Thomas Herzog - Candidate Information and Experience

By Thomas Herzog

I would be honored to represent the 2nd District and effect positive change. The council position should not be determined by who spends the most money. I want to work on behalf of the 2nd District residents to improve our quality of life with better city services, expanded youth services, and affordable housing. I am socially aware and fiscally responsible.

For the past 16 years, I have worked as an environmental scientist specializing in natural resource management, construction management, and wildlife biology. I supervise and train staff; prepare proposals; manage projects; and write biological resource management plans and Environmental Impact Reports resources assessments and due dilengence determinations for NEPA and CEQA compliance.

For the past 14 years I have called Long Beach home. We maintain a residential rental property in north Long Beach and have a commercial building on Broadway. When we purchased the building it had been abandoned and condemned. Instead of demolishing the building, we rehabilitated the existing structure and then added to it creating new affordable commercial space for small business.

To address our neighborhood concerns, I have been involved with the Alamitos Beach Neighborhood Association. As a representative to the Bixby Park Advisory Group, I worked to increase police and park ranger patrol of the park, to add additional exercise stations, to install a canopy over the playset, and to establish a consensus that resolved the issue of illegal barbeque use. I have also participated in efforts to enhance the ocean bikepath, address the local parking problems, and supported the city's effort to initiate a native restoration planting in Bluff Park.

Currently, as the vice-chair of the city's Homeless Services Advisory Committee, I have reviewed proposals for service providers, participated on the citywide homeless counts, addressed the City Council in support of establishing a year-round shelter, and have developed policy statements. Through this position, I have gained experience in local government, budget review, and agency coordination.

My experience and abilities are unique but representative of the diversity of our city and would directly support the residents and neighborhoods of the 2nd District. My motivation to seek this office is not to promote personal political or economic ambitions, promote a single issue, or seek only to develop economic entitlement and control. I have practical experience as an environmental scientist, residential and commercial landlord, parent, and involved citizen. The 2nd District and Long Beach needs a council member that can critically assess and collect information to set effective policy and make informed, supportive decisions. I can build and contribute to consensus on the City Council and support a strong mayor to create a financially solvent, livable community with affordable housing, a healthy environment, and diverse educational and business opportunities for all of its residents. My partner and I have chosen to live and raise a family in Long Beach. I want to help the city realize its potential and contribute to improving life in Long Beach by working as a part of the government on behalf of the citizens.

Additional aspects of my experience and goals:

Effective project budget preparation and management and contract negotiation.
Extensive experience in EIR / EIS preparation and review for adequacy determination.
Commitment to address the need of affordable housing and support public safety.
Environmental awareness and conservation with a balanced approach for development.
Strong negotiation skills for developing attainable goals and project support.
Skilled critical analysis and information assessment of complex issues.
Concise, inclusive, informed decision making and progressive management for the city.