Snapshot of a Supervisor Candidate: Demetrios Nikas

Born and raised in Greece, Demetrios Nikas moved to California 38 years ago and is now a San Mateo resident. He is running a stripped-down campaign, and says his focus is on fiscal responsibility.

1) What would you prioritize if you got voted in?

County employee compensation. We’re in a financial system that is unsustainable right now, and until we change it we will never balance the budget. That’s going to be my primary focus.

From 2000 to present, the cost per employee has risen from $76,000 to almost $138,000 per employee. It’s an ever-increasing problem until we make it reasonable and sustainable.

2) Who are your primary supporters?

Hopefully the voters. I came out of retirement because when I looked at the budget I knew that I needed to take action.

3) What issue do you feel most strongly about and what's your position?

It’s the pensions!

4) What's one thing most constituents don't know about you?

By training I’m a pilot and an aircraft mechanic. That’s where I made my career. I worked for most of the major manufacturers, like Lockheed. I was born in Athens in 1947. Other things people do not know about me: I volunteered at school, taught a child how to read and was a Scout master.

For more on the candidate, visit demetriosnikas.blogspot.com.