| | Published November 10th, 2010
| After the Election
| | By Sophie Braccini | | |
November 2 did not bring any surprises to the Moraga Town Council as incumbents Ken Chew and Dave Trotter never appeared to be seriously challenged. Seth Freeman, Dennis Wanken, and Eleni Wanken were not able to generate much momentum during the campaign. Typical of recent Moraga council elections, candidates that have not formerly served on the Planning Commission or the Parks and Recreation Commission seem to have difficulty when it comes to being elected. Prior service allows future candidates not only to get first hand knowledge of what is going in the Town, but also gives them to opportunity to build a support network.
Although the election results have not been certified, Trotter appears to have garnered the most votes. "I am very pleased by the outcome of this election," he said. "With volunteer help and support from many Moraga residents, we ran an active campaign. I'm so grateful for the outreach efforts of my campaign committee over the past several weeks. The re-election results represent a strong vote of confidence from the Moraga community, and I believe they demonstrate that the Town is being well-managed and is on the right track."
Trotter acknowledged that there is much that needs to be done in the next four years to continue addressing the vital issues facing the town. "This includes implementing the Moraga Center Specific Plan in concert with the property owners, developing funding solutions for maintaining our neighborhood streets and other essential Town infrastructure, addressing the vacancies and future vision at the Rheem Center, and continuing to do everything we can to protect and preserve open space and ridgelines," he said, "I'm looking forward to the next four years on the Town Council and the important work that lies ahead."
On election night Ken Chew was out picking up as many of his 22 campaign signs as possible. "I want to thank all of my supporters and friends who have worked so diligently with me during the past four years," said Chew. "Thank you, Moraga voters, for giving me the opportunity to serve this wonderful community again." Chew believes that his re-election comes from the voters' support of his work on the Town Council over the past four years. "Moraga residents, you can expect me to continue to provide that same kind of leadership, prudence, efficiency and effectiveness as we work together for our community during the next four years," he said.
Chew said that he is committed to maintaining a prudent, balanced fiscal budget and building a solid general fund reserve; to protect and preserve Moraga's ridgelines and open spaces; to create a long-term infrastructure renewal program and a financing plan; to sustain Moraga's excellent police protection and other services; to work cooperatively with the business community, Moraga's schools, St. Mary's College, and volunteer service groups for our common good.
Freeman, who garnered the most votes of all the challengers, said he will continue to defend his views and plans to run again in two years. "I want to congratulate Dave and Ken and to thank the 1002 voters who supported my campaign," said Freeman, "I received about 50% of the votes of the two incumbents; a good showing for a first time!" Freeman hopes that the standing Council will incorporate some of the views that his supporters share. "The council really needs to develop a pragmatic strategy that allows them to focus on real economic priorities in light of the new economy and solve the $45 million hole to maintain infrastructure and do everything it can to support the schools and support their funding requirements."
Eleni and Dennis Wanken ran their campaigns with no sign or flyers bearing their names, focusing instead on addressing community groups. "Our wish is for all of our elected representatives, whoever that may be, to work in the best interests of and include all citizens in Moraga in all public policy decisions," said Wanken.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA