concerned about the current direction?

I think VHRs are valuable to our community, as they provide a more intimate space for families and large groups visiting Lake Tahoe. However the past/current legislation needs to be enforced so the quality of life for our residents is not impacted by vacation rentals.

What 3 achievable goals would you champion in the next 4 years?

I would like to continue to see redevelopment in South Lake Tahoe.

I would like to see a city center area be developed, such as the Recreation Center Proposal, I think that would be such a value to our community and increase tourism year round, especially the off-seasons.

I would like to see improvements in our infrastructure and have our roads cleaned up and maintained better.

What areas of South Lake Tahoe do you think present an opportunity for revitalization? What do you view as your role?

I think our potential Recreation Center project is one of the most important areas to redevelop, thriving city centers create a vibrant community. I advocate for family tourism and will work with all agencies involved to assist the process of this project.

In 300 words or less, why should voters vote for you?

I am a businessman, a family man, and I have been a member of this community for over 30 years. I would like to be able to be a part of making positive changes in our community and want to be a voice for our city, representing its residents wants and needs.