| | Published October 23rd, 2024
| Letters to the editor
| | | | |
Lafayette City Council election
Lafayette Council members should represent the entire community, especially since viewpoints and ideologies run the gamut among their constituents. Neutrality is essential and underscored by these being non-partisan positions. While some prefer to see City Council issue resolutions that align with partisan politics, some prefer the exact opposite. A balanced budget and improved Lafayette living is not secular. Fiscal accountability, effective communication, managing infrastructure, advocating for realistic goals, supporting city commerce, and measuring accomplishments are what matter. Identity politics just sow division. Don't be distracted by the identity politics game under the guise of inclusion. The long-standing incumbents running for re-election have fallen short of their duties and now are asking for a bailout from the taxpayers. Leading the charge on this bailout effort is a former councilmember who quit and moved out of state and a school board member who is giving up her seat while another deficit looms. Yet, frivolous spending prevails with nearly $10k of taxpayer money spent to campaign for Measure H. We need new leadership and fresh minds on the council. The long-standing members running for reelection do not represent Lafayette responsibly. Lauren Herpich most assuredly will. Visit Laurenforlafayette.org; Vote Lauren for Lafayette.
Sarah Lind
Lafayette
East Bay Regional Park Board election
Summer 2024 was Earth's hottest on record. It's October. Still hot. Heed Mark Gongloff's warning, "Global warming has arrived and we're not ready."
All around us, our East Bay Regional Parks are under threat from wildfires, disease, drought, sea level rise, recklessness, and growing pains. With more than 100,000 acres of public land to protect, we need Lynda Deschambault's depth of knowledge, tenacity and experience to respond to the climate urgency of now.
Lynda will provide solid direction on Day 1. Lynda is the ONLY candidate with a 37-year career as an environmental scientist, 19-years at the U.S.EPA, 5+ years as Parks Commissioner, experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and programs, and crafting sound environmental policy. We need a trusted resource, tireless advocate and respected partner among local climate leaders, park staff, tribes and underserved communities.
Elect Lynda Deschambault for East Bay Regional Park Board.
Renee Zeimer
Moraga
Support for Jim Cervantes
I would like to voice my wholehearted support Jim Cervantes for Lafayette City Council and urge Lafayette residents to vote for him on Nov. 5. I first met Jim as a concerned resident worried about fire safety in my neighborhood when Lafayette suffered the Tennis Club fire in 2019. As I'm sure you're aware, fire safety is one of Lafayette's critical issues. Jim's vast experience and knowledge in this area were instrumental in looping my street and surrounding neighborhoods into his fire prevention efforts. Jim had already organized a Firewise community on his street in the Springhill Valley, which means neighbors voluntarily engage with Contra Costa Fire Protection District staff to improve fire safety around homes. Jim organized multiple visits by Con Fire inspectors and a brush removal project. Jim has worked tirelessly to expand the original Firewise community as fire safety goes beyond an individual street. As a result, our Springhill Valley West Firewise neighborhood now includes 88 homes on multiple streets. Under his leadership, we developed a three-year action plan and are organizing additional visits by Con Fire inspectors to educate homeowners on how to better protect their homes in the event of a wildfire. He is organized, tenacious, and a joy to work with.
I believe it will be crucial to have someone on the City Council with hands-on experience with fire safety. Jim will bring that perspective and can help Lafayette increase its efforts in addressing our wildfire risks. He has a long history of volunteering in our community, and brings with him a vast knowledge of the needs of Lamorinda residents.
Sincerely,
Laura O. Bergman
Lafayette
Endorsement of Carl Anduri for Lafayette City Council
Fellow Lafayette Citizens, please join me in the re-election of Carl Anduri to the Lafayette City Council.
Carl has served the citizens of Lafayette for many years, be it on various City Task Forces, Planning Commission, Council Member, and Mayor. His thoughtful insights have helped lead Lafayette in preserving open space, a World-Class library, and maintaining a strong fiscal standing. His historical insight has helped guide Lafayette through the maze of both State and Federal mandates on housing, while balancing the wants and needs of both our residents and business communities.
