East County ELECTIONS
OCTOBER 21, 2016
THE PRESS
Decision 2016
W
ith the national elections fewer than three weeks away, voters across the country are preparing to go to the polls. Here in East County, there are a number of local elections that will
shape and determine the future of the area for years to come. The Press offers the following look at the top races for city councils, school boards and community services districts, as well as county supervisor and the
assembly. There are also a number of bond measures on the ballot this year, including the critical fire utility-users taxes in Brentwood and Oakley. So take a look, get involved and vote on Nov. 8!
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STATE ASSE M BLY
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OCTOBER 21, 2016
CO U N T Y S U P E RV I S O R
Dave Miller
Jim Frazier
Diane Burgis
Steve Barr
Political strategist, consultant Dave Miller is asking for your vote this November. He asks for it so he can work to fix the roads in our district, so the thousands of you who have had their cars damaged by potholes won’t have to face that again. He asks for it so he can work to secure California’s energy future, using new technologies like liquid fluoride thorium reactors, which are a sustainable energy source – one of the safest forms of energy production, which could cut our power bills in half. He asks for it so he can work to help small businesses in California grow and thrive by removing decades’ worth of bureaucratic red tape to cause a wellspring of new jobs and higher wages. He asks for it so he can help protect nonprofit groups. He asks for it so residents can become good stewards of our waters by making sure that commercial shipping operations clean up the wetlands they have damaged. And he asks for it because California is ranked 43rd in education! Miller says he has the courage to take on these issues in Sacramento and to be accountable to you.
Assemblymember, 11th District Representing East County in the California State Assembly is Jim Frazier’s greatest honor. As chair of Assembly Transportation and Committee to Improve Bay Area Transportation, he is committed to finding solutions to fix aging roads, highways, bridges and railways. Being honored as Elected Official of the Year by the California Transportation Foundation makes Frazier proud, as does his work to open the Caldecott Tunnel’s fourth bore and improve I-680, Highway 4 and the bypass. Other accomplishments that make him proud include serving veterans by authoring the first laws to identify veterans on driver’s licenses, protecting overseas service persons’ voting rights and future college benefits, being a leader in the campaign to discourage texting and driving, authoring the state’s first law to help dyslexic students and focusing on programs for mental health and suicide prevention. He strongly opposes the plan to build twin tunnels to send water to Southern California. Public safety remains his top priority.
As a supervisor, Diane Burgis’ priorities will be fighting crime, improving fire and emergency medical services, promoting economic development and preserving the Delta, while ensuring fiscal accountability. She is proud that law enforcement, firefighters and nurses all support her in accomplishing these goals. As an East Bay Regional Park District director, Burgis has proven that she can protect the environment and manage complex budgets. She will represent the diverse district with an open mind, integrity and competence, earned through years of hard work as an Oakley councilmember, East Bay Regional Park District director, nonprofit leader and small-business owner. Burgis will lead regional efforts to improve traffic, extend BART and protect water quality. She wants to create more high-paying jobs, recruit investment, revitalize our waterfront, strengthen agriculture and simplify starting a business. As a mother of three, there’s nothing more important to her than the children’s education and future.
We don’t always know what challenges will face our families or c o m m u n i t y, but Steve Barr believes in having a strong financial base to help plan and prioritize. He does this with his family and small business, and it has served him well. Barr has spent time and effort organizing local festivals, supporting youth sports and stepping up where the community needed help. He ran for the school board and then the city council. In all of these realms, he has used his financial skills to help find solutions to difficult problems. As a councilmember, he helped the community tighten its belt during the Great Recession. This provided money to pay for more police officers, a street-paving program that was voted the best in the Bay Area and a new public-safety dispatch center, among other things. Now, he’s running for supervisor to help address other community needs. He believes the city needs to invest in responsible community programs to combat gang violence, preserve agricultural land and businesses and make sure the community has reserves to get through hard times.
P a r t y Preference: Re p u b l i c a n
P a r t y Preference: Democrat
Vote for one candidate in each race. For more information about State Assembly, visit https://goo.gl/7ZtQIo. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
East Bay Regional Park District Board Director
Council member, business owner
Vote for one candidate in each race. For more information about County Supervisor, visit https://goo.gl/fq8fUc. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
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Steve Barr The financially responsible
choice for County Supervisor.
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teve Barr started his own construction business, and ran it successfully for 35 years. He knows the value of a dollar, and when to invest and when to save. And he’s used these skills as a trustee on the Liberty Union High School District and on the Brentwood City Council.
That’s why Steve has the endorsement of: ✔ The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association ✔ Contra Costa County Prosecutors’ Association ✔ The East Bay Times (formerly the Contra Costa Times) ✔ Elected and community leaders: • Jim Frazier, Assemblymember • Doug Hardcastle, Oakley Councilmember • Joanne Byer, School Board Trustee • James Kellogg, Former CA Fish and Game
Commisioner • Bill Pease, President of the Discovery Bay Board of Directors • Bob Taylor, Brentwood Mayor • Joel Bryant and Erick Stonebarger, Brentwood Councilmembers • Lori Ogorchock, Antioch Mayor Pro-Tem • Bill Hill and Brian Swisher, Former Brentwood Mayors
✔ Business, agricultural and community leaders: • Patty Bristow • Mark Dwelley • Glenn and Jeanie Stonebarger • Marty Maggiore • Iris Archuleta • Odessa LeFrancois • Kenny Turnage II
“Steve is a true leader who doesn’t crave the spotlight, but shows up for the tough assignments. He is very direct and honest, and uses his financial skills to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. He is the leader I trust and know everyone can work with.”
