Candidate for
Council Member; City of Port Hueneme

Balancing The City's Budget +

The City of Port Hueneme is currently facing a deficit of $260,000 in Fiscal Year 2008 +2009. The deficit (more expenditures than revenue coming in) is expected to grow to $1.9 million by 2012 (only 3 short years from now).

Sales Tax only contributes 6% of the total General Fund Revenue. The state average for other California cities is 24%. We need to do something to enhance, protect, and grow our City Businesses!

Property Tax only contributes 11% of the total General Fund Revenue. The State average for other California cities is 25%. We need to be smart regarding what little property is available for development in the City, and we need to enhance Redevelopment (which would also improve our quality of life).

I will bring to the City Council an entrepreneurial spirit, a "Can-Do" attitude, 27 years of proven experience implementing cost saving and / or revenue generating programs, and a desire to ensure that Port Hueneme maintains its hometown status while at the same time supporting and enhancing our businesses and inviting new ones.

While serving as the Public Works Director for Port Hueneme, I played an instrumental roll the establishment of the Port Hueneme Water Agency. I managed the $37 million construction project, obtained State and Federal grants, negotiated long-term water contracts with various Agencies, and worked closely with the Navy and other local municipalities. The result was a reduced construction cost (approximately $13 million), a 35 year guaranteed water supply (Hueneme had reached is allowable water supply), a guaranteed greatly improved quality water, and contracts with neighboring agencies to purchase water from the Port Hueneme Water Agency which increased the economy-of-scale thereby reducing the overall cost of water to the citizens.

I also negotiated contracts with NAS Point Mugu and the Sea Bee Base for the City to provide Wastewater Collection System Services to the bases. This generates ongoing revenue to the City.

I significantly reduced wastewater treatment costs, which helps to keep expenses down to Port Hueneme's businesses and residents. Using a Grant from Edison, I automated the City's pumping stations, which significantly reduced electrical costs (approximately 40%) and also reduced wastewater treatment costs, and passed those savings onto the City's residents.

In the 10 years (from 1993 to 2003) that I served as Port Hueneme's Public Works Director, I implemented many cost saving measures, revenue generating programs, and infrastructure improvements at greatly reduces costs. As your Councilmember, I pledge to use this same entrepreneurial spirit and "Can-Do" attitude to support and enhance City businesses and bring in new ones, partner with the Navy, Oxnard Harbor District, City of Oxnard, Ventura County Harbor District, and the County of Ventura and implement mutually beneficial projects and programs that increase revenues to the City and enhance and secure our quality of life.

I have a proven track record of success, and a myriad of cost saving and revenue generating ideas. Port Hueneme can balance its Budget using methods other than raising your taxes! But only with the right people on the Council.

VOTE + Douglas Breeze for Port Hueneme City Council.

Supporting Our Hometown Police +

There is nothing like having our own hometown Police Department. Our police know the residents, respond quickly, support the community, and keep us safe. They work very closely with the Oxnard Police and the County Sheriff. They are highly skilled professionals, dedicated to the City of Port Hueneme.

The "Rule-of-Thumb, and about the State average, is one Police Officer on the street for every 1,000 residents. Port Hueneme has a population of about 22,000, and has 22 Police officers. Right on target. (Total Police Department employees is 35)

The average City in California spends about 35% - 40% of its General Fund Budget for Police Services. Port Hueneme spends about 37%. Right on target.

Could the City save some money by contracting Police Services to the County Sheriff? Yes. But at what cost to the community? I'm not willing to find out. If it's not broken, why fix it?

Do I have some cost saving ideas for the Police Department that will not harm their ability to keep us safe? You bet I do! I have some revenue generating ideas also.

As your Councilmember, I will work closely with our Police Department and ensure that they have the training, equipment, and support that they need to keep our community safe, and I will work to implement cost saving and revenue generating programs so that we can keep our Hometown Police.

Enhancing Business Opportunities Within the City +

As mentioned above in `Balancing the City Budget', having a strong business presence in Port Hueneme is vital to the City's financial success. Enhancing, and supporting, our businesses is one of my top priorities.

As your Councilmember, I will work with local Agencies (the Navy, Harbor District, etc.) to ensure that local businesses have a priority in providing services to these agencies.

Just as one example, the Navy spends millions of dollars each year supporting their missions and objectives. Our Navy Base is a small self-contained community in its own right. It is like a city within a city. I happen to know that the Navy has regulations requiring it to obtain many of its services from civilian sources (why do you think that the guards at the gate are civilian, not military!). As your Councilmember I pledge to work with the Navy and ensure that our local businesses have increased opportunities to provide services to the Navy base.

This is just one example. I have many other ideas to assist our hometown businesses.

As your Councilmember, I hope to serve as a liaison between the Hueneme Chamber of Commerce, the City Council, and local Agencies. I plan to lead the charge on the City Council to improve the City's participation with, and assistance to, our Chamber of Commerce.

Future development in the City needs to have Commerce as one of its top priorities. This means that bringing in new businesses to the City, the right kinds of businesses, and a development plan that helps to ensure their success is essential.

As your Councilmember I vow to work hard to enhance Business Opportunities within the City.

Closing Statement +

Thank you for taking the time to read my philosophy on how I plan to assist Port Hueneme to become a vibrant hometown community, serving as your Councilmember. With my many years of successful experience, I know very well the difficulties involved in accomplishing the above goals. With the support of the community, the assistance of the City Council as a whole, and the help of the fabulous and dedicated employees of the City of Port Hueneme, I know that we will be successful.

I would appreciate your vote for Douglas Breeze, Port Hueneme City Council.