Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Financial advisor, Army combat veteran from Brentwood challenges McNerney for Congress

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William Martinek, candidate for Congress in the 9th District. By Ariana Drehsler.

By Allen Payton

William Martinek, a financial advisor and decorated combat Army veteran from Brentwood, has decided to throw his hat in the ring and take on seven-term incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

After serving in the Army and doing two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2014 Martinek became a financial advisor for a major national company in 2016.

Asked why he’s running, Martinek responded, “I want to represent my home area in Congress and because McNerney hasn’t done a whole lot. He’s very comfortable in his position and just sitting there not doing much.”

“That’s a common theme among Democrats and Republicans that I speak with,” Martinek continued. “He’s not responsive at all and from what I hear, doesn’t call anyone back or respond to emails.”

Martinek is committed to being much more accessible and responsive to the people he’s running to represent. “Either I or someone on my staff will call you back,” he promised.

Martinek’s top priority if elected will be to help create jobs and continue to grow the economy.

“With an extremely robust economy we will also be able to help solve some of the social issues, such as homelessness,” he stated. “There is still a lot of room left to grow the economy. We need to continue reforming regulation that is making it difficult for small businesses to grow. I hate it when people say corporations are corrupt. In a real, free market economy corruption is stemmed because there is more competition.”

Martinek is also focused on protecting the Constitution and making sure what happens in Washington complies with it. He has a challenge with parts of the Patriot Act, which are overreaching and “violating our rights.”

He will also work to protect the agriculture industry, “making sure our farmers have the water and resources they need to continue growing crops in the 9th District.”

The congressional district includes most of Antioch, all of Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and the rest of Far East County, and most of San Joaquin County.

William, Lauren and their children. Photo by Ariana Drehsler.

“Transportation is also a big issue for me, especially with having had to commute to San Francisco to work,” he mentioned. “I’m fortunate now to both live and work in Brentwood. But others aren’t so fortunate. That’s why I want to bring jobs to the area.”

Martinek grew up in Fremont and moved to Brentwood in 1998 as a teenager. He graduated from Liberty High School in 2003, where he played football and was a long-distance runner on the track and field team. Between his junior and senior year, he joined of the Army National Guard split option and did the one weekend a month training and continued that for about a year.

But it wasn’t until after he attended Los Medanos College for a few years that he decided to join the Army at age 21.

During his military service he received Army Accommodation and Army Achievement medals, Combat Infantry and Expert Infantry badges and several ribbons.

Martinek is currently a board member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and a member of the Brentwood Rotary Club. He served on the Parents Club board for his children’s elementary school and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood.

Martinek is married to Lauren, and they have three children ages 5, (almost) 7 and 8, and his parents and two brothers still live in East County. His dad is a glazing contractor with his own commercial window business in Tracy and his mom works at Lowe’s in Antioch.

There is one other candidate in the race, Tony Amador of Lodi, the former Chairman of the San Joaquin County Republican Central Committee. He ran twice before in the 9th District and once before in another district, and once for State Assembly, all unsuccessfully. Amador filed his papers the final week before deadline long after Martinek was in the race.

Learn more about Martinek and his campaign visit www.williamforcongress.com or Facebook.com/williammartinekca9 or call (925) 238-8407.

Three Contra Costa County Library branches to host and stream local candidate forums

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The Contra Costa County Library is hosting two candidate forums in advance of the March primary. Voters attending the forums can hear directly from the candidates about their experience and positions on relevant issues. The forums will stream live on Facebook and re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

The Hercules Library will host a forum for the Board of Supervisors District V race on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. East County residents interested in watching the District V forum can attend a viewing party at the Pittsburg Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library community room.

The Brentwood Library will host a forum at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Candidates for the Board of Supervisors District III seat will take part in the moderated forum.

County residents unable to attend the forums can watch live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/. The forums will also be archived on the Library’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib.
All forums will re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV). CCTV is available on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channel 32. For a full schedule, visit ccclib.org.

The Library is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the West County League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County Elections Department and Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

For more information, contact Rich Hall at rhall@ccclib.org, (925) 608-7770.

Contra Costa Television to broadcast local election forums January 21 through March 3

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Contra Costa County voters can watch local “Election Preview” forums on CCTV and the Contra Costa Television YouTube Channel beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. through Election Day. This programming offers Contra Costa voters a chance to be informed on candidates and issues before casting their ballots.

Bob Butler, KCBS reporter, is the moderator for the Measure J, State Assembly District 14 and County Supervisorial District 5 forums.

KTVU’s Claudine Wong will serve as moderator for races including State Assembly Districts 15 and 16, State Senate District 7, and County Supervisorial District 3.