– Assemblymember Jim Frazier
They have seen firsthand that Steve Barr is the kind of leader our community needs so that tax dollars are used responsibly.
This Election, Please Vote For Steve Barr for County Supervisor! Learn more about Steve’s campaign at SteveBarrForSupervisor.com You can contact Steve at SteveBarr2016@gmail.com.
Paid for by Steve Barr for Supervisor 2016. FPPC# 1383561.
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OCTOBER 21, 2016
DIANE BURGIS FOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUPERVISOR NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE & EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS DIRECTOR | FORMER SMALL BUSINESS OWNER & OAKLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBER
A trusted voice with a fresh perspective. Diane Burgis delivers results by bringing people together to fight for East County’s top priorities: Stronger fiscal oversight so we get more out of our tax dollars
Faster emergency response times & more local fire stations
Preserve open space, protect the Delta & fight the tunnels
Improved traffic & the transit options we’ve been promised
“Diane will work hard to develop the resources our police, firefighters and prosecutors need to keep us safe. As a small business owner, nonprofit manager and public official, she has proven that she can balance a budget and defend taxpayers.” CONTRA COSTA DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARK PETERSON
THE ONLY CANDIDATE TRUSTED BY BIPARTISAN LEADERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTERS, DOCTORS AND NURSES
Congressman
Jerry McNerney
County Supervisor
Mary Nejedly Piepho
State Superintendent
Tom Torlakson
County Sheriff
David Livingston
Oakley Mayor
Kevin Romick
Fmr. Assemblymember
Joan Buchanan
Congressman
Mark DeSaulnier
Alameda-Contra Costa Physicians Committee
United Professional Firefighters Contra Costa County of Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association
Antioch Police Officers Association
Learn More at www.DianeBurgis2016.com. Or give her a call at (925) 308-6024. Paid Political Advertisement. Paid for by Diane Burgis for County Supervisor 2016. FPPC #1382042.
E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H L I BE RTY U NIO N H IG H S CH O O L D ISTR ICT B OA R D
OCTOBER 21, 2016
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Raymond Valverde
R e tired educator and Vietnam veteran Ray m o n d Valverde is running for re-election for the Liberty Union High School Board. As the district is faced with the challenge of student growth, Valverde makes a commitment to lead with knowledge and experience through the expansion – ensuring educational environments provide a solid curriculum, taught by a highly qualified staff. His commitment to students does not end locally, as he also represents the county on the Delegate Assembly, which sets the policies structured to support public schools. Valverde attended DVC and achieved an Associate of Arts degree, UC Berkeley for his BA, San Jose State for a teaching credential and the Santa Clara County Office of Education for an administrative credential.
Daron Spears
Ru n ning to balance the perspective of the Liberty U n i o n H i g h School Board, Daron Spears is a parent, agri-businessman, rancher and longtime Brentwood resident. Spears served on the board from 2010 to 2014, and believes the perspective of a businessperson and parent is essential when making decisions regarding spending and allocation, especially with a school bond on the ballot. As a volunteer in multiple local sports divisions and a participant in 4H and FFA youth in agriculture programs, Spears believes in supporting all positive student opportunities.
Spencer Smith
Running for the Liberty Union H i g h S c h o o l District Board with a campaign focusing on connecting education to economic development, candidate and longtime teacher Spencer Smith wants to prepare the district’s students for success in college and the workforce. Smith says that as a community, opportunities are needed for students to learn skills and earn credentials in information technology, renewable energy and other science, technology, engineering and math fields. He wants the community to see the continued expansion of Reserve Officer Training Corps programs in all of the schools. Additionally, Smith continues to support the current academic and arts programs in the district.
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Yolanda C. Peña Mendrek
As a retired school administrator, Yolanda C. Peña Mendrek is running for re-election for the Liberty Union High School District Board. She is the president of the LUSHD Board of Trustees and serves the community’s children by preparing them for college and careers. She served as the assistant principal at Liberty High School and helped open Heritage High School in 2005. During her tenure, the district’s three comprehensive schools earned the California Gold Ribbon Award with an exemplary ARTS recognition. Mendrek is committed to meeting the needs of the changing community and plans to continue using her skills and experience in business and education to maintain Liberty Union High School District’s position as a top district in East County. Mendrek holds a master’s degree in education, as well as credentials for teaching and administrative services.
Vote for two candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/yZlVDL. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
Measure U Liberty Union High School District
Information taken directly from county board of elections website. For the modernization and upkeep of Liberty Union High School District schools, proceeds from the bond will be expended on the modernization, renovation, expansion, acquisition and rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities, and will benefit Freedom, Heritage, Independence, La Paloma and Liberty high schools. Projects may be undertaken at other district support sites and future school facility and support sites. Types of projects include,
but are not limited to, repairing leaky roofs and outdated electrical systems, acquiring security systems and computers, replacing deteriorating portable classrooms with permanent facilities and installing necessary seismic reinforcements. FOR: Measure U requires a clear system of accountability and will protect the quality of district schools. Its passage will qualify the schools to receive matching funds of more than $30 million when it becomes available, reducing the cost of renovations to local taxpayers. AGAINST: None filed.