Carl's ability to intently listen to all concerned parties and provide unbiased feedback in his decision-making process has been one of his best assets to the City of Lafayette. These skills in addition to his historical perspective of Lafayette and his ability to work with City Staff, have served our citizens well.
Now, more than ever, we need Carl's skill set to face the ever-changing landscape of land use, fire safety, and fiscal challenges which lay ahead.
Please vote Carl Anduri for Lafayette City Council.
Larry Blodgett,
lifelong business owner & resident of Lafayette
Measure H
During my 11 years on the Lafayette City Council, I was privileged to serve as Mayor in 2009-10 and 2014-15. My fellow council members and I worked with our excellent city staff to maintain the best possible city services for our residents with limited funding. I know I am not alone in wanting our city to remain safe and strong. Lafayette city services are crucial to all our residents and the best way to keep those services in place is voting "YES" on Measure H.
Measure H increases the local sales tax rate by only half a percent, but that is enough to allow the city to continue fixing our streets, maintaining police services, preserving our parks, public spaces, and open space, and sustaining our wildfire preparedness efforts. As Mayor and Councilmember, I have witnessed firsthand how the people of Lafayette care for one another. Supporting Measure H helps us continue the level of care that makes us "Love Lafayette". Safe neighborhoods, safe students and schools, safe pedestrians and bikers, and safe senior citizens.
Please vote YES on Measure H.
Sincerely,
Brandt Andersson
Walnut Creek
Stacey Schweppe for AUHSD Board
We urge Lamorinda voters to join us in voting for Stacey Schweppe for the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Governing Board. Stacey has the experience and temperament to be an effective and collegial board member who is committed to educational excellence and the well-being of all AUHSD students. Stacey is a Campolindo alum, lives in Walnut Creek, and her children are graduates of Las Lomas High School. She has spent over a decade serving our public schools, including as a PTA President at Las Lomas, Las Trampas Creek Council board member, and citizen representative to the local parcel tax oversight committee. She is fluent in public finance and budgeting, has deep knowledge of every school in AUHSD, and, because she has first-hand familiarity with Las Lomas High School, will bring an important perspective to the Board. Moreover, Stacey is a person of impeccable integrity, and her record bespeaks a steadfast devotion to exemplary public education for all. We're voting for Stacey Schweppe on Nov. 5 and ask that you do, too.
Amy Worth, Former Mayor of Orinda
Renata Sos, Moraga Town Council Member
Matt Francois, Walnut Creek City Council Member
John McCormick, Carl Anduri and Jim Cervantes for City Council
Our family moved to Lafayette over 30 years ago. Our daughters attended local schools and have put their education to excellent use.
In the years since Lafayette has been through good times, uncertain times and what some would call dark times, yet those here still find it a wonderful place to live. They've pitched in, helped each other, and volunteered.
Let's keep it that way.
John McCormick richly deserves election to a permanent seat. Incumbents Carl Anduri, who has served this City for years, and Gina Dawson, do too.
There are important issues to be dealt with, fiscal uncertainty, budgets and doing it all while preserving the core values that unite us. These candidates will get the job done.
Kate A Ruby
Lafayette
Re-elect Gina Dawson for Lafayette City Council
I strongly support re-electing Gina Dawson for Lafayette City Council. Gina Dawson is an excellent City Council member. Her calm manner invites civil discussion. She listens attentively and hears residents' concerns. Her alertness to potential unintended consequences is impressive. Gina Dawson balances the needs and wants of residents with an awareness of legal regulations and the inescapable fiscal realities.
One example of her dedication to fact-based action was her response to homeowner complaints of PG&E's intention to remove hundreds of Lafayette trees. She co-founded Save Lafayette Trees to learn about pipeline safety. She brought this knowledge back to negotiations with PG&E. Considering environmental impacts but always with an eye for community safety, her work saved many trees that help keep our sidewalks and streets cooler and our community semi-rural.
Your ballot is in the mail. I urge you to join me and vote for Gina Dawson for Lafayette City Council.
Carol Murota
Lafayette
Gina Dawson & John McCornick for City Council
I enthusiastically support John and Gina for City Council, adding to my previous endorsement of Carl Anduri, three visionary, trusted leaders.
John McCormick brings a full package of skills essential to the work of City Council. His intelligence, ability to listen and encourage multiple perspectives, and deep understanding of finance have been recognized in multiple roles, most recently as interim City Council member. As co-owner with his wife Colleen of Lamorinda Music, John understands the challenges and needs of our small business community. He was elected to two consecutive terms as President of the Chamber of Commerce and selected 2020 Business Person of the Year. An advocate for environmental sustainability, he sits on the boards of Recycle Smart and Marin Clean Energy. John's broad range of volunteer service include Planning Commission and multiple city commissions, and nonprofits such as LPIE, Park Theater Trust, Food Bank, & Blood Bank. His breadth of experience will continue to be invaluable to City Council.
As current Mayor, Gina Dawson has managed public discussions of challenging topics with fairness, openness, and intelligence. In her four years on Council, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues fundamental to effective city management. Prior to Council service, she used her natural leadership skills to form the Gas Safety Task Force, taking PG&E to task for dangerous neglect of our aging gas lines. Gina successfully founded Save Lafayette Trees to stop PG&E's threat to cut down dozens of trees not impacting the pipes.
Her many years of serving Lafayette include being a founder of LPIE. City Council needs a leader with her record of community involvement.
Elect Gina, John and Carl to continue guiding this community.
Kathy Merchant
25 years Lafayette/current Orinda
Gian Panetta for the Moraga School Board
As a long-time resident of Moraga, I have been continually impressed by the academic environment that our Town provides to its students. There is little reason to stop now.
I strongly support the candidacy of Gian Panetta for a position on the Moraga School Board. Gian was educated in Moraga, K-12, and well understands the value of that education, his teachers as well as the resources made available to him throughout his schooling.
Over the last decade, Gian has excelled in making and sustaining relationships that have advanced agendas as a congressional intern, President of the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, co-Chair of the Lafayette Young Professionals, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and current committee member of the Moraga Local Sales Tax and Oversight Committee, Measure K.
Gian possesses a clear determination to serve our Town and its students. He has a commitment to, not only academic success but also ensuring that students are welcomed and supported by schools - all within the financial guardrails that apply. His drive and persistence toward these goals is only outweighed by his dedication to our community.
I encourage all of Moraga to support his candidacy and to safe keep our tradition of academic excellence.
John Panetta
Moraga
GINA DAWSON for Lafayette City Council -
As mayor, Gina has provided effective leadership on the challenging issues facing our city, including:
Passed local pedestrian and vehicle safety programs near schools and in neighborhoods to help make our community safer.
Co-founded Save Lafayette Trees that brought important pipeline safety improvements while preserving many trees along trails and in neighborhoods.
Helped pass the housing element for our city, which was a complicated rezoning effort to balance the state controlled mandate for housing, while maintaining the attractive character of our downtown.
Championed better utility wildfire safety by making it a priority in our city's Safety Element.
I have worked on projects with Gina, and appreciate her researched based decisions reflecting priorities of safety, community good, and fiscal stability.
I have learned the value of both genders being represented, reflecting diverse perspectives and better informed decisions.
More on her accomplishments, during her four year term here: https://www.ginadawson2024.com/about-me
The other two incumbents, Carl Anduri, and John McCormick's have demonstrated the value of their professional experience and history, and are worthy of reelection. Jim Cervantes is running for the two-year term, and has demonstrated his leadership on the General Plan Advisory Board. His professional experience in financial planning will benefit our city. Please join me in voting for these four selfless volunteers..
Papa John Kiefer, Former member, Parks, Trails, and Recreation commission.
