Diamond Bar City Council Candidate Q and A: Martin Nakaishi

Age: 46

Occupation: Sr. Project Manager

1.     Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected or reelected to the Diamond Bar City Council.

I was born in Los Angeles, California, I have a mixed background, my mom is Hispanic and my father is of Japanese descent. I attended Arizona State University majoring in Architecture.  I am married with four daughters, three of them attending the walnut valley school district schools.  I have owned several companies including a construction company and an investment firm.   I also have been a Consultant for the federal government for the past 15 years.

2.     What are the most pressing issues facing Diamond Bar? 

I believe that the vacant properties at the south and the north side of Diamond bar and the increase in businesses in the city are the most pressing issues.

3.     If elected or reelected, what would be your top 3 priorities in the upcoming term? 

Safety is always my top priority in everything I do and I am involved with.  When it comes to our children and every resident and business owner I would strive for safety in our city.  I would follow safety as a priority with revitalizing business in our city as my second concern and third but not least would be family activities.

4.     Part of a council member’s job is to make sure the city’s budget remains balanced and money is spent wisely. What is your experience in working with budgets? 

In my career, I have been assigned several budgets to oversee.  For the LAUSD and the LACCD I was in charge the bond measures to produce, maintain and alter the budget for the design, inspection and construction of the district facilities.  The bonds were 500 million and 750 million respectively.

5.     Many residents say that there aren’t enough of the businesses they want in Diamond Bar.  What types of businesses would you like to see locate in the city and how would you go about bringing them to town? 

I am in agreement with the city manager in that Diamond bar has special circumstances when it comes to the luring of business types to the city.  For instance the location of the city has hills on all four sides and has industrial zoning to the north and agriculture to the east and hills to the south.  These restrictions hinder the acceptance of nationally known business, but I see the future in original type businesses like the city of Claremont be our staple to fill the vacancies. 

6.     Traffic is another key concern in Diamond Bar. What solutions do you have for easing gridlock on city streets? Is that an issue that a council member can do something about? 

Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Ave are streets that connect several cities and major freeways, I have read the traffic study for both of these streets and during peak hours there is not much that we can do and if in the future a football stadium is built in the city of Industry the traffic will increase.  I do believe that not only a council member but an everyday citizen can do something about this issue.  One way is to speak out and to listen.

7.     What is your vision for developing the vacant Diamond Bar Honda property? What kind of businesses would you like to see go in there? 

I have heard in the city council meetings that there may be a tenant lined up for that location.  For any Investor/Business that is considering that location it would have to consider financial issues, I would love to have a major retailer like a Wal-Mart or even a school.

8.     What is your vision for revitalizing the city’s north end? 

This goes back to question 5 and that; small original type businesses should be encouraged to set up shop in this area.  Hold city events that can support those types of businesses.

9.     Many cities, including Diamond Bar, are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of maintaining Lighting and Open Space Maintenance Districts (LOSMD). What do you think needs to be done to generate more revenue to fund them? Would you be willing to seek an increase in assessments from residents and business owners? If not, why not.

I am a proponent of LED fixtures and benefits that comes with it, brighter areas with less utility cost and longer life with less maintenance.  I believe that no increase to assessment is needed for the increasing cost of maintenance, I believe that alternate methods and planning can reduce the cost and provide better service.

10. Please share anything else you think readers would be interested in knowing about you or your campaign. 

I am a strong advocate for family values and family activities.  I volunteer as coach for several sporting teams within the city and participate in several PTA groups.