Re-Elect ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Yolanda Peña-Mendrek For LUHS District School Board
★ Integrity ★ Commitment ★ Experience ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
20+ Years of Experience in Education and Business Fiscally Responsible Board Member, to ensure long term resources Supportive of a collaborative environment for all Students and Staff Proponent of providing a Safe Teaching and Learning Environment Committed to continue providing exceptional education for our students
Please Vote for Yolanda Peña-Mendrek on November 8th
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Mark Stoiber
Curr e n t l y serving as the director for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, M a r k Stoiber is running in this year’s election for Brentwood City Council. Stoiber’s background is in personal insurance and local city and regional government. If elected, he plans to focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility and economic development. For public safety, Stoiber supports improving police officer incentives, both to join and remain in service; proactive patrolling and ordinances to help police do their jobs effectively; and improving county-run fire services without raising taxes. He supports spending taxpayer dollars wisely and pursuing businesses that will bring living-wage jobs to Brentwood. Stoiber graduated from Southern Oregon University with two four-year degrees in business and economics.
E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H BR E NTWO O D CITY CO U NCIL
Claudette Staton
Candidate Claudette Staton is running for Brentwood City Council with the intention of protecting the quality of life for all residents. As a Brentwood Planning Commissioner and Brentwood Neighborhood Committee member, Staton works diligently to balance quality housing with the need to preserve open land, making sure adequate community public services are maintained. If elected, Staton’s focus will be on balancing Brentwood’s budget and maintaining its 30 percent reserve for emergencies. She will work to shorten ambulance routes, improve crime-prevention programs, finalize negotiations for a new community college campus in Brentwood and grow the economy by bringing in new businesses and retail opportunities. Staton is endorsed by Brentwood Police Officers Association and Councilmember Steve Barr, among others.
Robert (Leo) Rodgers
Brentwood City Council candidate Leo Rodgers is a current musicindustry executive who sees himself as a voice for the unheard; someone willing to roll up his sleeves and tackle community concerns. Rodgers’ campaign focuses on establishing fair housing for veterans; attracting industries that will offer employment, thus cutting back on the long and costly commutes many citizens are forced to make; and abating potential gentrification by outlining earmarked affordable housing for long-term citizens. Rodgers attended Deanza College, Foothill College, Pierce College and San Jose State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix and an MBA in business administration from John Sperling School of Business.
Vote for two candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/yuooux. Note:Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
Meet Brentwood City Council Candidate
Beefing-Up Police Crime Prevention Programs to Keep Neighborhoods Safe Faster Routes to the Hospital in Medical Emergencies Will SAVE LIVES
CLAUDETTE IS PROUDLY ENDORSED BY:
CoCo Vote-N-Go SHERIFF
Balancing Brentwood’s budget will be Claudette’s
TOP PRIORITY
OCTOBER 21, 2016
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Mayor Bob Taylor
Paid for by Claudette Staton for Brentwood City Council 2016 - ID No. 1384088
Contra Costa voters will find it easier to vote in upcoming elections, as the County Elections Office and city clerks have teamed up to provide free and convenient ‘CoCo Vote-N-Go’ drop off locations prior to and on Election Day. Contra Costa voters can drop their ballot at any participating Vote-N-Go box, regardless of where they live. County elections officials will regularly pick up collected ballots. We urge voters to take advantage of this service. A complete list of locations and hours will be announced before each election. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/KFMFfn.
Karen Rarey
Karen Rarey, a community volunteer, activist and chairwoman, is running for Brentwood City Council, focusing on economic development to ensure future fiscal stability, strengthen public safety and concentrate on smart growth. Rarey was appointed to the Brentwood Advisory Neighborhood Committee to resolve issues arising within neighborhoods; formulated the city’s parks, trails and recreation master plan as the founding commissioner of the Brentwood Parks and Recreation Commission; served as chairwoman on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority CAC, overseeing growth management; and, as the president of Liberty Union High School District Educational Foundation, increased semiannual grant amounts.
John D. Fink
Ru n ning for Brentwood City Council is cand i d a t e John D. Fink, who is currently serving his fourth term on the Brentwood Planning Commission. Fink has served as planning commissioner, president of the Brentwood Rotary, a volunteer with the police department, president of the Heritage High Parents’ Club Board of Directors and with numerous other committees, including the American Avenue Task Force, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Harvest Time Festival. He supports fiscal responsibility, funding new projects such as the library, while still meeting the needs of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and maintaining a 30 percent reserve of the general fund.
