City Council Candidate: Mike Bucci

We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here are the answers we received from Mike Bucci, who has been a Newark resident for 25 years.

Q. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

A. I have a passion for public service and for our community. With all the
changes happening at city hall I feel this is a good opportunity to
further my motivation and put my innovative ideas to work for our city.

Q. What will be your top three priorities if you get elected?

A. 1. Jump-start Newark’s stagnant business. A brighter future starts with
business revitalization 2. Start Newark's first time home buyer's program. 3. Clean up the destructive crime that’s plaguing our city.

Q. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

A. I would join the council with an open mind. I have no personal agenda and
my purpose is to serve the needs of the community as a whole. This city
needs council members who represent the citizens and will hear all points
of view.

Q. What date were you born and where?

A. June 14, 1978; Sacramento, Ca.

Q. What is your spouse’s or domestic partner’s name, if any?

A. Engaged to Megan Liszewski.

Q. What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

A. None.

Q. List the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

A. Newark Memorial, Modesto Jr. College, Four-year Millwright Apprenticeship.

Q. Provide details about any military service (branch, date, honors).

A. None.

Q. Have you held an elected or appointed public office?

A. No.

Q. Have you run unsuccessfully for an elected public office?

A. No.

Q. About how much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

A. Less than $5,000.

Q. Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

A. No. 

Q. How do you plan on building the City of Newark’s relationship with businesses? With the Newark Unified School District?

A.  It’s hard enough to start a business with the costly business licensing
fees and miles of red tape. I would start by:

• Cutting the business license fee in half for the first year and 25 percent for
  the second.  This will help small business owners get their foot in the
  door. No more losing small business before they even get a chance to
  open. We must do everything we can to set businesses up to succeed.
• I want incentives for hiring Newark residents. If you have at least 10 employees and 40 percent of your work force living in Newark, you should get a break. It’s another bonus for doing business here. The tax revenue from people working and living locally will mitigate any savings we pass along. Keeping residents working keeps them in their homes. That’s one way we reinvest in ourselves.

With the Newark Unified School District: Getting Newark back on the right track will increase our revenue/budget and in turn help to improve our schools.

Q. List your past and/or present involvement with city or school organizations.

A. Newark's Relay for Life, LOV Newark's Children's Summer Recreation Program and Newark Days, Heavily involved with multiple animal rescue organizations around the Bay Area.

Q. As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations.

A. No.

Q. Where do you work and what is your job title?

A. Journey Millwright with Local 102.

Q. Do you have a website where people can learn more about your campaign?

A. www.mikebucci4newark.org