City Council Candidate Q&A: Marge Atkinson

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

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I was elected in 2006 and I think I have done a good job for the city and citizens of Albany. I think I make good decisions and suggestions about what direction the city should go in, and many of my ideas and suggestions have been implemented during the last four years. I would like to continue the progress that has been made and continue to work with the city and constituents on many important issues.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Notwithstanding the economic situation most cities are currently in, I think, once we get past this downturn, my priority is how to make sure Albany citizens are aware and engaged in the many changes and decisions that need to be addressed and implemented in response to climate disruption. We have a city Climate Action Plan that we need to start implementing as soon as possible. This will involve community outreach, education and engagement because, without the community's support and actions we will not meet our action plan goals.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? What sets me apart from the other candidates is my more than 27 years in the Albany Unified School District. I have worked with, taught or known many, many community members. Being president of the School Employees Association and holding various offices in the Albany Teachers Association was an opportunity to work with many diverse groups. I have also been active in the Democratic Party to help organize, phone bank and precinct walk to elect democratic candidates. I worked and helped pass every school bond or measure since the 1980s.

Where do you work and what is your job title? I was a Spanish teacher before retiring from Albany High School last year. I have been Foreign Language Department Chair and President of the Site Council.  

Age and birthplace? 65; Evanston, IL

What is your spouse's or domestic partner's name, if any? (Not answered)

What are the names and ages of your children, if any? I have a son, Ian, who graduated from Albany High. He is married with a daughter, 4, and son, 2. They live in Southern California. I have a foster son, Rauhmel, who also graduated from Albany High and lives in San Francisco.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. University of California, Davis; transferred to the Teaching Program at SUSF and received a teaching degree in 1967, majoring in Spanish and Physical Education; I did coursework at St. Mary's College to become an MFCC (no degree)

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? Albany City Council, 2006–10; Newly elected as a member of the Alameda County District 14 Democratic Party Central Committee, starts January 2011

Have you run before for an elected public office? See above

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal. $4,000 - $5,000

Have you ever served in the military? No

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? No

How long have you lived in Albany? 33 years

What's your favorite thing about Albany? When I campaign, and as I talk with people, it is very clear that neighbors and neighborhoods care for and watch out for each other. That is a part of the "small town" sense that we like even though we are in the heart of an urban area. I see our citizens making a real effort to make sure their neighborhoods are friendly, clean and safe for their neighbors and families. It is a quality that many cities and neighborhoods seem to be missing these days, but Albany's citizens are grateful that we have it here. 

What is the biggest problem in Albany? This question may not be answerable with one definitive "problem," as it may depend on the year, the month, the day of the question. It seems to me that, like everyone, a city has challenges to face and you do your best to meet those challenges, or problems, the best you can. Sometimes it's a money issue, so you adjust something. Sometimes it's infrastructure, so you work on how to manage those needs. In terms of Albany's future, I think it will be important to create and foster communication and community outreach to build relationships that will help each other face some tough issues together, whether it is money issues, transportation issues, or climate change issues, for example. I would like residents to be aware of what the city does and can do for them, and perhaps also what they can do for the city. Even though people are really busy and often stressed, I think it is important to make sure that we find ways to support each other and foster resilience in our community.  

Contact information: Marge Atkinson, 1045 Key Route Blvd., 510-525-2162