Politics & Government

City Council Candidate Profile: Sherry McCoy

Hercules Patch has compiled background information on all candidates running for office in June. Sherry McCoy is running for the seat vacated when Ed Balico resigned.

Hercules Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. More election coverage.

BASIC BACKGROUND


Full, legal name:
Sherry McCoy

Employment: Co-owner with husband of small business that supplies products and services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

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Age: 55; born in Florida

Spouse or domestic partner: Tom

Children: Two children, ages 23 and 24 (names not provided)

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Education:

UC Berkeley, bachelor's in chemistry 1978
San Francisco State University, master's in business administration, 1981 

Military service: no response

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

How long have you lived in Hercules?  about 24 of the past 26 years

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No.

Campaign website:  www.SherryMcCoy.com

 

PREVIOUS ELECTED AND APPOINTED POSITIONS


Elected offices:
 none

Unsuccessful campaigns for public office: none


THIS CAMPAIGN


What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
As many citizens, I have been appalled by the unfolding financial crisis and its cause. The city needs people who understand the process and are willing to build consensus to make the tough decisions to get our city moving forward. I was approached by members of the community asking me to run, to provide “a voice of reason” on the Council. I decided to run as I want to help the community I have lived in and cherish get back on its feet, while doing everything possible to retain the qualities and future that have made Hercules a community people seek out. 

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

1) Restore trust in our city government through increased transparency; adherence to fiscal, ethical and fiduciary responsibility to the community; establishing stricter conflict of interest rules and an enforcement policy; and working with the community to achieve our shared vision.

2) Ensure this financial crisis doesn't happen again through greater, independent financial oversight; quarterly review of revenues and expenses with corrections if needed; establishing and enforcing clear policies and standards for financial disclosures and ethics.

3) Seek new sources of revenue to ensure that the vision for the city and the Waterfront can be achieved.  Work to ensure that the new sources of revenue are integrated into our city’s vision as much as possible

Restoring trust is key to beginning the process of healing in our community. Implementing policies, procedures and enforcement need to be a part of that, but the true test is in action – actually ensuring that the policies and procedures are followed; that fiscal responsibility is maintained; that all is done in an open and transparent manner, allowing for discussion, understanding and consensus; and moving forward to achieve the goals and vision for the City of Hercules.

Selecting a new City Manager and City Attorney are also high priorities for me but the process for those have already begun and are waiting for the new city council to be seated.  

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have a proven record as a public servant through the Planning Commission. As a member of the Planning Commission, I have worked to provide greater transparency, allow for more community input, listened to concerns expressed, and shown independence in my questioning and handling of projects.

I also serve as President of my Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Due to the economy, the HOA has experienced a decline in revenues over the past few years. Our Board has been vigilant in monitoring revenues and expenses, exploring options, and evaluating and implementing new procedures as needed to ensure fiscal responsibility. As a result, our HOA has remained financially sound during the economic downturn.

My experience on both the Planning Commission and HOA has provided me with knowledge of the rules and procedures associated with public meetings as well as a proven adherence to high ethical standards.

I have been active in the community over the past 20+ years. Prior to serving on the Planning Commission and HOA, I was primarily involved in groups my children were involved in but gave time, energy and other resources that helped not only my children but positively impacted others and the community as a whole.


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