WHERE DO I VOTE?
http://www.cocovote.us/currentelection/where-do-i-vote/
OCTOBER 21, 2016
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KAREN
AREY
FOR BRENTWOOD CITY COUNCIL
♦ FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR FUTURE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY ♦ STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY, BOTH FIRE SERVICES & POLICE ♦ SMART GROWTH TO PROTECT OUR QUALITY OF LIFE
PUBLIC LEADERS JOEL BRYANT SUE HIGGINS O VANESSA PERRY O MICHAEL MCGILL LAFCO C YOLANDA MENDREK LUHSD JOANNE BYER LUHSD RAY VALVERDE LUHSD CARLOS SANABRIA BUSD DANA DEAN CRAIG BRONZAN R BRIAN SWISHER BARBARA GUISE MIKE MCPOLAND DEWEY DEMARTINI BOB BROCKMAN PETE PETROVICH WADE GOMES STEVE YOUNG JOHN ELAM IKE MONTANEZ R DAN SMITH JERRY GLENN SANDRA MYERS JEFF COWLING MARK MCBRIDE MARTHA PARSONS
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WWW.KARENRAREY.COM Paid for by Friends of Karen Rarey for Brentwood City Council 2016. FPPC #1387446
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CITY OF BRE NTWO OD MAYO R
Robert Taylor
The past four years have been quite extraordinary, with the upturn in the Brentwood economy, the opening of the Caldecott Tunnel fourth bore and the widening of Highway 4, Highway 4 Bypass and 160 ramps. City accolades include being one of the best cities in the U.S. and voted as having the best roads, bike trails, parks and safety. Public safety remains Taylor’s top priority. The future offers many more opportunities, including the building blocks for a future BART, Balfour Road overpass, the state-ofthe-art new library and dispatch center, license-plate readers, gazebo and keeping a strong budget with reserves. City resources remain strong in regards to water, streets and daily necessities. He looks forward to serving another term as mayor. Brentwood remains Taylor’s top priority and will ensure the city remains in the forefront of East County for allocations of monies, grants and opportunities that arise.
Aldo Ghiozzi
Ghiozzi is a 16-year resident of B re n t wo o d , father of two and local businessman who believes every vote counts. Your vote now counts when you fill in that bubble and write in his name on that line. People should have a choice for their elected officials, and this is exactly what voting is all about. Though the deadline to be on the ballot has passed, he wanted to bring this to the surface, with the hopes that other Brentwood residents agree. His focus is that the community should know it is their right to have a choice for any political office, focusing on establishing term limits for the position of mayor and concentrating resources to incentivize local residents to start local businesses, to reduce their time on the road. He is a former chairman of the Contra Costa Wine Growers Association and works from his Brentwood home.
Vote for one candidate. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/yZlVDL. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
Make Brentwood Safer NOW!
SUPPORT TWO ADDITIONAL FIRE STATIONS IN C.C.C.’s FASTEST GROWING CITY www.brentwoodca.gov/MeasuresZandA Paid for by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1230 Issues PAC
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OCTOBER 21, 2016
Measures Z and A Measure Z – Utility-users tax Information taken directly from the County Elections website. For more information, visit www.cocovote.us. To maintain and enhance essential city services, such as fire and emergency medical response, shall an ordinance be adopted to enact a utility-users tax (UUT) on telecommunications, electricity, gas and cable television, phasing in over two years (3 percent in 2017 and an additional 3 percent in 2018, for a total of 6 percent) to ultimately raise ongoing funding of approximately $6.1 million each year? FOR: Service cuts by the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District have left Brentwood with one fire station and three firefighters on duty to protect 60,000 residents and $8 billion in property. One station isn’t enough. When residents call 911, firefighters should be there within eight minutes. Today, average firefighter response is almost 10 minutes. By that time, it may be too late to save a heart attack victim or stop a fire from destroying homes and businesses. Measure Z will raise $6 million through a modest UUT – a tax that exists in 150 California cities. These funds can be used to open two more stations and put six more firefighters on duty in Brentwood. Two more fully staffed stations means firefighters will get to Brentwood emergencies faster and with the right personnel and equipment. This measure is: • Fair; all residents and businesses will pay, not just property owners. • Feasible; two more fire stations could be built faster than with any other funding option. • Reasonable; the UUT rate starts at 3 percent and is capped at 6 percent. Lowincome and senior households entitled to lifeline-utility rates would be exempt. • Responsible; the city council must repeal this tax if the fire district gets more local property taxes, equal to UUT funds, through a reallocation process. Brentwood’s high quality of life is attracting more residents and businesses every year. This growth means a greater need for public-safety protection. AGAINST: This measure purports to fund the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD), but does not even mention the district, nor does it bind or legally require the city to fund the ECCFPD. This regressive utility-users tax: • Will impose an average household tax of $200 to $400 or more and a business tax of up to $1,000 or more annually. • Is a general-purpose ‘slush-fund’ tax for the City of Brentwood, masked on the bills of the targeted utilities – cable television, electricity, gas, water and sewer. • Will generate revenues that will be deposited into the City of Brentwood’s general fund for any use the city determines is necessary for its own needs. • Will not force the city to negotiate a promissory agreement with ECCFPD, nor annually fulfill its promise to fund the fire district; the district’s budget forecasts will be unreliable. • Is designed to avoid the two-thirds vote requirement of other tax measures tried in
the past by the ECCFPD, which failed. • Will burden all residences, businesses, nonprofits and other types of organizations within the city, damaging the economy. • Will be dependent on the city’s financial condition, and on the city council’s judgment and desire to satisfy its own perceived needs, before it funds the fire district.