Lafayette
Lafayette City Council election
In surveys in 2008 and again in 2021, Lafayette residents resoundingly confirmed that their highest priorities were preserving the small-town character of Lafayette and to avoid its urbanization. In February 2022, the City Council adopted a General Plan Mission Statement "to make Lafayette a highly desirable small-town community with a semi-rural ambiance," which essentially repeated the directive in the previous General Plan. Despite those statements, while Danville preserves its character, Lafayette's has been visibly disappearing for years as the result of inexcusable failures by the City Council and staff that repeatedly ignore the objectives of those Mission Statements.
At the Oct. 9, 2024, Candidate's Night, only Lauren Herpich and, to a lesser extent Mario DePrisco, indicated preserving Lafayette's character would be their priority as a councilmember. Most candidates never mentioned it. Indeed, Jim Cervantes, as part of the General Plan Advisory Group, opposed adoption of the current Mission Statement. Mr. Cervantes, Gina Dawson, Carl Anduri and John McCormick have to date all refused to support a planned ballot initiative that would restore local planning control to Lafayette and other cities.
Lafayette needs a change in direction. Elect Lauren Herpich to keep Lafayette the town its residents love.
Eliot Hudson
Lafayette
Endorsement of Carl Anduri for Lafayette City Council
I am writing to urge all Lafayette residents to vote for Carl Anduri for City Council. I have known Carl for many years and worked with him both when he was on the Planning Commission and as a fellow Council member. We are so fortunate to have such an outstanding candidate willing to serve our city. He is highly intelligent, always prepared, a good listener, thoughtful and collaborative.
I am confident he will continue to work toward making Lafayette an even better place to live and work than it is today.
Join me in casting your vote for Carl Anduri for another four year term.
Carol Federighi, Former Mayor of Lafayette
Support for Carl Anduri
I met Carl Anduri 20 years ago when he, as a member of the city council, voted in favor of supporting the community's effort to raise funds to build a school in Afghanistan.
The funds were raised, a school was built, and Carl has contributed to helping Afghan children and families ever since. As mayor last year he started and spearheaded the effort to slow down traffic in Lafayette. Speed is the most critical factor that affects the severity of injuries. I've learned over the years that Carl is a highly regarded leader, innovative, thorough in his deliberations, puts in the hours and is readily accessible. We're fortunate that he's willing to serve another term.
Budd MacKenzie
Lafayette
Vote for Lauren Herpich and Vote No on Measure H the Proposed Sales Tax Increase
On July 8, the Lafayette City Council approved a recommendation from City staff to put on the November ballot, a resolution to increase the sales tax 1/2 % for seven years and to establish an oversight committee to monitor the revenue and expenditures.
The City's VISTAS Newsletter explained next year's deficit and why a sales tax increase is needed. Others knew a deficit was impending at least six years ago. The City needs to provide accountability for the use of taxpayer money prior to asking for more taxes on already burdened citizens. The City has not shown what reductions in expenditures can be made to prevent the anticipated $2 mill deficit.
City staff did not show/prove that they did their due diligence in trying to work within its means for the taxpayers, prior to presenting and recommending to the City Council that a tax increase was "needed". Any private company, in order to remain solvent has to provide a balanced budget and first provide what reductions in services/salaries might be proposed. The City needs to do that before an increase in taxes is proposed.
Of course everyone would like all the current services and no cuts. But the taxpayers should be given choices of what services could be cut and know what sacrifices the City has made. The City spent approximately $110,000 on a survey of merely 400 taxpayers to see how much of a tax increase the citizens would tolerate. An open discussion within the community is needed, not just among the few who are aware of what is going on. It is easy to spend other people's money if it keeps coming. Maybe asking for donations like the Park Theatre group has done, could bolster the City's budget instead. I do not support a tax increase without proper research and realistic justification. Vote for Lauren Herpich who is the only Council person running for City Council that opposes Measure H. Vote No on Measure H.
Dawn Eames
Moraga
Carl Anduri deserves your vote for re-election to the Lafayette City Council.
An active member of Lafayette since he moved here in 1980, Carl has served twice on the City Council - ten years from 2002-2012 and again since 2020. He has been a Planning Commissioner and served on many committees and task forces to help with our city's toughest issues. We need Carl's proven experience, judgment and vision on the Council for the next four years.
