Contra Costa Herald

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

Ironhouse Sanitary District Board Member Painter publicly endorses Hardcastle for Supervisor

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Dear Editor:

I would like to endorse Doug Hardcastle for the office of District III Contra Costa County Supervisor. After serving for 12 years with him on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, I have a unique and qualified insight into the man, his character, his dedication and work ethic.

Working together throughout our time on the board, we helped ISD transform from an outdated and inadequate sewer plant into a state-of-the-art Water Recycling Facility and saved our ratepayers $20 million in cost, in the process.

Doug Hardcastle has always questioned the cost of services and compensation packages. He is very independent and refuses to be influenced in his thinking by special interests and the current vogue politics.

Although there are many qualified candidates in this race, I know Doug and I know he will always put the people he represents first before his own political advancement or personal accolades.

I’m tired of politicians not listening to the people and I know this man has your best interest at heart. I want somebody who will fight to keep taxes in check, stick with the job until he gets it right and always put people before politics. That’s why I urge you to vote for Doug Hardcastle as your District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael J. Painter, DC

Oakley resident and business owner

Member, Ironhouse Sanitary District Board of Directors

Ballot measure recommendations from the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

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PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

June 7, 2016

By Lee Lawrence, Action Chair, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

PROPOSITION 50 state ballot measure

SUSPENSION OF LEGISLATORS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Authorizes Legislature to suspend Members, including without salary and benefits. Prohibits suspended Members from using powers of office or legislative resources. Provides suspension may end on specified date or by vote of Member’s house. Fiscal Impact: No effect on state spending

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA:  SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters of California recommends a “Yes” vote on Proposition 50, Suspension of Legislators, a constitutional amendment appearing on the June 7 ballot. Proposition 50 would give the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, clear authority to discipline Senators or Assembly Members by suspending them without pay. Lawmakers should be able to hold their own colleagues accountable if they breach the public’s trust.

This commonsense measure was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support. The requirement for a two-thirds vote of the Legislature ensures this authority would not be misused for partisan purposes.

SF BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY – PARCEL TAX MEASURE AA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY

2/3 required to pass

San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.

To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?

League of Women Voters of the Bay Area: SUPPORT

Our League Bay Area positions support conservation and development of the SF Bay and enhancement and preservation of the Bay and its shorelines. LWVUS policies on climate change also support adaptation activities related to climate change, such as sea level rise. This measure will generate funding for restoration of San Francisco Bay wetlands, benefitting people, wildlife, and the Bay Area economy. More wetlands will improve the bay by filtering out pollution for cleaner water; increasing habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. The measure will expand Bay trails and shoreline access; and protect low-lying communities and infrastructure from floods.

BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE B

55% required to pass

To provide Brentwood students with 21st century classrooms, upgrade libraries and science labs, improve school safety and security, expand access to classroom technology for students and teachers, renovate and modernize older schools in the District, build a new elementary school, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities, shall the Brentwood Union School District issue $158,000,000 in bonds, at legal interest rates, with an independent citizens’ oversight committee and no funds spent on administrators salaries?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond

measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures.  A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right.  We think the rapid growth of the school district  the school board’s commitment to keeping the repayment costs under $30 per $100,000 of assessed value, and their track record of fiscal management justifies this measure.

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE C

55% required to pass

To upgrade aging neighborhood elementary and middle schools, avoid overcrowding, and modernize classrooms for today’s curriculum, including math, science, technology and arts, shall Lafayette School District repair or replace deteriorated roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems; update classrooms, labs and instructional technology; improve school safety/security: and acquire, construct, renovate, equip sites/facilities, by issuing $70,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no administrators’ salaries, and all funds dedicated locally to Lafayette TK-8 schools?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:   SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures.  A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We support Measure C.

WALNUT CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE D

55% required to pass

To address critical renovation, modernization and safety needs at District schools, upgrade classrooms, libraries and computer networks to provide students with 21st Century classrooms, improve energy efficiency of classrooms and buildings, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities shall the Walnut Creek School District issue $60 million in bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and no funds spent on administrators?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures.  A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. Please vote yes on Measure D.

CITY OF ANTIOCH – INITIATIVE MEASURE E

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  NO POSITION

Majority required to pass

Shall the electors adopt the Initiative Limiting Card Rooms Within the City and Requiring Voter Approval for New or Expanded Card Rooms Ordinance?

CITY OF ANTIOCH – CONSULTATIVE MEASURE G

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  NO POSITION

Majority required to pass

CHANGING THE CITY TREASURER POSITION FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED.