Measure A – advisory vote only Information taken directly from the County Elections website. For more information, visit www.cocovote.us. If Measure Z passes, should the revenues raised be used to restore and enhance fire and emergency medical response and other public safety services in the City of Brentwood? FOR: Measure A is a simple but critical piece to improving Brentwood’s fire protection and emergency medical services problem. Service cuts have left Brentwood with just one fire station and three firefighters on duty for 60,000 residents, putting the community and quality of life at terrible risk. Measure A does not change any city ordinances or create any new taxes. It is simply an advisory measure providing guidance to the city council on how to spend these funds, if Brentwood voters approve Measure Z (utility-user tax). In other words, it directs the city council to make fire and emergency medical services a top priority. Two additional fire stations would be opened in Brentwood, which would be staffed around the clock, by 18 additional firefighters in the city, tripling the amount of fire protection and emergency medical aid in Brentwood. Crews will respond with enough personnel and the right equipment to deal with serious emergencies, which can’t be done with just one station and inadequate staffing. AGAINST: The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) strongly recommends a no vote on this advisory measure because: • The revenues from this tax must, by law, go to the City of Brentwood’s general fund for use on any of the city’s perceived needs. • The fire district will, therefore, have to depend on the judgment, financial condition and needs of the City of Brentwood to annually transfer funds to the fire district. • A city utility tax will muddy the fiscal governance of the district, which has its own board. • ECCFPD is perpetually underfunded due to the outdated property-tax allocation rates established in 1978, when the area was primarily rural. A more fair and equitable solution to the funding problem of the fire district has been proposed by a local community group. This reallocation should be completed before asking residents and businesses to pay any additional tax. If ECCFPD funding is still inadequate once reallocation is implemented, CoCoTax will support any rational and affordable proposition that restores effective emergency response.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H DISCOVE RY BAY CO MMU NITY S E RV ICE S D ISTR I C T B OA R D HHH
Marianne Wiesen
Volunteer service to the public has been paramount for Marianne B. Wiesen, who is running for Discovery Bay Community Services District Board. As a highly involved town volunteer, she’s worked with Senior Peer Counselor CCC, co-founded Bay Area Rescued Kanines, served as a development director and administrator for Kaleidoscope Cancer Support and cofounded New Neighbors. Wiesen is also a nursing-home administrator, Discovery Bay Lions treasurer and recipient of the 2014 Discovery Bay Citizen of the Year award. She was the force behind opening the community center and dog park and organizing the senior health fair, Festival of Trees and neighborhood-watch seminar. If elected, she will assign her stipend equally to Odyssey of the Mind and River Otters.
Mark Simon
Seeking re-election to the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board is Mark Simon, longtime resident and business owner. Simon previously served as the board’s president and vice president, landscape committee chairman and budget committee chairman. While on the board, he was part of many renovations and opening projects – the community center, a water attraction for children, a new basketball court, renovated tennis courts, new pickleball courts, new water wells and more – and he helped the district receive the prestigious District of Distinction award for streamlining accounting processes and becoming transparent and accessible to the residents. He is seeking re-election with the continued promise of giving back to the community.
Bill Pease
Bill Pease is seeking re - e l e c t i o n to the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board to continue implementing the infrastructural upgrades needed to bring the town’s aging water and wastewater systems – along with other community facilities – up to date. Over the past four years, Pease has seen the need for these upgrades, firsthand. If elected, one of his focuses will be on the $7 million wastewater-filtration project mandated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is currently in its planning stages. He makes sure the citizens’ rate-payer dollars are used as efficiently as possible on such projects, and his experience on Fremont City Council and in owning a business for more than 40 years provides him with a vantage point to help with the town’s finances and operations.
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Bill Mayer
Longtime resident and l o c a l - bu s iness owner Bill Mayer is running for the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board. Mayer has spent 38 years in the high-tech industry, holding executive positions and managing complex projects and multimillion-dollar budgets. As a regular participant at the CSD Board meetings, he believes the board can better address citizens’ questions and concerns by being more proactive and transparent in communicating project plans. If elected, he pledges to work hard to ensure proper decisions are made regarding the many complex and challenging projects facing the board in the years to come and that residents are kept well-informed on issues that affect them and the community as a whole.
Vote for two candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/yZlVDL. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
BY RON UNI ON S CHO OL DI ST R ICT BOA R D
Susan E. Vinyard Running for Byron Union School District governing board and endorsed by Byron Teachers and Classified Employees is retired, national-board-certified educator Susan E. Vinyard. Having received the Eukel Teacher Trust Award for excellence in education, Vinyard believes the most important thing in society is to prepare youth for a challenging future with a strong education. If elected, her goal will be to maintain the level of academic excellence, while supporting the educators who work with the students every day. Vinyard commits to devoting the time and energy the community deserves to fulfill the duties of a Byron Union School District Board member.
Marshall Harris Retired computer-science and data-communications manager Marshall Harris is running for Byron Union School District Board. Harris’ background includes work for NASA Ames, LSI Logic and Memorex, and he currently sits on the board of directors for The Lakes in Discovery Bay. Harris’ campaign focuses on respect, inclusion and healthy communication between students and teachers. He plans to implement mindfulness programs that center on compassion and tolerance, and believes it is important to meet students’ needs and help them understand how important it is to learn and to value teachers. Another important point for him is financial responsibility and accountability within the district, in addition to supporting teachers.
» I am seeking reelection to help continue implementing the infrastructural upgrades needed to bring our aging water & wastewater system, along with our community facilities up to date. » Married to my wife, Donna, 48 years. Three grown children, three grandchildren,Discovery Bay residents 16 years.
» I have the experience, time, and energy to take on the many challenging projects facing our community and the Town of Discovery Bay CSD Board » Married to my wife, Linda, for 47 years with two sons and four grandchildren » Resident of Discovery Bay for 17 years » Local business owner since 2010
» Current President CSD board, 40 years business owner, served 8 years Fremont City Council.
» 38 years experience in executive positions in Silicon Valley managing complex projects with multimillion dollar budgets.
» It has been an honor serving the Town of Discovery Bay these last four years and I ask for your vote on Nov. 8th.
» Bachelors Degree – Business Management
Why are we running together? » We have very similar values and backgrounds. » We both believe the most important responsibility of an elected official
David W. Turner Byron Union School District Board candidate David W. Turner has been actively involved with the district since moving to the area 13 years ago. For the past eight years, Turner has served on the board of the production company for BUSD’s theater program. Professionally, he has led safety departments, a nuclear energy research laboratory, an electrical engineering business and field-service operations. If elected to the governing board of BUSD, Turner commits to ensuring the board and district work harmoniously with the students, parents and staff. He says the schools are a wonderful community asset, and he’s eager to continue the progress and help the district reach new heights. Turner earned a BA from Cornell University and a certificate, nuclear engineering, from the U.S. Navy.
Vote for two candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/uuJvmt.
is to prioritize and approve the expenditure of public funds while helping guide the direction of the organization.
» Together we will ensure that our limited CSD funds and services are managed in the most responsibly efficient manner. » Both of us are uniquely qualified, prepared and committed to help
guide our community.
We Ask For Your Vote On Nov. 8th
WHERE DO I VOTE? http://www.cocovote.us/current-election/where-do-i-vote/
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E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H OA K L E Y CITY CO U NCIL
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Paul Seger
Candidate Paul Seger is running to stop overdevelopment, protect the Delta and ensure that Oakley becomes a model of civic participation. In 2006, he and his wife started PACE Oakley to promote the family-friendly agricultural community and equestrian activities and events. He also founded Oakley Community Gardens. Furthermore, he organized residents who had their private properties rezoned by the city council without having received notice of their options. In 2009, he organized an Oakley Chamber forum regarding the economic and civic importance of sustaining a strong base of local, independently owned businesses. Seger believes that council incumbents have developed the city irresponsibly, beyond safe infrastructural demands, necessitating passage of an untimely utility-tax increase.
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Michael Dupray
Candidate for Oakley City Council Michael Dupray is running his campaign with a focus on emergency services, smart growth, living wages and promoting schools that provide career pathways. If elected, Dupray would support funding for more fire stations; bringing in industries such as Easy Mile, which would offer living-wage careers; and creating bridges between middle and high schools and colleges, with apprenticeships and programs to cultivate educational pathways. Dupray states the cost of living in California is among the highest in the nation, there’s rampant pay inequality and buying power has been going downhill since the ‘70s. He believes the city must support funding for more fire stations and personnel.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
Stephen DeMarco
S t e phen DeMarco is running for Oakley C i t y Council, noting his experience and qualifications will help Oakley deal with what is the largest boom in its history. With construction underway on more than 5,000 homes to be built over the next 20 years, DeMarco wants to achieve balance and strong community connection by making provisions for quality housing and businesses that offer a variety of opportunities for local employment, shopping, leisure and social facilities. DeMarco pledges to serve the community, using his varied background in accounting, auditing and sales to help the city achieve balance.
Kevin Romick
Having served on the Oakley City Council for the last 12 years and as mayor for four, Kevin Romick is once again running for Oakley City Council. He served on Oakley’s first Planning Commission, during which time, the commission put more police on the streets, eased traffic with road improvements and built and enhanced parks. If elected, Romick commits to working toward increased public safety and maintaining Oakley’s stature as one of California’s top 50 safest cities as a priority. He also plans to enhance the city services and attract and retain business in order to create employment and economic opportunities for Oakley residents. Romick says the council has begun addressing the needs of seniors and veterans and has enhanced the community with neighborhood-beautification efforts.
Vote for three candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/re4SrU. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
Measures E and G Measure E – Utility-users tax
To maintain and enhance Oakley’s essential city services, such as fire protection and emergency medical response services, shall an ordinance be adopted to enact a 3.5 percent utility-users tax (UUT) on electricity, water, sewer, gas and cable television, to raise approximately $2 million on an annual basis? FOR: Information taken from the Contra Costa County Election website. (Meghan Bell, Oakley resident) Measure E could provide much-needed funding to address the critical crisis with fire services in East Contra Costa County. Existing funding for the fire district is only able to operate three fire stations, covering 249 square
miles, putting (people) in great danger. A recent master-plan analysis indicates that at least nine fire stations are needed in the district to provide a basic level of fire and emergency medical response services. The current limitation of having only three stations has resulted in response times that are over 12 minutes. This is completely unacceptable, and more stations are needed to serve the community. The American Heart Association’s scientific position is that brain death and permanent death start to occur four to six minutes after someone experiences a heart attack. Studies show that a person’s chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without defibrillation
KEEPING OAKLEY’S FAMILIES SAFE
and early-support intervention. Few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes. AGAINST: (Contra Costa Taxpayers Association) This measure purports to fund the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD), but does not even mention the district, nor does it bind or legally require the city to fund the ECCFPD. This regressive utility-user tax: • Will impose an average household tax of $200 to $400 or more and a business tax of up to $1,000 or more annually. • Is a general purpose ‘slush-fund’ tax for the City of Oakley, masked on the bills of the targeted utilities – cable television, electricity, gas, water and sewer. • Will generate revenues that will be deposited into the City of Oakley’s general fund for any use the city determines is necessary for its own needs. • Will not force the city to negotiate a promissory agreement with ECCFPD or annually fulfill its promise to fund the fire district; the fire district’s budget forecasts will be unreliable. • Is designed to avoid the two-thirds vote requirement of other tax measures tried in the past by the ECCFPD, which failed. • Will burden all residences, businesses, nonprofits and other types of organizations within the city, damaging the economy. • Will be dependent on the city’s financial condition, and on the city council’s judgment and desire to satisfy its own perceived needs, before it funds the fire district.