The broadcasts will air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV), Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32, and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. They will also live stream on the County website at www.contracosta.ca.gov. Contra Costa County Elections Division partners with the County’s Office of Communications & Media and Contra Costa Television (CCTV), the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, and the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa.

More information about “Election Preview” is available on the Elections Division website at www.cocovote.us/Election-Preview and the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/7097.

Supervisor Glover files for re-election to sixth term

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Supervisor Federal Glover. Herald file photo.

Incumbent Supervisor Federal Glover, representing District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, officially filed for re-election on Monday with the County Registrar of Voters Office.

“I’m so proud of our accomplishments and excited to be applying for a final term to complete the good work we started,” said Glover.

He has been one of the county’s top transportation advocates, identifying funding to improve Highway 4, I-680, and bring BART to Pittsburg and Antioch.

“We’re in the beginning of negotiations on establishing possible ferry service to San Francisco from Hercules, Martinez, Bay Point and Antioch, and I want to see that through completion for the residents I represent,” Glover added.

Other accomplishments that make Glover proud: Bringing the County into a AAA financial rating due to sound budgeting decisions, establishing three Family Justice Centers to support victims of domestic violence, increasing prosecution of human traffickers who kidnap and victimize young women, strengthening the Industrial Safety Ordinance to reduce refinery accidents, and leading the fight to protect open space, our hillsides and maintaining the County’s Urban Limit Line to control growth.

Glover says that making PG&E accountable for upgrading its service, and working with cities to create alternative forms of energy to decrease the company’s issuance of power outages is another issue he is working on that requires more work.

“Supervisor Federal Glover was there for our firefighters and our residents during the massive fires we experienced the last couple of years. We wholeheartedly support Supervisor Glover’s re-election and look forward to working closely with him for another term,” said Firefighter Vince Wells, President of Contra Costa Firefighters Local 1230.

Glover is also endorsed by the Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Council, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Association, police associations, Congressional, Senate, Assembly and local city elected officials (see partial list of endorsements, below).

“We have a great campaign team and I will raise whatever donations necessary to run a top-notch campaign to the voters of District 5,” Glover added. “This will be my last term on the Board of Supervisors, and I’m excited to complete the projects important to my District.”

Glover’s district includes Martinez, Hercules, Pinole, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Antioch, Port Costa, Clyde, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Crockett, Mt. View, Pacheco, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey & Vine Hill.

Supervisor Federal Glover Endorsements (partial list)

Congressman Mike Thompson

Congressman Jerry McNerney

State Treasurer Fiona Ma

State Senator Bill Dodd

State Senator Steve Glazer

Assemblymember Tim Grayson

Assemblymember Jim Frazier

County Auditor Bob Campbell

County Tax Collector Rusty Watts

East Bay Regional Parks Director Colin Coffey

Antioch Mayor Sean Wright

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts

Antioch Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock

Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson

Antioch Councilmember Lamar Thorpe

Hercules Vice Mayor Roland Esquivias

Hercules Councilwoman Chris Kelley

Hercules Former Mayor Myrna De Vera

Hercules Former Mayor Sherri McCoy

Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder

Martinez Councilwoman Lara Delaney

Martinez Councilmember Mark Ross

Pinole Mayor Pete Murray

Pinole Vice Mayor Roy Swearingen

Pinole Councilmember Vincent Salimi

Pinole Councilmember Anthony Tave

Pittsburg Mayor Juan Benales

Pittsburg Councilwoman Merl Craft

Pittsburg Councilmember Holland White

Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanell Scales-Preston 

Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association

Contra Costa Professional Firefighters Local 1230

Contra Costa Deputy District Attorneys Association

Pittsburg Police Officers Association

Contra Costa Building & Constructions

Trades Council

IBEW

Boilermakers

Teamsters

Following state hearing, former County Clerk-Recorder Canciamilla officially fined $150,000, faces possible criminal charges, pension forfeiture

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Screentshot of Kenji Yamada of Concord speaking during public comments at the FPPC hearing on Thursday, on the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.

Reimburses $130,529 in misused campaign funds; some county residents who spoke wanted stiffer penalties.

Joe Canciamilla

By Daniel Borsuk

Potential criminal and abuse of public pension charges might be levied against former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Elections Chief Joseph Canciamilla following a vote of the California Fair Political Practices Commission at its meeting on Thursday.

commissioners voted 4-0 to assess one of its largest penalties of the year of $150,000 against the Pittsburg native at its meeting in Sacramento, for misuse of campaign funds. The fine has been paid and all fines go to the state’s General Fund.