Shall the office of City Treasurer be appointed?

CITY OF CLAYTON – PARCEL TAX MEASURE H

2/3 required to pass

CITYWIDE TRAILS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT

CONTINUATION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND SPECIAL PARCEL TAX

Shall the existing Community Facility District 2007-1 (Trails and Landscape Maintenance District) be continued, with a Citizens Oversight Committee, for ten years to fund on-going operations and maintenance of the trails system, roadway landscape, open space weed abatement, and related expenses at the current annual special tax’s rate and methodology (presently $234.84/year per residential and non-residential parcel or fraction thereof), for FYs 2017-2027?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  NO POSITION

CITY OF OAKLEY – SPECIAL TAX MEASURE K

2/3 required to pass

To replace the small, outdated Oakley Library currently utilizing a portion of Freedom High School and construct and operate a new Library and Community Learning Center downtown, shall the ordinance establishing a $7.75 per month per parcel Library Development Tax be adopted, raising approximately one million one hundred thousand dollars annually, for thirty years starting fiscal year 2016/17, with independent financial audits ensuring funds are spent only on the Oakley Library and Community Learning Center?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source. We support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed,

active participation in a democratic society.  This 30 year plan for a new library and community learning center meets our criteria.  We hope the community will support this measure.

CITY OF ORINDA – BOND MEASURE L

2/3 required to pass

Orinda Road and Storm Drain Repair Measure. To repair failing roads and storm drains, restore and upgrade other roadways and storm drains, fix potholes, and improve safety on Orinda public streets, shall the City of Orinda issue twenty five million dollars in bonds, with financial audits, public review of all expenditures, and a citizens’ oversight committee?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:  SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters supports the use of bonds for financing capital projects and for repair and retrofitting of existing public facilities and structures. Studies by the Orinda members of LWVDV have shown repeatedly that more investment is needed in streets and roads in that community. We support this measure.

CITY OF PITTSBURG – SALES TAX MEASURE M

Majority required to pass

To provide funding that stays in Pittsburg and cannot be seized by the State, to be used for Public Safety, gang prevention, job creation programs for local residents, Senior Center operations, repair roads, operate youth programs, and maintain other City services, shall the City of Pittsburg extend its current half-cent sales tax through fiscal year 2034-2035, providing $3.6-$3.8 million annually, then the increase be terminated, altogether, with citizens’ oversight, mandatory audits and consistent community reporting?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY:   SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters supports measures to ensure revenues both sufficient and flexible enough to meet changing needs for local government services.  The League believes government should have the necessary resources to perform its functions.  This sales tax extension seems appropriate, and does not raise taxes for the citizens of Pittsburg.

VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON JUNE 7!

The League of Women Voters, a non partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We take positions on ballot measures only when we have studied a topic in depth and have arrived at a consensus position.

We never support or oppose candidates for office, or support or oppose political parties.

YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAY 23, 2016, TO VOTE IN THE JUNE 7, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Contra Costa Supervisor Candace Andersen endorses Debora Allen for Assembly

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Contra Costa County — Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen joins the East Bay Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and many other local and state leaders in endorsing businesswoman Debora Allen’s campaign for California’s 14th Assembly district.

“Debora demonstrates strong fiscal responsibility and experience in both the public and private sectors,” Andersen said. “We need more smart women like her, who can work collaboratively with both major parties, to get things done in Sacramento.”

Allen is running on a platform bringing more accountability, transparency, and efficiency to California’s state government.

“I’m honored to have the support of Supervisor Andersen, who has been a tireless champion for us on the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors,” Allen said.

The 14th Assembly District includes Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and portions of Pittsburg and Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, as well as Benicia and Vallejo in Solano County. To learn more about Allen’s campaign visit www.deboraallen.com.

District 5 supervisor candidates criticize Glover’s ‘lack of leadership’

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By Dave Roberts

County Supervisor Federal Glover did not show up for a recent District 5 candidates’ forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and televised on Contra Costa TV. His absence proved to be a metaphor for the most common refrain among the other four candidates: Glover’s lack of leadership in his district on a variety of issues, including warnings of “horrendous” gridlock when the Concord Naval Weapons Station property is developed.

Glover has served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years and is seeking a fifth term. He has missed numerous governmental meetings in recent years due to health problems, including a heart and kidney transplant last year.

When reached for comment he said he was unable to attend the forum because of

None of the other candidates mentioned Glover by name. But they all criticized the lack of leadership in his district, which snakes along the northern county waterfront from Antioch to Hercules.

