| | Published September 25th, 2024
| Lafayette's two candidates for partial term councilmember
| | | By Elaine Borden Chandler |  | | Jim Cervantes Photo provided |
In the upcoming Nov. 5 election, Lafayette voters will be choosing four City Councilmembers, three for a full four-year position and one for a partial two-year position. Two candidates are running for the two-year term position: Jim Cervantes and Mario DiPrisco.
DiPrisco was an Albany councilmember in his early 20s and is now retiring from working as an analyst and portfolio manager, which he feels gives him the experience to help Lafayette's budget. He is running because of his disappointment in the City Council's handling of finances and the homeowner's insurance crisis, as well as their decision to put an affordable housing project at 949 Moraga Road.
Cervantes worked in public finance for 34 years and is currently a committee member on the Lafayette General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), after having served as both Vice Chair and Chair. He feels these experiences, as well as his civic involvement and having served on several non-profit organizations' boards, give him the knowledge and skill to solve Lafayette's key issues and to keep Lafayette vibrant, open, and safe.
Cervantes' goals for Lafayette are securing long-term financial sustainability, working with Con Fire to address wildfire risk, and continuing to improve traffic safety. DiPrisco's goals for Lafayette are a more creative approach to growing revenue, reducing construction costs to improve affordability, and working more closely with the Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District.
These candidates have given Lamorinda Weekly responses to written questions about their plans if they become a councilmember.
Affordable housing: Diprisco thinks that Lafayette is unaffordable but also intends to be careful and selective in which projects he would approve. Cervantes wants there to be housing options for Lafayette's essential workers while remaining realistic about costs and believes that the City should support viable affordable projects.
Lafayette's Housing Element: Cervantes was involved as Chair and Vice Chair of the GPAC to create the initial Housing Element proposal, which was then modified by the City Council and negotiations with the State. While he feels the housing targets are currently too high, he believes the Housing Element is a good compromise considering state demands. DiPrisco states that he will follow state mandates but put residents' interests first.
Developing the 949 Moraga Road lot: DiPrisco is seriously opposed to developing the parking lot because of how it would worsen traffic, feeling that Lafayette should look elsewhere to meet housing quotas. Cervantes states that Lafayette will face repercussions from the State if it does not develop the lot and should focus on getting a project that does not dramatically increase traffic.
Improving traffic congestion: Cervantes feels that Lafayette should see how the 2023 Local Road Safety Program functions and develops before making changes. DiPrisco wants to use AI traffic signals to respond to real-time traffic as well as expanding the school bus system to cover the entire city.
Public oversight of the City budget: DiPrisco wants to start a public line-by-line budget review meeting and for all of Lafayette's expenses to be publicly listed on the City website. Cervantes intends to draw on his background in municipal finance and educate Lafayette residents on the budget.
Measure H: DiPrisco is a reluctant supporter and Cervantes is a strong supporter.
The Lafayette Homeowners Council will be hosting a Candidates Night on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library where Lafayette City Councilmember candidates will respond to submitted questions.
More about Jim Cervantes can be found at https://jimforlafayette.com/. More about Mario DiPrisco can be found at www.diprisco.org/.
Read about the candidates running for a four year term in our next edition on Oct. 9. |
 | | Mario DiPrisco Photo provided | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA