City Council Interview

Included below are the questions and my responses during my interview for the city council vacancy. The members of the interviewing committee were the city council, mayor, city manager, and assistant city manager.

1. Question: Why would you like to serve on the city council?

Answer: The fame, glory, and untold riches (this got a good laugh out of the interviewing committee). I then answered that I care a lot about the community and I have lived in Saratoga Springs for 6 years which a lot of residents can't say. I said that I am invested in the community and I think I have the background to make a difference.

2. Question: What would be your goals and objectives?

Answer: I told them that I didn't have an agenda, but that I would like to find out what the residents want and make that happen.

3. Question: How much time do you have to devote per week to the position?

Answer: I was planning on running back in 2007, but was completing my MBA and didn't feel like I had the time to dedicate to the position. At that time I decided that I would run in 2009 when I had completed school and could dedicate the time to the city council.

4. Question: Do you have any conflicts of interest (i.e. land ownership, commercial enterprises).

Answer: I told them that I had no conflicts of interest.

5. Question: Do you plan on serving out the term or running for city council?

Answer: I am already running for city council. I walked in the parade and handed out flyers. I have a website and supporters. I explained that I thought this really set me apart from the rest of the candidates because I have already put in work as opposed to just talking about it.

6. Question: What do you think uniquely qualifies you to fill the roll?

Answer: Prior to my interview I e-mailed the city council, mayor, and city manager asking them what make a good city council member. Ken Leetham, City Manager, sent me an e-mail just before my interview in which he commented on 4 things; commitment, communication, clear roles, and team. I talked about my experience and how I have exemplified these 4 things which are critical to being a good city council member.

I am planning on sending a thank you e-mail to the interviewing committee today or tomorrow. On Tuesday of next week I would like to place flyers on all of the cars outside of the city offices to keep my name fresh on the city council's mind.

I would love to hear any comments that you have.

-Brandon "Tillman for City Council" Tillman