About Me

I’m Tom Engstrom and I’m a candidate for the Lakeport City Council.


I’ve been a small business owner, police officer, school teacher and CEO. I have a BA in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and I’m a graduate of the FBI National Management Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

I moved to Lakeport in 1994 and served 11 years as Chief of Police. After a 37 year career in law enforcement I retired in this beautiful community. As Chief, I spent 25 years serving 4 small communities; providing safety, security, and accountability. As a manager I focused on transparent policy, honesty and open communication.

My wife, Cindy, and I have built and operated 2 successful small businesses. We owned a retail clothing store and did in-home child daycare. I also taught elementary school in Newman, CA, where I developed a deep and lasting respect for how hard teachers work. It was the most demanding, yet most rewarding job I’ve ever had.

I currently serve as the Executive Director of Mendo-Lake Alternative Service, INC. As a non-profit agency, MLAS administers the community service program for the Courts in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Our 3 locations serve over 3,000 people a year. I also volunteer assisting local people with job searches; in this capacity I’ve had 75 successful placements to date.

Cindy and I have 7 children. Our youngest 3 sons and 2 grandchildren all graduated from Clear Lake High School. We now have 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, 3 of whom are enrolled in Lakeport Schools.

I have extensive experience in budgeting, grant writing and personnel issues. I pledge that I will use my training, knowledge, common sense, and experience to serve the citizens of Lakeport with honor and integrity to the best of my ability.

Please join with me as we strive to keep Lakeport alive and vibrant. I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 2nd.