8. As a councilperson, what would you do to help prevent demolition of historically and architecturally significant buildings?

Keith Mikas: I would examine the project to see if it's financially and economically feasible, not just a land grab by demolishing buildings for future usage.

Frank Tsimboukakis: Bring in expert professionals to determine the viability and ability to restore and maintain historical buildings to their historic pristine condition. I am not an architect or an engineer so I would defer to experts from different ideological backgrounds before I would reach a specific conclusion.

A substantiated connection to healthier and safer neighborhoods is a strong historic preservation element. Quality of life studies show that historic preservation is positive for health, community cohesiveness, property values, and an aesthetically pleasing environment contributes greatly to mental health.

9. The city has a large inventory of historic and cultural resources under its care. How should the city prioritize funds to maintain and restore these resources?

Keith Mikas: An inventory of all the city of San Diego's buildings of historic and cultural resources should be undertaken with a ranking system of being used for what purposes currently. This ranking will also take into account how the building is being used and what was the last time I had major renovations done. Then the city would have a clear target on which buildings are coming up for renovations and restoring. When city buildings are up for renovations they should adopt one of the many green building standards;USGBC -LEED, Green Globes or EPA - Energy Star. This is the bare minimum that should be taken into account the health of the building and the health of the occupants of the building. And with these standards the buildings will be more feasible in the long run to take care of and operate.

Frank Tsimboukakis: I think this city, as most cities, often work on many projects drawing funds from the general budget. I am a proponent, for peoples understanding sake, of "pots of gold" allocated to specific projects, as the revenue comes in so 1) people see what goes to what and can 2) clearly define the results when achieved. I have found out the vast majority of the public has no opposition to supporting projects and even paying more taxes when they can clearly define where and what that money achieves. Instead of general pools of money used as a free for all or negotiation object for pet projects often unrelated to the actual purpose.

The need to preserve our existing affordable housing and create mixed income developments has become a critical issue over recent years.

10. How do you think our current historic preservation laws have affected affordable housing and are there changes that can be made to better support affordable housing?

Keith Mikas: I believe the lack of affordable housing is a very complex issue, starting with nobody wanting to have higher taxes. So city of San Diego generates funds by feeding developers, so than the city looks to developers for income. So developers them would look to open spaces or parses the land that they seem re-buildable and profitable to them. I believe the current historical preservation laws could actually a benefit to developers of affordable housing if they shift their view from tear down and rebuild to repurpose and redevelop.

Frank Tsimboukakis: I honestly think the 2 are almost unrelated at this time. Though a Democrat, I think the state and federal affordable housing laws, despite their good intentions, were a trap set by developers to circumvent, in most, not all, cases, zoning laws and simultaneously mooch of the tax rolls, to enhance their bottom line. Period. I have seen it too many times. Historic preservation should not be attached to affordable housing laws OR funding, because it will be manipulated.

Questions 11-14
Zoning codes and other forms of land use regulation are powerful tools that shape the look and livability of a city. The city's current Zoning Ordinance is often in conflict with and unresponsive to historic preservation priorities. Clear and comprehensive zoning regulations that support the Historic Preservation Ordinance would help take the guess work out of these regulations for architects and developers, while simultaneously supporting growth and protecting historic resources.

11. What would you do to resolve this conflict?

Keith Mikas: The traditional method of town councils and Planning boards are becoming a hotbed of discourse.

Frank Tsimboukakis: I believe that the subject of historical preservation, and zoning regulations should be separately clarified and take the guesswork out. Same for other zoning regulations.

I have, in the last 2 years, familiarized myself with zoning regulations as they relate to general development and I have found that the lure of development permit fees makes many administrators and city planners OVERLOOK the actual interests in their community. I am running more and more in to areas, such as mine, where zoning laws are manipulated, abused and changed and city planning standards, specially relating to open space and PARK space and most people never catch it or care to catch it.

12. If elected, how will your office prioritize a strategy that reinforces and supports historic designations?

Keith Mikas: I would like to see an active online database where local communities and jurisdictions could vote or log their favorite historical buildings or locations. This database could use an IP address to detect and know where the votes are coming from so that one individual could not just vote up or vote down with multiple logons.

Frank Tsimboukakis: I will work with organizations of experts on the subject. Everything is a priority for me. I believe an elected official needs to use the first 30 working days in office to get a firm grip on every subject, and 30 more days to schedule appropriated meetings to reach informed conclusions and issue an opinion of fact for the constituents. Then listen to them, if they agree on anything and start executing a program for each subject. Time, like knowledge, is of the essence.

13. Do you think current public notification systems related to historic preservation projects and opportunities for public input are adequate? (Yes, No)

Keith Mikas: No

Frank Tsimboukakis: No

14. Do you believe that our current historic preservation ordinance adequately protects the city's historic assets? If yes, please explain how, and if not, what would you do to reform or strengthen it?

Keith Mikas: I currently do not have enough information or knowledge to answer this question correctly.

Frank Tsimboukakis: Not sure yet. I haven't had adequate time to review it and to be honest, was not aware such a policy ordinance existed as it is not "advertised" outside certain interest of geographical criteria. I am however aware of the deferred Balboa Park maintenance and the costs associated and have included the 350 million required in my infrastructure plan, keeping in mind that time is of the essence, knowing that damage due to deferred maintenance of physical structures, can often be irreversible. Don't forget I was born and raised in Greece so I have seen what long term deferred maintenance and excuses can ruin.

15. Community engagement plays a critical role in the decision-making process surrounding historic preservation matters throughout the city. How important are each of the following preservation issues to you? (Extremely Important, Important, Moderately Important, Not Important)