A graduate of Stanford and Yale law school, Carl's professional background is in business law. Those who appear before the Council know that he is a great listener and thoughtful in his judgment.
Carl has helped Lafayette navigate the state's demand for increased housing while maintaining city values of neighborhoods, downtown parks, pedestrian and bicycle safety, protection of hillsides, open spaces and supporting our downtown.
A three-time mayor, Carl has great concern for the issues of the day, especially the ever-increasing threat of wildfire. We need his expertise to move our city forward while maintaining our quality of life.
Please vote for Carl Anduri for Lafayette City Council
Thank you,
Anne Grodin
Former Mayor of Lafayette
Lafayette City Council election
I love Lafayette. I've lived here for 30 years - all my life. I've attended school here and now live and work in the City. I've seen a lot of change, which is good. Our city leaders have worked hard to retain the charm and small town feel of the city and at the same time allow new housing as they are required to do so. We need to prepare for change and invite and listen to new ideas. That's why I support Carl Anduri for City Council. As a current Council member, he listens to the concerns of the community and makes decisions based on the good of our town. He is fair, smart and thoughtful. He also supports the IDD community at Las Trampas, a community that is an integral part of our city. Please vote for Carl so he can continue to guide our city (and us) in the right direction.
Frankie Tinley
Lafayette
Wendy Reicher, A Unique Lens
I'm endorsing WENDY REICHER for AUHSD Governing Board. Wendy is a smart, energizing member of our board who, as the incumbent candidate, already knows how our schools operate behind the scenes. Her experience working in and with so many facets of our schools provides her a certain acumen in regards to curriculum, programming and budget. On top of that, Wendy is a staunch supporter of our students themselves, their educational resources and their mental wellbeing. In addition to the myriad of school positions she has held over the last EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS as a high school parent (see her extensive r‚sum‚ at wendyreicher.com), Wendy has worked one-on-one with our teens, both as the Acalanes College and Career Counselor to 1200+ students, and as a private college counselor. Discussing essay after essay, Wendy has an understanding of our students' inner worlds that, frankly, most of us will never have... witnessing their biggest fears, proudest moments and greatest challenges as a trusted guide. This unique insight sets her apart as an invaluable resource on our board. Vote for Wendy to keep her seat at the table, for our kiddos and community.
Sincerely,
Beverly Jane Peatross
Lafayette
Endorse Candidates Who Support Housing for Teacher
Lafayette's teachers, business owners, police officers, fire fighters, and other important members of our community cannot afford to live here. Our quality of life is suffering because of our housing shortage: small businesses cannot find employees, long distance commuters clog our streets, our middle class is shrinking.
Anyone who cares about creating homes for our essential workers should vote for John McCormick, Gina Dawson, Carl Anduri and Jim Cervantes this election.
John, Gina, Carl, and Jim are the only candidates who support Lafayette's housing element, a plan for new homes that the city spent almost four years creating. Lafayette's housing element makes disappointingly incremental changes to enable new homes. But those incremental changes represent a huge amount of effort to find a compromise among many residents, a compromise that will create more housing for all parts of our community.
Lafayette needs local leaders who can navigate complex politics at the state, regional, and local levels to find solutions that create new homes while maintaining the things we all love about our town. John, Gina, Carl, and Jim have the experience and the approach our community needs for the coming years.
Jeremy Levine and Alison Hill
Lafayette
Moraga School District Governing Board election
I have known Stephanie Dickerson for nearly a decade. She has been very active in our community and engaged the Town Council on a variety of Safety topics regarding children in a constructive and collaborative manner. She is the kind of person who sees an issue and takes it upon herself to roll up her sleeves, get involved, and get the job done. She has been a strong advocate for MSD School Safety for the past eight years. As a Moraga Rotarian, she participated in grant writing and co-chaired their major fundraiser, Night at the Races, in 2020 to bring tens of thousands of dollars to the MSD for School Safety upgrades, such as cameras, two way radios and medical kits. She has also been deeply engaged in the local schools, serving on the MEF Board, LP PTA Board and MSD Safety Committee. She is the only candidate with children in our local schools at this time. She has the experience and a deep sense of commitment to the community of Moraga and has a service mindset. Please vote Stephaine Dickerson for MSD School Board!