Without going into detail, commissioners also referred the case to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association for further review and potential action against the former Contra Costa County Clerk-Record-Registrar of Voters, who was once considered to be a rising political star in the Democratic Party when he launched his political career at the age of 17 years old, winning a seat to the Pittsburg Unified School District’s Board of Education in 1973.

“We have an active investigation,” said Scott Alonso, spokesman for DA Becton. “So, we won’t be able to weigh in here.”

Gail Strohl, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association, said her organization has yet to receive instructions from the FPPC, but she said the association does have power to forfeit public pensions of elected officials “for job-related convictions.”

“One of the basic trusts people place in the system is when you give money to a candidate, it’s used as intended, which is a campaign, not to line their pockets or take vacations,” FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich said in a press release.” Not only is this egregious in and of itself, but even more troubling is the damage to the public trust. That’s why this required a strong penalty, and the public deserves strong actions to restore and maintain integrity in the system.”

The FPPC uncovered Canciamilla’ s misuse of campaign funds from an audit conducted by the Franchise Tax Board’s Political Reform Audit Program. The audit found numerous issues, including personal use and reporting errors. The FPPC Enforcement Division conducted an investigation that determined Canciamilla misled the Franchise Tax Board for the purpose of concealing other violations, including additional personal use of campaign funds, false reporting, and commingling of campaign funds with personal funds.

“I’m proud of our Enforcement unit for helping uncover this scheme,” said FPPC Chief of Enforcement Galena West. “The work of our investigative unit took the FTB’s findings and uncovered even more instances and details. I thank the Commission for approving thi substantial penalty to show how serious we are about making sure public officials serve the public, and not themselves.”

Canciamilla was found to have used campaign funds to remodel a vacation home in Hawaii and for a vacation to Asia. Canciamilla fully reimbursed the committee for the $130,529 improperly used and the approved settlement required Canciamilla to pay half the penalty with his own personal funds. The full exhibit of facts can be found here – FPPC Joseph Canciamilla – Stipulation Decision & Order

Even still, a contingent of Contra Costa County residents spoke before FPPC commissioners requesting that the proposed fine for Canciamilla did not go far enough to punish the former longtime politician. They wanted stiffer fines but, were informed the penalties the FPPC levied were legislatively the highest the commissioners could impose.

“It’s pretty outrageous our local elections official violated these rules in a very willful way. Making this case painful for Mr. Canciamilla is the point,” said Kenji Yamada, who stated he was a candidate for public office, last year. “We need a deterrent. A stronger one than we have seen in previous cases. What we, those of us from Contra Costa, would like you to do is reject staff’s stipulation agreement which charges Canciamilla with far fewer counts than possible. Instead direct staff to seek the maximum number of counts for the maximum penalty…for the purpose of deterrence and to make this case as painful as possible.”

“Your work serves as a deterrent,” said one of the speakers, Mike Pierce, who said many of the elected candidates for countywide posts run uncontested.

Claire Mitchell also of Contra Costa County reminded commissioners of the case where former county District Attorney Mark Peterson was forced to step down from his post and convicted in 2017 for misusing $66,000 of campaign funds for personal use.

“This $150,000 fine is a drop in the bucket,” protested Mitchell.

FPPC Commissioner Frank Cardenas said the Canciamilla case shook his resolve about “transparency and the disclosure process of elected officials who have had our interests and had a good heart.”

“Mr. Canciamilla has taken full responsibility for this situation, is humbled, and embarrassed and hopes the FPPC fines won’t severely overshadow his 46 years of public service to the residents of Contra Costa County for various campaign violations,” said Andy Rockas, a Sacramento attorney representing Canciamilla, who was not in attendance.

“Mr. Canciamilla has cooperated with the FPPC, paid a hefty fine and has paid back all disputed amounts. None of the violations involved the use of taxpayer funds and were limited to campaign funds contributed by private sources” the Canciamilla press statement said.

“Canciamilla resigned his clerk-recorder position on October 31 so as to not bring undue hardship to the office while this matter was being resolved,” said Rockas.

To view the hearing, click here for the YouTube video beginning at the 39:00 mark for the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.

Canciamilla’s attorney responds to campaign finance violations, FPPC fines

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Joe Canciamilla

Sacramento – The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has announced it will recommend fines for serious violations for former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Joe Canciamilla at its next meeting on November 21st. (See related article).

“Mr, Canciamilla has resigned his position as County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters, so as to not bring undue hardship to the office while this matter

is being resolved,” said Canciamilla attorney Andy Rockas, of the Law Offices of Andreas C. Rockas.