Measure G – advisory vote only
Better Emergency Response to Protect Oakley’s Families Now! www.ci.oakley.ca.us/measures-e-g
Paid for by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1230 Issues PAC
If Measure E passes, should the revenues raised be used to restore and enhance fire and emergency medical response services in the City of Oakley? FOR: Vote yes on Advisory Measure G to
ensure that all new revenues from Measure E will go toward restoring critical fire and emergency medical services to Oakley. (Meghan Bell, Oakley resident) The life and safety of the community is at stake and fire and emergency medical services are the priority for these new revenues. Voice your opinion in support of the much-needed funding for your fire district by voting yes on Measure G. AGAINST: The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association strongly recommends a no vote on this advisory measure because: • The measure does not bind or legally require the City of Oakley to fund the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). • The UUT will have an average household tax between $200 and $400 and a business tax up to or exceeding $1,000 annually. • By law, the revenues from this tax must go to the City of Oakley’s general fund, for use on any of the city’s perceived needs. • Therefore, the fire district will have to depend on the judgment, financial condition and needs of the City of Oakley to annually transfer funds to the fire district. • A city-utility tax will muddy the fiscal governance of the district, which has its own board. • ECCFPD is perpetually underfunded due to the outdated property-tax allocation established in 1978, when the area was primarily rural. A more fair and equitable solution to the funding problem of the fire district has been proposed by a local community group. This reallocation should be completed before asking residents and businesses to pay any additional tax. If ECCFPD funding is still inadequate once reallocation is implemented,, CoCoTax will support any rational and affordable proposition that restores effective emergency response.
E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H OA K L E Y CITY CO U NCIL
OCTOBER 21, 2016
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Doug Hardcastle
U. S. Army veteran and 35-year resident of Oakley, D o u g H a r d castle has served on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board of Directors and the Oakley City Council. He is currently serving as chairman of the Highway 4 Bypass Authority and Transplan, which oversaw the widening of Highway 4, easing traffic congestion and shortening commutes for many. When elected to the council in 2012, Hardcastle took part in forming Oakley’s very own police department, saving the city approximately $800,000 per year, and making it possible to hire more officers. If elected, he pledges fiscal responsibility and will work toward improving Oakley residents’ safety and making it easier for businesses to come to Oakley.
Randi Jill Adler
Randi Jill Adler, grief mentor and candidate for Oakley City Council, supports the addition of a junior college in East Contra Costa County; a prosperous economy based on living wages, educational opportunities, accessible healthcare and a solid foundation of reasonable growth of business; police support and oversight; necessary fire prevention; and a strong drug-prevention system, set in place through education and enhancement of community resources for mental health and rehabilitation. Adler believes that financial stability is the key to instilling hope in young adults facing an ever-changing world and that everyone wins with a strong economy overseen by commonsense regulation.
Claire Alaura
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Dezi Pina
Community vo l u n t e e r and candidate for Oakley City Council, Claire Alaura w a n t s Oakley to continue to be ‘a place for families in the heart of the Delta.’ She plans to positively guide growth by utilizing her background in marketing, logistics and fundraising to preserve Oakley’s hometown charm. Alaura wants Oakley to become the best it can be for the future generations, and she believes that starts with taking action now. As a member of the Oakley Police Chief Advisory Committee, chairperson for Gehringer Elementary School’s School Site Council and volunteer for various school events throughout Oakley, Alaura promotes shaping the town in a positive way for her children and yours.
Oakley City Council candidate Dezi Pina is an electrician, works for USS-POSCO Industries and is a member of the local 1440 Steel Workers union. He is also a U.S. Marine veteran, cofounder of two nonprofit animal programs and is a self-proclaimed family man. Pina moved to Oakley with his wife eight years ago to raise their family in a small town, and he pledges to listen to the residents’ concerns with an open mind if elected to council, as he knows his family-based lifestyle and history of giving back to the community is exactly what the City of Oakley needs.