Thank you
Teresa Onoda
Moraga
Paul Chopra for Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board
Paul Chopra is the clear choice for this important role. While he is an accountant by training, Paul's expertise extends far beyond financial matters. He possesses a genuine commitment to collaboration with fellow board members to achieve the goal of ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging and can thrive academically. His unique perspective as an individual of Indian descent and American heritage enriches our board's diversity. Furthermore, his years of service as the Treasurer for Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) and as a member of the Lafayette School District Budget Advisory Committee-where he played a crucial role in identifying over $2 million in cost savings and revenue opportunities-demonstrate his capability to address the pressing challenges of education funding and resource allocation. Paul will undoubtedly leverage his experience and insights to benefit our district in ways that no other candidate can. I wholeheartedly endorse Paul Chopra for AUHSD Governing Board.
Cathy Chang, Moraga Citizen of the Year 2023, eSteam Youth Advisor, Former Joaquin Moraga Intermediate PTA DEI Committee Chair, Former Camino Pablo Elementary PTA Community Services Committee Chair
Moraga
50 Year Moraga Tradition Eliminated by Town Council
On Oct. 9 the Moraga Town Council voted 3-2 to eliminate voting results as the primary focus for selection of a Mayor.
Council members Shapiro, Hillis and Onoda voted to pass this.
This tradition had served the Town of Moraga well as a quantitative focus for Mayor selection AND includes judgmental factors as consideration.
So if there is a better, more current process for Mayor selection, I'm for that but they didn't identify anything better.
Rather a completely subjective, judgmental process of experience, collaboration, leadership, seniority and "any other factor" all of which are part of the current process utilized in judgment.
Votes are mentioned as an optional item but removed as the primary focus, which can be ignored.
So where's the improvement?
Why eliminate voters from being the primary focus?
Was this important topic communicated to residents for input?
No specific reference to changing the process of Mayor selection was highlighted in the Town Newsletter or any other specific public communication.
What changed?
The TC discussed this September, 2023 and decided to retain the current process and tradition.
A recent election occurred resulting in three candidates for three spots and thus no election. This exception to voting results could have been handled without changing a long term policy where elections occur.
Council Member Shapiro commented that voting results are "popularity contests" which is disparaging to our 9,000 voters who do read campaign statements, websites, position on key issues, watch debates to see who is most qualified to lead Moraga.
And why change now?
This council ends in two months so why eliminate a 50 year tradition on your way out the door? Why not let the next council discuss if they'd like?
Very disappointing as this action is disrespectful to the 9,000 residents who vote and the new judgmental process will be ripe for political back room agendas and deals to be mayor which doesn't serve our residents and community.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, was a very, very sad day for our wonderful town!
Mike McCluer, Former Mayor of Moraga
Moraga
Gratitude for Carl Anduri - Lafayette City Council
I add my support to the many on these pages for Carl Anduri in his bid for Lafayette City Council. Simply, I believe Carl brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Lafayette affairs that is invaluable in charting our best course forward. I attend many Council meetings and have observed that Carl keenly considers all public comments with objectivity, is exceptionally thoughtful in deliberations, and shows a true love for our community. We benefit from Carl Anduri's servant leadership and I support his re-election.
Support Jim Cervantes for Lafayette City Council
Jim Cervantes is an exceptional candidate for Lafayette City Council. I have served with Jim on the General Plan Advisory Committee since early 2021, during which he was a Vice-Chair and Chair. Jim led meetings with great care and consideration of the public and helped a large, diverse committee find a path to consensus. Jim has deep professional experience in municipal finance which is invaluable at present as Lafayette faces fiscal challenges. Jim is a thoughtful and caring person who will be a wonderful addition to our City Council.
Stella Wotherspoon
Lafayette
Endorsement of Stephanie Dickerson for Moraga School District Governing Board
I want to share why I'm voting for Stephanie Dickerson in the upcoming Moraga School District Governing Board election.
