Candidate for
Mayor; City of Pacific Grove

My name is Steven Polkabla and I am a candidate for Pacific Grove Mayor. My background is as follows: I'm 46 years old and have lived in the same neighborhood of Pacific Grove for 43 years. I am a 1977 graduate of Pacific Grove High School and a 1988 graduate of Sacramento State with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, I worked at Lee & Pierce Consulting Engineers in Salinas for 3 years, California-American Water Company for 10 years and Utility Services in Sand City for 3 years all in an engineering and design capacity. Through my school and work, I've gained experience in problem solving both as an individual and as a member of a group.

As for my political experience, I have none. Several past mayors of Pacific Grove have had no prior experience and history is full of bad politicians with lots of experience so I don't think it's necessary.

One of the events that motivated me to run for mayor was an accumulation of several small events. I have attended some council meetings and have taken the podium on several occasions and was always left with the feeling that even though the council members were listening, they seemed to of already had their minds made up and were just going through the motions. People would get up and speak out on a subject and the council would vote to do just the opposite. Then there was the golf course clubhouse and open space issue where 1600 signatures were invalidated because they were on the wrong form that the City issued. As far as I'm concerned, if 1600 people sign on a piece of toilet paper they still need to be heard. Getting that many people to do anything in this town is significant. For the city council to ignore this is reprehensible.

If elected I will always remember that I am an elected official and that I was elected by the people and will represent the will of the people. The only special interest group that I will represent is the citizens of Pacific Grove so it will be necessary that everyone gets involved and that everyone vote. It is a republic as long as we can keep it.