“The reason why I’m running for public office is because there is a lack of leadership,” Hercules Mayor Dan Romero. “We have an absent supervisor right now. He tends to stay in two different areas, Pittsburg and Bay Point. And, unfortunately, there’s several other cities inside there. The number one [thing] I keep on hearing is that the supervisor never shows up. You go to Crockett, Rodeo, Port Costa, and it’s the same thing that keeps on coming up.”

Department of Homeland Security analyst Conrad Dandridge cited the district’s lack of leadership three times when asked why he decided to run for office. “Some areas of this district have not seen their member of the board ever – that includes me,” he said. “I promise if elected that I will meet with you the residents at least once a month in every region of our district from Pinole to Antioch to Clyde to Port Costa.”

Martinez Vice-Mayor Anamarie Avila Farias and former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini also criticized the district’s leadership vacuum. “I will bring leadership that has been absent,” said Farias. Menesini said, “What I’m seeing is a real problem with leadership.”

One of Menesini’s top concerns is lack of county input into the planned development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station property at Highway 4 and Willow Pass Road.

“We do have a huge problem that is about to unfold with respect to the Highway 4 corridor, which goes from Hercules out to Antioch,” said Menesini. “The city of Concord is proposing to build a city on top of Willow Pass Road: 12,000 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial space – and not one provision for how transportation is going to be mitigated.

“The fact is, if you live in Antioch, Pittsburg and anywhere along the Highway 4 corridor, you are going to be severely impacted by this development. And the county has sat on its hands. It has not offered one bit of mitigation advice to the city of Concord.”

Romero agreed. “Transportation gridlock in the Concord area is absolutely going to be horrendous as the Concord Naval Weapons Station comes on board,” he said. “I feel that the Concord Naval Weapons Station is a failed project right now because of all of the influx on the city council in Concord. I think that the board should be taking a leadership step and being a part of that process.

“We have to represent all. That means there should be some sort of statement coming from the supervisors’ office about what’s going to happen. Absolutely traffic is going to be horrendous once that project gets going. We have 15 to 20 years before the project starts, but that leadership starts today.”

Farias advocated moving jobs to where the homes are.

“I think [the solution] is passing good policy to create livable communities,” she said. “Live and work in your communities. We have become a community of commuters, which has contributed to a lot of our freeway congestion. I think if we would have had a lot better regional planning within our communities in addition to really creating the job centers. We burden a system that is inadequately funded.

“So I would bring leadership to bring policy that creates more livable communities to reduce that impact on freeway congestion. And also seek increased funding for transportation needs that are in the spirit of sustainability and livable communities.”

Dandridge said the focus should be on transportation improvements.

“Gridlock is already here,” he said. “I live two minutes from probably the worst freeway interchange in the county or northern California: 680 and Highway 4. In 1988 the voters of Contra Costa County passed Measure C, increasing our sales tax, to fix that. That project is well overdue. And it just got pushed off the table again. And not one member of the board said, ‘Whoa, this has to be fixed.’

“But gridlock is more than just improving freeways. It’s improving public transportation systems. Our public transportation system in this county is non-existent. We can’t move people from west to east. Better planning needs to be accomplished. But most importantly, we need to accomplish those things that the voters have already approved doing. And that at the top of my list would be the Highway 4 interchange.”

The candidates were mostly in agreement on other issues discussed at the forum. They:

  • Oppose the proposed twin tunnels project transferring water from north of the Delta to southern California.
  • Oppose moving the urban limit line to allow more development on agricultural and open space lands.
  • Support providing more affordable housing.
  • Agree that the county has addressed its pension funding issue for now, but more compensation adjustments may be needed down the road.
  • Agree that the county supervisor’s job requires more than 40 hours a week.

The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse on Channel 99. Comcast subscribers can watch CCTV on Channel 27. Wave (formerly Astound) subscribers can watch on Channel 32. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays – 9:00 AM; Mondays – 8:00 PM; Wednesdays – 12:00 PM; Fridays – 3:00 PM.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.

CORRECTED: Glover has huge financial lead in District 5 Supervisor’s race, only three candidates submit report

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By Allen Payton

In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5, the incumbent, Federal Glover has an overwhelming lead in campaign funding in his bid for a fifth term. Reports were due on Thursday, April 28 covering the period of January 1 through April 23, 2016 and only three of the five candidates submitted one.

