Candidate Questionnaire: Andreas (Andy) Pleil for Surf City Council

1) What 3 changes, if any, would you like to see in the community you will be representing over the next four years?

First, repeal the 30% property tax hike and commit to responsible budgeting that doesn’t overestimate expenses and underestimate revenue.

Second, bring transparency and accountability back to Town Hall so residents know that their tax dollars are being spent on their priorities wisely and prudently.

Third, strengthen community involvement by ensuring council decisions aren’t buried in consent agendas or made without full opportunity for public input.

2) What strategy will you implement to respond to public concerns and criticisms?

The most important thing is to listen first. I plan to hold regular meet-and-greets, make myself available by phone and email, and push for more open dialogue at council meetings. Criticism is part of leadership, and I’ll take it seriously, respond respectfully, and use it as an opportunity to improve decisions and build trust.

I plan to continue my detailed analysis of the town budget publicly and share it, so everyone can see the same concerns with the town's past budgeting and spending practices as I do. I think this will go a long way to addressing public concerns over the recent 30% tax hike and how it can be undone.

3) How do you plan to measure and evaluate your success in office?

Success won’t be measured by what’s good for me, but by what’s good for Surf City. If we’ve repealed the tax hike, balanced the budget without burdening families, and created a culture of transparency and accountability at Town Hall, then I’ll consider that a success. I’ll also look to the residents to evaluate me and that they feel they are being heard and represented — if people feel more included in the process, that’s a win.

4) Can you give an example of how you have supported a community project in the past?

I’ve worked directly with neighbors to bring attention to important local issues — from budget concerns to transparency in council decisions. Most recently, through this campaign, I’ve helped organize community discussions, meet-and-greets, and provide opportunities for residents to engage on the issues that matter most, like taxes, parking, and public safety. I was a member of the Community Adjudication Committee which provided a forum for residents to appeal ordinance violations. It was disbanded by the town. This needs to be restored.

5) What personal or professional experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve your community?

I am an economist by training. I bring that expertise and a resident’s perspective. I’ve managed programs and budgets at a Fortune 100 company, analyzed spending, and know how to ask the tough questions, find creative solutions, and make the hard decisions. Just as importantly, I’m not in this for a paycheck or a title — I’ve already pledged not to take the town council salary or health care stipend and am self-funding my campaign. I’m running to represent the people of Surf City, to repeal the tax hike, and to restore accountability to local government.