“Mr. Canciamilla has cooperated with the FPPC, has paid back all disputed amounts, and all fines listed in the proposed stipulation have been paid in full,” said

Rockas, adding that none of the violations involved the use of taxpayer funds, and were limited to campaign funds contributed by private sources.

Rockas added that Canciamilla has taken full responsibility for this situation, is humbled and embarrassed, and hopes the FPPC fines won’t severely overshadow his 46 years of public service to the residents of Contra Costa County.

Some of Canciamilla’s accomplishments throughout his years of service include: Helping to create Contra Costa County’s first Urban Limit Line to control growth; preserving 2,700 acres of park and open space at Cowell Ranch in East County; expanding the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance to ensure the public’s safety around area oil refineries; and, helping to create Pittsburg Power, making Pittsburg one of the first cities to pursue an independent path to controlling local power and energy.

At its next meeting scheduled for November 21st, the FPPC will take up the violations and proposed fines for Canciamilla and his campaign committee.

Former County Clerk-Recorder Canciamilla pays $150,000 fine for personal use of campaign funds

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Joe Canciamilla

By Daniel Borsuk

Former Contra Costa County Recorder-Clerk Joseph Canciamilla, who resigned abruptly on Thursday, Oct. 31st, has agreed to pay the California Fair Political Practices Commission fines totaling $150,000 for the misuse of political campaign funds for County Record-Clerk and as a candidate for Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge, the Contra Costa Herald has learned.

CFPPC spokesman Jay Wierenga informed the Herald on Friday afternoon that Canciamilla has paid the penalties, but the commission will have to approve the payment at the commission’s November 21 meeting in Sacramento.

“He has paid the penalties,” confirmed Wierenga. Attempts to reach Canciamilla at his Pittsburg Funeral Chapel and home were unsuccessful.

The four-person FPPC commission, currently with one vacancy, will consider at a 10:00 a.m. hearing on Thursday, November 21 the following:

“In the Matter of Joseph Canciamilla for Contra Costa County Clerk/Recorder in 2014/2018, Friends of Joe Canciamilla for Judge 2012/2014, and Joseph Canciamilla; FPPC No. 17/146. Staff: Neal Bucknell, Senior Commission Counsel and Bob Perna, Program Specialist II. The Respondents were represented by the Law Office of Andreas Rockas and the Law Offices of Wayne Ordos. This matter arose from an audit performed by the Franchise Tax Board’s Political Reform Audit Program. Joseph Canciamilla is the former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, as well as a former candidate for Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge. Joe Canciamilla for Contra Costa County Clerk/Recorder 2014/2018 and Joe Canciamilla for Judge 2012/2014 are his candidate-controlled committees. In 2011, 2014, and 2015 Canciamilla used campaign funds for personal purposes which were unrelated to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose, in violation of Government Code Sections 89510, subdivision (b), 89512, and 89513, subdivision (a) (15 counts). From 2011 through 2019 this activity was concealed on campaign statements by other reporting violations including non-reporting and overstatement of available cash on hand, in violation of Government Code Section 84211 (14 counts). Also, in 2011 Canciamilla and his judge committee commingled campaign funds with personal funds, in violation of Government Code Section 84307 (1 count). Total Proposed Penalty: $150,000 — $75,000 (Canciamilla personally) and $75,000 (Canciamilla and his committees).”

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted at Tuesday’s meeting to begin its selection process of a new County Clerk Recorder beginning, today, Nov. 8 with the acceptance of applications and to appoint a new Clerk-Recorder on Feb. 4.

Canciamilla was unavailable to comment for this report.

Martinez Planning Commissioner Sean Trambley announces campaign for District 5 County Supervisor

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Sean Trambley from his campaign website.

Today, Martinez Planning Commission Vice Chair Sean Trambley, formally announced his campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5. The district includes Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Martinez, Port Costa, Crockett, Rodeo, Hercules, Pinole and numerous unincorporated communities. Supervisor Federal Glover is the current officeholder and when reached for comment said he would be running for re-election for a sixth term.

“Our communities deserve a Supervisor who will show up and work hard for all of us,” Trambley said. “I believe Contra Costa County, with new, active leadership, can offer better opportunities to those hoping to buy a home, start a small business, and provide for their families.”

A press release from Trambley’s campaign stated, “As a small business owner and native of Martinez, the County seat of Contra Costa, Sean has watched as stagnant leadership has failed to address the challenges holding back working families and young people. Sean’s extensive experience in government, business, and advocacy has given him the tools and understanding to make smart, creative decisions and ensure the County reaches its fullest potential.”