As a fellow MSD Safety Committee member, I've witnessed Stephanie's unwavering commitment to our students' wellbeing and school safety. Since 2017, she has championed innovative ideas for both physical safety and students' mental/emotional wellbeing, and her many years of service on the Safety Committee have given her invaluable insights into how our school system works and our students' needs. Stephanie has attended countless MSD Safety Committee meetings and has been instrumental in ensuring student safety is prioritized in Measure D fund allocation.
Stephanie and I haven't always agreed on every issue. However, this is precisely why I believe she would be an excellent addition to our school board. Stephanie consistently demonstrates a respectful and thoughtful approach to differing viewpoints, and this open-minded and inclusive leadership style is exactly what our school district needs to navigate complex challenges and make decisions that benefit all stakeholders.
Stephanie would bring valuable experience, fresh perspective, and passionate advocacy for our children's safety and education, and I encourage all Moraga residents who care about our schools' future and inclusive leadership to support Stephanie in this election.
Erin Beal
Moraga
Carl Anduri to the Lafayette City Council
I am writing to encourage your readers to vote to re-elect Carl Anduri to the Lafayette City Council.
I am a member of the Lafayette Creeks Committee and have been since 2017. Carl is currently our Council Liaison. He has actively participated in that role and has attended and participated in many of our meetings.
One of the projects the Creeks Committee pursued successfully with his assistance was codification of provisions included in the Downtown Creeks Preservation, Restoration and Development Plan, which was adopted in 2017.
Carl has been an ally of the Creeks Committee in terms of helping to secure creek and trail "friendly" conditions in development projects that have come before the City. He has been especially supportive of efforts to secure "springing" and other easements for public access.
Carl has been helpful both in addressing short-term concerns and in recognizing the long view. I look forward to continuing to work with him and urge your readers to vote for him.
Respectfully submitted,
David Clark
Lafayette
Mario DePrisco for Lafayette City Council
Mario DePrisco is running for Lafayette City Council this fall, and after attending one of his community discussions, I felt compelled to share my impressions. I asked him three questions, and he answered with intelligence, passion, and honesty.
First, I inquired about the traffic generated by new residential developments. Mario showed he had done his homework and emphasized the importance of alternative transportation options over personal vehicles.
Next, I raised concerns about community safety, especially with the rising crime rates affecting local businesses like Walgreens. His commitment to addressing crime was evident and reassuring.
Lastly, I asked about homeowners insurance challenges, particularly regarding tree removal regulations. He candidly admitted he was unaware of the specific ordinance but promised to investigate it. Following our discussion, he called me to discuss potential improvements, noting that increasing tree cover could pose greater fire risks.
Overall, I believe we're fortunate to have a candidate like Mario who genuinely cares about the residents of Lafayette. His thoughtful approach to these issues makes him a strong choice for City Council.
Christopher Peatross
Lafayette
Please Vote for Carl Anduri
As a long time Commissioner on Lafayette's Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission, I support Carl Anduri for re-election to the Lafayette City Council.
Carl stands out among the candidates as by far the most knowledgeable and experienced candidate when it comes to our community's parks, trails, recreation and open space needs.
I support Carl not only for his knowledge and experience, but because he has the vision, temperament, collaborative spirit and character to put that knowledge and experience to work to get things done for the benefit of all of us.
Please join me in voting to re-elect Carl Anduri.
Carol Singer,
Commissioner, Lafayette Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission
Lafayette
Do not Urbanize Lafayette: Vote NO on H and Yes for Lauren Herpich and Mario DiPrisco
Lafayette incorporated as a low fee, low services town but has strayed from its small town, semi-rural roots by spending more than its income, and spending 30% more than inflation from 2014-2023. The City Council and staff propose to increase their revenue through a local tax increase, disregarding good alternatives that will keep our sales tax at the low end of the county. Consider the following:
Lafayette businesses have lost sales to online merchants. The city should lobby Sacramento to allow the $1-2MM estimated lost sales tax income currently collected by online distribution hub cities. This tax would help offset infrastructure damage, especially roads from heavy trucks.
