Phil Brock

Phil Brock was appointed to the Arts Commission in 2016 after serving on the Recreation and Parks Commission since 2003. In 2010, he was appointed to the State of California Association of Parks & Recreation Commissioners and Board Members, where he continues to serve as a liaison between Santa Monica and other California cities. Brock is endorsed by Santa Monicans for Change and the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC). This questionnaire was sent to incumbents and challengers endorsed by at least one group that spends money to back Council candidates.

1. Should Santa Monica try to build the 8,874 new housing units by 2028 mandated by SCAG?

No

2. The Plaza project should be
a) approved
b) changed
c) rejected

Rejected

3. The City needs more major developments to help balance the budget.

No

4. The Council should have delayed voting on the Miramar project until after the election.

True

5. When it comes to hotel developments, the City Council has consistently sided with Unite HERE Local 11.

True

6. Is Santa Monica's City government racist?

No

7. Should the police budget be reduced?

No. Not immediately but extra funds may be found that can be transferred to other police related uses. It is hard to believe that $98 Million is needed for 222 uniformed officers. I believe there can be a realignment that will allow the return of park rangers and the expansion of West Coast Care and Police HLP Teams. In addition, I believe we can add 6-8 officers on our streets per shift from our existing resources.

8. If coronavirus cases spike, should the City order another economic shutdown?

Yes. The state and county will do that. We need to actively enforce existing laws.

9. Santa Monica is one of the few Southern California cities to issue fines for not wearing a face mask. Do you support that policy?

Yes. Our police force says they are enforcing the mask ordinance but haven’t been. I want stricter enforcement.

10. The budget cutbacks forced by the coronavirus shutdown were the inevitable result of the City's decades' long spending spree.

True

11. City workers are paid too much.

True in the case of our at-will supervisors and department heads. Not true for the Teamsters and other "on-the-ground" city workers that care actively for residents.

12. Unions wield too much power over the City Council.

True

13. Do you feel safe in Santa Monica when it comes to crime?

No, we are not safe!

14. The City Council is doing enough to make public parks safer for families.

False. A Terrible Job!

15. Santa Monica is doing a good job addressing homelessness.

False. Doing the same thing over and over is not working!

16. Who is responsible for the Police Department's response to the May 31 riots?
a) The Police Chief
b) The City Manager
c) The City Council
d) All of the above

All of the above

17. The police used excessive force against protesters.

True

18. Should Santa Monica switch from an at-large election system to districts?

Yes

19. Despite caps on individual contributions, money remains the biggest factor in winning an election.

True. PACs have no limits

20. Do you think Councilmembers are transparent when they disclose their personal and political finances?

Yes

21. Was the $77 million "uber-Green" City Hall annex a good investment.

No

22. The City spends too much money fighting climate change.

False