Gary Kreeger

My History

In my last three years on the DRO Planning Commission I have had a great opportunity to work with the City Council and better understand its strengths and weaknesses. Those weaknesses and the skills I have acquired over a lifetime inspired me to step up this year.

Growing up in Texas in humble circumstances made me appreciate the value of hard work and the importance of service to others. After graduating from college, I joined the U.S Navy. As a Naval Flight Officer I logged over 500 carrier landings. I made seven deployments, including two combat tours. While attending school at NPS in Monterey, I met the love of my life Katie. We’ve been married 32 years and have raised two wonderful daughters. We have lived in Del Rey Oaks since 2004.

In 1997 I returned to NPS where I earned my Master’s degree in Computer Science. My final assignment for the Navy was at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Monterey, where I managed a $6 million budget and 40 personnel.

After retiring from the Navy in 2007, I was eager to teach a new generation of students and accepted a position teaching middle school math and science.

As I became more involved in local government, I worked to ensure that Del Rey Oaks joined Monterey Bay Community Power. I was appointed to the DRO Planning Commission in 2017 and joined the DRO Citizens’ Action Group in 2018. I was recognized as a Monterey County Veteran of the Year in 2017 for my community service.

I look forward to combining my considerable experience in managing budgets and team building with my enthusiasm for open, responsive government as a member of the Del Rey Oaks City Council.

My Plans

The best interests of Del Rey Oaks residents should be paramount in all City Council decisions. I will be guided by science and always fiscally prudent. Ensuring the fiscal health of Del Rey Oaks, protecting the environment, social justice for all and tackling climate change are inextricably linked together.

I am passionate about transparency and accountability in DRO city government. I will work to ensure that every Del Rey Oaks resident feels their voice is heard.

We must actively solicit resident input for the city’s vision for Fort Ord land development. It is critical that Del Rey Oaks residents are provided the opportunity to participate early in the process leading to final plans.

We need water for growth. The expansion of Pure Water Monterey will be one of my first priorities. The current CalAm desal project uses unproven technology, and is horrifically expensive and environmentally harmful.

Certifying the Pure Water Monterey expansion is critical. We must reverse the damage done by our current DRO councilmember and join our Peninsula neighbors in supporting this project. Additionally, I support public ownership of our water system, as did 61% of DRO voters in the 2018 Measure J election. Water supply decisions should always favor ratepayers, not Cal Am or American Water shareholders.

I oppose ALL development on our 17 acres property across from The Oaks. This natural gem must be preserved for future Del Rey Oaks generations.

I will work tirelessly to ensure that no north side road gets built to the airport. Although the latest plan to build a road from the airport to Hwy 218 was recently halted, it could be revived in the future.

Del Rey Oaks enjoys an enviable reputation as a friendly place to do business. I will constantly work to maintain this reputation and support businesses.

Why Vote For Me?

I have a recognized track record of researching issues thoroughly and then diligently, and publicly, advocating for what I believe is right. I am not afraid to take a stand on the issues and I do not hide my position. I will listen respectfully to all Del Rey Oaks residents and consider all points of view carefully. Every voice deserves to be heard.

My life has been committed to service to my country, family and community. I will proudly continue that history of service on the Del Rey Oaks City Council. It is time to fully let the sunshine into our city governance and complete the fantastic transformation begun with Mayor Kerr’s election. Great days are ahead of Del Rey Oaks and this is no time to look backwards. Important work lies ahead and we will succeed together.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

Endorsements

A partial list includes:
Public Water Now • Monterey County Democrats • Democratic Women of Monterey County • Progressive Democrats of America, Monterey Chapter • Monterey County New Progressives • Supervisor Jane Parker • Councilmembers Haffa, Williamson, McAdams, Campbell, Wizard • MPWMD Directors Riley and Lewis (former) • Marina Coast Water District Directors Moore and Hefferman • MPUSD Trustee Myles • Former Council members Kaplan and Ventimoglia • Planning Commissioner Wood • Regional Parks Director Raskoff

Neighbors (partial list):
Stephen Abate, Irene Barlich, Beverly & Steve Bean, Ron Blacker, Debbie Blakesley, Nicole & Ryan Bulich, Alexis Naficy, Dave & Mary Purvis, George Lips, Mark & Kristina Thomas, Beth & Gary Fergon, Jim & Jeri Vanderzwaan, Diane Stotler, Larry Turner, Bill & Susan Ragsdale-Cronin, Jack & Frederica Jones, Mary Solseng, Lynn Rombi, Amy Edwards, Juan & Mayola Sanchez, Cathy Gable, Helaine Tregenza, Claudia Campbell, Kenneth Rutherford, Nina Munoz, Karen Harris