SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.
Today is David Jinkens who is a retired South Lake Tahoe city manager. He has lived in South Lake Tahoe with his wife Terri for 22 years.
What brought you to SLT?
After working for several California cities as their City Manager, an opening came up with the City of South Lake Tahoe in 2002. Terri and I would visit Tahoe annually and we both fell in love with its beauty and the community. I applied for the job and was hired as SLT’s City Manager. I served in this capacity for 8 years.
Why are you running for City Council and what are your qualifications?
I want to give back to the community that I love. I served as South Lake Tahoe’s City Manager for 8 years. I know the community, how this city government works and how it relates and should relate to a complicated governance structure in the Tahoe Region. I have been actively engaged in local issues as a Good Government Advocate since my retirement. I want to use my experience and knowledge about solving city issues to assist the city council and community to arrive at a consensus on how to address pressing issues. I have over 35 years’ experience in city management. I do not think I am the smartest man in the room, but I do have some knowledge and experience in city issues and how to solve them. I would like to offer that knowledge and collaborate with others on realistic solutions. I will do my homework, ask tough questions, and listen to all segments of our diverse community to get positive things done. I will put my Master’s Degree in Public Administration to good work for the community.
Are you for or against Measure N, and why?
I am OPPOSED to Measure N. Here’s why: (1) If passed, the measure forces the City to start spending extensive funds to set up a “Housing Bureau”. These funds will mostly likely have to come out of the General Fund budget which will drain resources from other vital city services (public safety, snow removal, road repair). The City would most likely not receive any funds until 2027 and will have to foot the bill in the meantime (2) The measure is blatantly unfair and discriminatory to people who live in our community for long periods of time (3) The measure impacts everyone who lives here and arguably invades people’s privacy. It will create a nightmare and expensive city bureaucracy to enforce rules (4) The city attorney states that there is no authority for a general law city like South Lake Tahoe to impose a vacancy tax. The tax arguably violates Federal law (a taking of private property) and State law (the Ellis Act) and it cannot be legally enforced (5) The City Council cannot enforce a measure that is discriminatory and would violate state law (6) There are other tools in California law to help develop affordable housing opportunities for working locals and seniors in need. This measure detracts from real, practical solutions to housing challenges.
What is your stance on the Tourist Occupancy Tax, would you like to see it raised, or remain the same, and why?
I am opposed to all new increases in taxes. City government must live within its means, set priorities and budget for the most important issues facing the community. City revenue can and will grow by encouraging business retention, expansion, and new environmentally-friendly business development. Cities do not prosper, and jobs do not grow from more and more taxes. They grow by smart business and community-friendly policies. Let us “keep business in business”.
What is the role of government in creating affordable housing? Do you think the City of South Lake Tahoe has done its fair share, and why?
The role of the City government is to seek funding and encourage private sector investment in housing that addresses the needs of existing working families and seniors in need. City government has made progress in this regard and deserves credit. It is not the job of City taxpayers and City government to be responsible for all affordable housing in the Region. The rest of the Tahoe Region needs to do its part as well as large corporations that operate here. City government should actively be working cooperatively with existing providers of affordable housing to create safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.
What would you do to bring higher-paying jobs and new business to the community?
(1) Create a positive business environment that keeps major employers in town, assists them if they have regulatory challenges that must be addressed, and become the advocates for keeping businesses open in South Lake Tahoe’ (2) Examine use of non-aviation lands at the airport to create a business park that could be marketed to job producing companies; and (3) Develop a strategy and implement a plan to specifically grow the economy and jobs.
Are you a team player? How do you work to bring consensus on an issue? Give some examples.
It takes at least three votes (and hopefully five) as well as agreement by the community to get anything of significance done. My career has been about developing sound policies and gaining agreement by diverse city council members and the community on approaches to major issues.
What is your plan to ensure you are speaking for, and voting for the constituents?
I would engage in hosting regular meetings or coffees with my constituents. I would develop relationships that help to develop trust. I would ask for their thoughts on important issues and concerns. Regular meetings and keeping people informed and asking for their advice on issues of concern are the first steps. I would actively seek their input and actively listen. I have been doing this as a “Good Government Advocate” for Tahoe since my retirement and I will continue to do so.
How many City Council meetings have you attended? What would you do to bring more of the public to the table and get them to attend and involved?
Over my time here and in my career, I have attended hundreds of meetings in person and via Zoom. I also regularly and politely communicate with the city council on matters of concern and offer advice politely. I do not micromanage everything the current council does, but I do communicate verbally and in writing, by email, in person, and in my Community Newsletter (139 editions) on matters of interest and concern. If anyone wishes to receive my newsletter, please contact me at djinkens@charter.net.
The budget was just passed for the coming year. What do you think of it?
Public safety services are respected…a good thing. Police and Fire are critical services. I would like to see more funds allocated to our fine public works department to ensure that street cracks, holes, and drainage issues are addressed annually before the streets fall apart and must be totally replaced. The public works department knows what to do. They just need the funding. I would like to prioritize our road repair.
What is the most pressing issue facing the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the City?
Building an economically strong and sustainable local economy that is prospering and able to hire locals looking for work. Let us “keep business in business”. It is through this approach that the city will continue to have the funds for its essential services.
In addition, reduce the threat on public lands from catastrophic fire and ensure there are adequate evacuation routes in the event of a major fire.
Why people should vote for you?
I care deeply about the success of our community. As a former City Manager, I know how city government works and should work. I want city government to be advocates for our working residents and seniors and business community. I want our city government to listen to the wishes of the community and given to encourage and support success.
Tambien, quiero representar y escuchar a todas las persons que viven aqui.
“SI, PODEMOS”
Thank you.
On Wednesday, we’ll hear from Keith Roberts.