He reported raising $26,894 during the period, but started with a beginning cash balance of $37,372.32 in his campaign account. Glover carried over $23,616.51 from his 2012 re-election campaign account and didn’t start raising funds for his 2016 re-election campaign until 2014, for a total of $5,025 for that year. Then, last year he raised another $13,055 for a total of $45,469 raised for this year’s re-election effort,

Glover also has an Officeholder Account which had $68,918.40 in the bank at the beginning of the year. However, he stated today, Thursday, May 12, 2016, that (correcting the record from previous misinformation provided to this reporter) those funds can not be spent on his re-election campaign.

“I wish I had that money for my campaign,” Glover said with a laugh.

The other two who submitted reports were Martinez Vice Mayor AnaMarie Avila Farias, who was in a distant second, having raised $7,000 and Hercules Mayor Dan Romero, who reported raising $5,655.

Neither former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini nor Martinez resident Conrad Dandridge submitted financial reports.

A supervisor candidate’s campaign committee is required to file a Form 460 financial report to the County Clerk’s Office, if they have raised or spent $2,000 or more in an election. However, the filing and ballot statement fees are not counted against that amount.

“It just got turned in. There was a mix up,” Dandridge said. “I turned it into the state.”

“I have just started raising money after the 23rd but, I turned one in anyhow for transparency,” he added. “I hadn’t raised $2,000 but I am at that threshold, now. I got donations, last week.

Asked if he was a serious candidate since he hadn’t raised at least $2,000 by April 23rd, Dandridge responded, “I am a serious candidate.”

“My learning curve, based on my first, and only race, when I first ran in 2006, I learned some serious lessons that I am applying, now,” Dandridge continued. “Last time I was a self-funded candidate. Had the option to do that, now but don’t plan to do that this time. We have a Go-Fund me page. Folks wanted to fund me early on, but I told them to wait. But, the funds are coming in.”

Glover’s largest contribution during the reporting period was $5,000 from I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 302 PAC. Glover spent a total of $41,915.74 from both accounts, with almost half of that, $20,245.67 paid to Rossi Communications, for his campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi. He ended the period with $25,388.35 in the bank.

Avila Farias’s largest contribution was $5,000 from the Professional Firefighters in the county. She showed no expenses, although she has large campaign signs up in the District.

When asked why the expense was not reported, Avila Farias replied “We hadn’t been invoiced for them, yet.”

She also stated she had received another $5,000 contribution from the Deputy Sheriffs Association, since the reporting period ended.

Romero’s largest contributions were $1,675 received from Republic Services, one of the garbage companies in the county, and $1,500 from Sonnikson Stordahl Construction in Martinez.

Menesini did not respond to efforts to contact him for this story.

Please see the reports, below. Additional reports for Glover have been added for the periods he raised funds for his 2016 re-election campaign committee. All of his reports prior to that period can be seen on the County Elections Office website.

Glover campaign Fin Rpt 010116-042316

Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123115

Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123114

Avila Farias 010116-042316

Romero Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Town hall community forum for Districts 3 and 5 Supervisor candidates in Antioch, tonight

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Tonight, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch 3351 Contra Loma Blvd in Antioch, a coalition of Contra Costa county community-based organizations, faith leaders and residents will hold a Candidate Forum with candidates running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor District 3 and 5. Candidates will be asked questions on how they plan to make and impact on racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment specifically for East Contra Costa County. This historical 2016 Board of supervisor race presents an opportunity for community leaders to know the candidates. In the past, candidates running in these Districts have ran unopposed.

Thursday’s Town Hall is an organized community response to organizing efforts where residents have been advocating at the county level for justice reinvestment where more county funds would and could be reallocated to support service for community and not for mass incarceration practices.

The Outcome of Town Hall

During Thursday night’s meeting, more than 100 county residents will ask several questions to the candidates to know where they stand on important issues such as racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment.

About CCISCO

CCISCO is a member of the PICO National Network and PICO California. The organization believes that all faith communities are called to seek justice and peace for all people. CCISCO answers this call by empowering people to transform their communities. CCISCO is a unique community organization in the region that is successfully building bridges across boundaries of faith, race, geography, generation and economic class. We believe in building unity through diversity. Since 1996, CCISCO has been an organizing voice for justice and equity in Contra Costa County. The organization is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, interfaith federation of 25 congregations and youth institutions representing over 35,000 families. CCISCO provides leadership training through our member institutions that help channel their power and ability to effect change in their local communities and put their faith into action.

About Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition (CCCRJC)

CCCRJC is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to eliminating racial inequalities in Contra Costa. We are people who live and work here. We know from current research and our own experience that racism is very much a part of the problem. Systemic bias against people of color is a reality we see every day, and we will not stand for more of the same.