For more information, visit https://goo.gl/re4SrU. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
Kevin Romick Re-Elect
PROVEN LEADERSHIP FORWARD THINKING
COMMUNITY ORIENTED INNOVATIVE • • • • • • •
Nicknamed “Mayor Everywhere” Revitalizing Downtown Saving Historic Grape Vines A Growing Police Force Balanced Budgets Low Crime Rate Improving Roads and Sidewalks www.romickinoakley.wordpress.com
OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL Paid for by Kevin Romick
I LIKE MIKE DUPRAY for
Oakley City Council ENDORSEMENTS
• United Firefighters Local 1230 • CCC Central Labor Council • IBEW Local 302 • Democratic Party of CCC • East CCC Democratic Club • Harry Thurston DPCCC Executive Committee • Greg Enholm, Trustee for CC Community College District
• Debra Vinson, AUSD Trustee • Carolyn R. Phinney, Ph.D. • Heath Lenoble, Coordinator for McNerney campaign • Plumbers & Steam Fitters Local159 • Meghan Bell Director ECCFPD • Michael McGill – LAFCO Paid for by Mike Dupray FPPC 1390409
smart growth • education • emergency services
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E L E CTIO N 2 016 H H H OA KL E Y UNI ON E L E MENTA RY S CH O O L D ISTR ICT BOA R D
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Lisa Brizendine
L i s a Brizendine is running for Oakley Union Elementary S c h o o l District (OUESD) Board. As an OUESD teacher and longtime Oakley resident, Brizendine pledges to focus on students’ educational and emotional needs. Having worked as an educator in both the schools and at a district level, she understands both sides of educational issues and will work to solve them in a positive manner. Brizendine wants access to technology for students and teachers, a continued vision of growth and a clear mission for the district. She promises to keep students at the center of all decision making as a board member, noting that the students should always come first. Brizendine is endorsed by the Oakley Union Teachers Association and Vice Mayor Sue Higgins, among others.
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Laurence Polk
OUESD Board member for nine years, Laurence (Larry) Polk is running for yet another term. He is a retired accountant with 18 years of experience in school finance. If elected, his goal is to ensure all children enrolled in the Oakley Union Elementary School District are in a safe learning environment, while obtaining the best education the district can provide. He also wants to ensure that the district’s schools are safe places for its employees. Endorsed by Oakley Union Teachers Association and Oakley Union School District chapter of CSEA (California School Employees Association), Polk asks for your vote this November. Polk has a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting option from California State University, Hayward.
Karen Bergenholtz
Karen Bergenholtz says the Oakley School District is a really special place with the best teachers and staff members and the most amazing students. She is dedicated to providing them with every resource they need. She has been very fortunate to be on the board of trustees for the past 15 years. Both of her children attended Oakley schools, in which she has been very active, and she is vested in making sure the students of the district have the best possible opportunities. The district is beginning to make great progress with technology in the classrooms, and she wants to be able to see those projects through. However, the district also has challenges facing it, especially with the new budgeting formula, LCAP requirements and passing a needed school construction bond.
Vote for two candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/CiTW9q. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.
KNIGHT S E N E L E ME NTA RY S CH O O L D ISTR ICT B OA R D
Janice Smith
Statement not available at press time.
Stefani Provan
Longtime Knightsen resident and businesswoman Stefani Provan is running for Knightsen Elementary School District Board. During the 12 years her three children attended Knightsen School, Provan served as a Parent Club officer, member of the School Site Council and as a classroom volunteer. She also has a history of volunteerism through her church and local 4H and FFA programs. As a certified payroll specialist, she works for a local construction company and as the office manager and bookkeeper for the company she owns with her husband. Provan is running because she believes in preserving tradition in her small community, while embracing new technology in order to give kids a competitive edge. If elected, she pledges to create a place where the voices of students, parents and faculty can be heard and respected.
Shawndell L. McCall
Statement not available at press time.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
Measure W To improve local schools with funding that cannot be taken away by the state; add classrooms and school facilities to prevent overcrowding; provide classroom instructional technology; improve science, math and engineering classrooms; repair, construct, replace and update classrooms and educational facilities; and qualify for state-matching funds, shall Oakley Union Elementary School District issue $31 million in bonds, at legal rates, with independent citizens’ oversight, no funds for administrator salaries and all funds staying local? FOR: • Add classrooms and school facilities, including a new elementary school, to prevent overcrowding. • Improve student safety and access. • Bring classrooms at all schools up to current education and communication standards. • Expand and provide additional classroom instructional technology. • Improve access for students with disabilities. • Enhance classrooms for performing arts, science and technology education programs. • Accountability is required: every penny stays in Oakley. • Measure W qualifies schools for state-matching funds. • Every penny will benefit Oakley elementary and middle schools; the state can’t take away any funds. • No funds can go toward administrators’ salaries. • Developers will continue to pay their share of school-construction costs. • Independent citizen oversight, annual audits and reports to the community will ensure funds are used as promised. Join teachers, parents, elected leaders and the business community in voting yes on Measure W to continue providing every student equal access to quality education in Oakley. AGAINST: No arguments filed against.
Thomas E. Baldocchi Jr.
Running for Knightsen Elementary School District Board is firefighter and farmer Thomas Baldocchi Jr. He has served as fire captain, trustee of Reclamation District 2065 Veale Tract and trustee for Knightsen Elementary School District Board. If elected, he will work to expand the district’s technology. According to Baldocchi, both campuses in the district have reoccurring issues with their current systems, which impact curriculum and testing processes and take time away from the students. He would like to spend time researching and funding mechanisms to finish Old River Elementary, including building an administration office and library, converting the primary building back to classrooms and growing the campus to a full kindergarten through eighthgrade school and upgrading, replacing or properly repairing outdated inefficient components or facilities at the Knightsen campus.
Vote for three candidates. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/wA1ILB. Note: Information was either taken from the county elections website or submitted by the candidate.