Meet the City Council Candidates

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Michael Sidley

Name: Michael Sidley

Birth date: July 23, 1961

How long have you lived in Malibu?

My family has lived in Malibu for over 30 years. I went to school at Malibu Park Junior High School, class of 1976, and Santa Monica High School, class of 1979. My parents still live here. My wife and I returned to Malibu to raise our family in 1997. My daughters both attend Malibu High School and my wife Wendy is the PTSA president at Malibu High School

What is your education and employment history?

Graduate of UC Berkeley, 1983; JD, with Distinction/Order of the Coif, University of the Pacific, 1988. I am and have been self-employed as an attorney since 1989. My practice consists exclusively of litigation. Prior to opening my private practice I was a deputy public defender for Los Angeles County. In addition to my law practice I am a full-time father and real estate investor and manager.

Why are you running for city council?

To bring a fresh perspective to problem solving in Malibu. The city is almost 20 years old and the perception among many is that we still cannot govern ourselves. This, in my opinion, is the cause of a majority of Malibu’s problems. We need a new approach. I want to pass the view ordinance, fully support our schools to ensure quality public education, and to find funding for wastewater treatment that will not bankrupt our city.

What makes you qualified to be on city council?

My historic viewpoint from having been part of Malibu for over 30 years. I want to ensure that the Malibu I know and grew up in is a place where my kids will want to raise their own families.

My training and experience in the law has taught me to evaluate problems in a logical manner. It gives me the skill and insight to anticipate unexpected consequences from the decisions I will be called upon to make.

What, in your opinion, are the three most important issues facing the city at this time?

Clean water and the septic tank ban, and how to pay for clean water in a way that will not bankrupt our city.

Passage of the view protection and restoration ordinance as proposed by the majority of the view protection task force.

Finding adequate funding to support and ensure the quality of our public schools.

Have you been involved with any organizations, homeowners associations, city committees or other community groups? If so, how are/were you involved and for how long?

2009-present: Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District BB Advisory Committee; 2009-January 2010: Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Parcel Tax Advisory Committee; 1996-1999: State of California Medical Board; 1994-1995: Los Angeles County Environmental Crime Sentencing Task Force; 1992-1995: Los Angeles Police Department Community Based Policy Committee; Member of Heal the Bay; Planned Parenthood; KCRW; Malibu High School PTSA; The Shark Fund; Committee for Excellence in our Public Schools.

What experiences have you had dealing with budgets? How about legislation?

My experience as a self-employed attorney/businessman and in real estate management has given me an understanding that limitations of budgets must be appreciated. Budgetary decisions must be made by evaluating what is necessary rather than what is popular.

I have been trained in the law; I work with statutes and ordinances as a regular part of my professional life. I understand how laws work and how they affect people’s lives.

How many people are in your immediate family, regardless of whether they live at home? Feel free to mention their names and ages.

My wife, Wendy; my daughters, Jane and Ally; and, of course, our dog, Charlie.