The state mandates tasks to Lafayette without reimbursements. We must demand our constitutionally required funds, which are estimated annually at $300-500K.
The City must resist the 20-30% mandated housing increase under ONE SIZE FITS ALL state laws hoping to create affordable housing, but with no state funding for the homes or the resultant increased infrastructure costs. We have a single street downtown. We should join other groups and towns supporting the local control initiative "OurNeighborhoodVoices.com". Currently only Susan Candell is actively supporting this initiative.
City staff claims we need a new administrative person to manage the 60 new programs mandated by the current housing plan; yet in three years, if we have not met the impossible goals, California will eliminate remaining local control over housing. This will allow developers to dictate what they wish to build (6-8 story buildings could be built vs our historical 35' height limit).
Actively seek new merchants to grow our tax base.
Accept some of the 10% proposed cuts from city departments until online taxes are captured. Many of these cuts will not be noticed.
Consider dipping into excess reserves for the short-term until finances stabilize.
ELECT NEW BLOOD to the City Council - Both Lauren Herpich and Mario DiPrisco offer fresh perspectives. Please Join me and Lauren in opposing Measure H. Current council considering another tax initiative in a few years, as they wanted a 0.75%-1% increase for ten years, it didn't poll well.
Robert Lavoie CPA
34 year Lafayette Resident
More Support to Re-elect Carl Anduri, Lafayette City Council
Lafayette is a volunteer-driven community that relies on committed, thoughtful, and inclusive leaders to represent the diverse viewpoints of residents. During his service on behalf of Lafayette as a planning commissioner, council member and three-time mayor, Carl Anduri has shown that he is the leader Lafayette needs.
Lafayette residents deserve a City Council that can balance the demands of existing and new state and federal laws with the history and longstanding culture of our home and haven and provide the necessary civic services while maintaining the City's excellent financial oversight. Carl's experience and inquisitive and thorough approach to governing make him the right candidate to meet these expectations.
Carl is committed to working with the community and his colleagues on council to further Lafayette's goals in a transparent, and participatory manner. His ability to listen to all views, gather data, and develop solutions, while building consensus, are important leadership skills, particularly with the opportunities and challenges facing our community. Carl will continue to be a calm, strategic leader.
There is a reason people who served with and worked with Carl are supporting him, they know his experience and leadership will make Lafayette a better place to live for all. Vote Carl Anduri on Nov. 5!
Teresa Gerringer, Former Mayor, Council Member, and School Board Member
Eastsound, WA
Support for Lauren McCabe Herpich for Lafayette City Council
I'm writing to express my support for Lauren McCabe Herpich for Lafayette City Council. Last year Lauren demonstrated something that not most politicians at any level can do. She changed direction on an issue after hearing a more well rounded view of the project. The proposed Pleasant Hill Bike Lane Median Project on the surface looks like a win. Lauren was not only in favor of the project, but was one of the main supporters and organizers for fundraising. Once the details of the project came to light to the neighborhoods that would be most affected by the construction and changes to the PHR/Deerhill/Stanley intersection, Lauren listened, changed her mind, and removed herself from the committee supporting it. That project if approved and completed would make it less safe for residents of the Acalanes Avenue neighborhood to leave their homes on foot at anytime during the day and especially during heavy commute times. I applaud Lauren for this act of bravery and fully support her for Lafayette City Council!
Michele Greer
Lafayette
Our upcoming city election
I have been a resident of Lafayette since 1969 and have attended a lot of City Council meetings during those years. I want to strongly recommend the following candidates: Carl Anduri, John McCormick, Gina Dawson, and John Cervantes for the two year opening. Our City has been so fortunate in having such dedicated , thoughtful and fiscally responsible people running for these offices and who will support our much needed passage of Measure H. If we are going to remain fiscally strong for the years ahead, and meet all of the demands we put on our city, this measure will sustain us and keep the programs we so dearly want and need.
Thank you.
Lynn MacMichael
Howard Weamer
Lafayette |
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