He’s a public relations consultant, and has worked on issues such as affordable housing and open land preservation. In the past Trambley worked in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Congressman George Miller, then as an aid for Congressman Dennis Cardoza. He then worked for an organization known as the Democracy Initiative.

“For too long, the current district leadership has failed to represent working families and has yet to enact a broader set of initiatives that could give our county a stronger footing. Our county must take the lead on the environment, regional transportation infrastructure, and the local economy. My neighbors can’t even get their representative, or his office, to answer the phone, let alone fight for them. I believe we need someone on the Board who will show up. I believe I offer a strong, new voice for our district,” Trambley continued.

The press release further stated, “Contra Costa County is home to more than 1.1 million people, an economic driver that houses much of the Bay Area’s workforce. Yet, it faces a lack of family and workforce housing, an unbearable commute, long-standing challenges for small businesses, mounting homelessness, and a county government that is often too slow to respond.”

Trambley’s campaign will be focused on tackling these growing challenges in close partnership with small business owners, labor partners, community leaders and the residents of District 5.

Trambley has the support of Martinez Councilmember Noralea Gipner, Martinez School Board Member Jonathan Wright and Martinez Planning Commissioner Jason Martinez. He also has the support of former County Clerk-Recorder Steve Weir, who said, “Sean is a new voice for Contra Costa and I’m excited to support his campaign. He is smart, thoughtful, and dedicated to public service. His background in government, business, and advocacy will be a huge asset to the County.”

More information is available at www.seantrambleyforsupervisor2020.com. Sign up for his newsletter here.

Please check back later for any updates. Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Be Ready to Vote! Voter registration training at Pittsburg Library Sept. 21

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Want to take meaningful action for the 2020 elections? Learn how to register others to vote.

A half-hour voter registration training will be just one of many voter services featured on Saturday, September 21 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Pittsburg Library, 80 Power Avenue in Pittsburg.

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will present ways for those interested in improving our election process and educating voters to get involved. Meet Joe Canciamilla, Contra Costa County Clerk and Registrar of Voters, who will explain the County’s push for voting by mail to make it easier for commuters and others to cast their ballots. Learn about Voters Edge to view online information about candidates and ballot issues. The League trains volunteers to describe the pros and cons of ballot measures to community groups and to act as timers and moderators for TV taped candidate roundtables.

The meeting coincides with the National Day of Registration on September 24. The event is free to the public and parking is available at the Pittsburg Library. The Library is also three-tenths of a mile from the Pittsburg Center BART Station.

For more information contact the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley at info@lwvdv.org.

Embattled County Assessor Kramer to challenge Glover for Supervisor in next year’s elections

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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5 Map.

Gus Kramer from the County Assessor’s webpage.

By Daniel Borsuk

Legally and politically embattled Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer is “seriously planning” to run for the District 5 seat of the Contra County Board of Supervisors, a seat held by 20-year veteran Federal Glover of Pittsburg, the Contra Costa Herald has learned.

Miffed earlier this month when the board of supervisors decided to not award him a 1.96 percent cost-of-living increase that would have raised  his annual salary from $208,013  to $212,086, based on findings of an average salary study Contra Costa County Administrator David Tawa had compiled of nine other counties of elected officials holding the offices of assessor, auditor-controller, clerk-recorder, and treasurer-tax collector. (See related article)

“I am planning to file for the district five seat,” said Kramer. “I will file in March.”

At the early August board of supervisors meeting, Twa instructed supervisors to not award the assessor a cost-of-living increase by stating, “Currently the Assessor is 1.96 percent below the Average of the nine Bay Area comparable counties. A salary adjustment for the Assessor will be considered at a later date, once other issues in the Department have been resolved.”

Kramer was re-elected to another four-year term of office in last November’s election, so he says he has nothing to lose in running for a supervisorial seat, he told The Herald.

Federal Glover from his Facebook page.

Without going into detail, Kramer did not address the ongoing legal challenges he faces chiefly the Superior Court proceedings on allegations of “willful or corrupt” misconduct in office involving county employees.

The county assessor, who resides in Martinez, but grew up and attended and graduated from former Pacifica High School in Bay Point, said he has no problem running against veteran supervisor Glover.

“I want to reveal what is really going on during those closed door sessions.  There are many unanswered questions about the legality of those closed sessions,” Kramer said.

In the meantime, Glover told the Herald he plans to run for a sixth four-year term.

“I plan to run for re-election in 2020,” Glover said. “I have worked hard for the constituents of District 5. I will run on my strong record.”

Glover would not comment on Kramer’s prospective candidacy.

“I don’t want to read anything into it at this time,” he said.