San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Candidate Q & A: Mike Marchi

Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. See other elections information here.

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

Community service has provided me with great personal satisfaction.  For 11 years I served on the Blackhawk Homeowners Association board, for nine years as president. I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to serve the community in a larger arena with the fire district.   

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

To make sound policy decisions that ensure the long-term sustainability of the excellent service the district currently provides.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Qualities that I possess include my strong finance and business background and my community mindedness.  My community service includes nine years on the Blackhawk Homeowner's Board and my current position with the County Services Area Police Citizens Advisory Committee (P-5).  I am also a member of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano board of directors as well as the American Heart Association East Bay Chapter board of directors. I have a sincere desire to improve the quality of life for the residents in our valley.

How would you address the cost of the district's pension system?

I believe the current board is on the right path and has made some significant, meaningful changes in the past year. That said, more needs to be done. I look forward to the opportunity to join the directors in their ongoing efforts in this regard. The board needs to continually look for ways to control expenses to protect the high levels of emergency services we now benefit from.

What are the other major issues facing the district?

The major challenge faced by the district today is maintaining the high service levels we've come to know in a declining revenue environment. I believe my professional financial and business management experience will be a significant benefit to the community in addressing this reality.

What's your favorite thing about this district?

I absolutely respect that the district is always striving to be better. They do not let good get in the way of great. The district recently received international accreditation after years of work. Using that accomplishment as a springboard they are now working to lower community insurance rates by improving their ISO rating. The district has a one of a kind iPhone application and website. The published strategic plan and business plan are very strong and appear to be effective tools in defining and controlling the future direction of the district. What they have accomplished is impressive and should be recognized. I look forward to the opportunity to help the district improve in new and innovative ways.

How long have you lived in the district?

Over 20 years.

Where do you work and what is your job title? 

Employed by a major financial institution as managing director, investments (financial advisor).

Age and birthplace?

50, Oakland.

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

Angelica, age 19

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. 

Bachelor of science in business administration with a finance option and marketing management option at Cal State Hayward (East Bay), 1982.

Completed executive education programs at Wharton Business School and University of Chicago.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

Blackhawk Homeowners Association president and board member

County Services Area Police District Citizens Advisory Committee (P5)

Have you run before for an elected public office?

Blackhawk Homeowners Association Board of Directors

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal. 

I intend to spend less than $1,000 of my personal finances.