Associated Builders and Contractors endorse Nance for Congress

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Stockton – Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of the Northern California Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney in California’s 9th District.

“Taxpayers deserve the best quality at the best price,” said Michele Daugherty, President and CEO of ABC NorCal. “Kathryn Nance is a strong supporter of fair and open competition.   The Associated Builders and Contractors and its close to 500 Northern California contractor members look forward to working with Kathryn Nance to promote new jobs and get our local economy moving again,”

Today ABC NorCal represents close to 500 companies across Northern California and trains over 300 apprentices per year in its five state and federally approved apprenticeship programs. Members and their employees are also offered Construction Craft Training, Green and Renewable Energy Training, Management and Supervisory Education, Safety, and Labor Compliance.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19 year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association.  She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.

She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department.  Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 23.  Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit.  Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

The 9th Congressional District includes parts of Eastern Contra Costa County, plus most of San Joaquin County and a small portion of Sacramento County.

To learn more about Kathryn Nance for Congress, visit us online at www.Nance2016.com, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KathrynNanceForCongress and follow us on Twitter @Nance2016.

Writer supports “all-around upstanding citizen” Hardcastle for Supervisor

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Dear Editor:

Doug Hardcastle is the best candidate for the job of Contra Costa County Supervisor. He is an all-around upstanding citizen and servant to his country and community. Doug served his country in the military; public office in his community, and owns a business in the county.

Doug is a proven leader and is not afraid to take on the tough issues. His combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa is unsurpassed by no other candidate.

Doug Hardcastle has been the first candidate to take immediate action on the incumbent by speaking out against the 33% pay increase that she voted to give herself. This was one example of continued wasteful spending by the county. Fortunately, the incumbent backed out before the increase could be put in place.

We need to elect Doug Hardcastle June 7th, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Sincerely,

Carma Dutra

Oakley

District 3 Supervisor candidates discuss their priorities if elected

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By Dave Roberts

The six candidates for county supervisor representing East County’s District 3 agreed on the need to protect the Delta and improve public safety and transportation at a recent League of Women Voters debate. They differed, however, in their priorities if given the opportunity to replace Mary Piepho, who is not running for re-election after 11 year on the Board of Supervisors.

Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr said his top priority, based on what he’s heard from his constituents, is public safety. “We’ve always maintained our police force at a level to keep our community safe,” he said. “And that starts at the county with the county sheriff.”

To provide that level of safety in the unincorporated areas of the county, compensation for sheriff’s deputies needs to be increased, he said. “I’ve looked at those budgets and where the pay rates are, and they are not meeting the needs of the residents of the county,” said Barr.

East Bay Regional Park District board member Diane Burgis, who is also a former Oakley City Council member and executive director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, is focused on environmental issues. Like the other candidates, she believes the Delta’s water quality will suffer if the state goes through with its plan to construct tunnels siphoning water from north of the Delta and sending it to central and southern California.

“District 3 deserves and needs a county supervisor that’s going to be a champion for the Delta, and make sure that we are a voice making sure that Delta tunnel is not built and our water is protected,” said Burgis.

Oakley City Councilman Doug Hardcastle’s main focus is fiscal responsibility in government. Like many, he was outraged when the supervisors approved a $32,000 pay raise for themselves before being pressured to reduce it to a 12 percent pay hike.

“I will bring more financial stability” if elected, Hardcastle said. “Not to go after people’s wages or anything, but there’s always waste. [We need to] look at it like you would your own house or whatever. You’re going to make that dollar go as best you can. You’re not going to be frivolous with your own money. We’ve got to treat that money like our money and not government money.”

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, who is a former Tracy police officer, shares Barr’s interest in improving public safety by increasing compensation for sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

“[I’m] seeing we don’t have enough firefighters, we don’t have enough fire stations to cover 250 square miles, over 100,000 people,” said Harper. “Looking at the police out there, knowing the sheriff’s department is going to be used as a training ground because they don’t have the proper pay and benefits.”

Antioch’s rate of violent crime is nearly twice as high as the California average, according to Neighborhood Scout. Harper acknowledged that the increase in low-income Section 8 housing in the city has contributed to the problem.

“There’s a need not only for affordable housing, but for safe housing,” he said.

Odessa Lefrancois, president of the East County Branch of the NAACP for six years, and a retired Navy veteran who works for the county as a respiratory therapist, wants more governmental social service programs in East County.

“I’ve sat back and looked at the county, studied the budget and kind of realized that a lot of the resources, especially after I moved out to far East Contra Costa County, haven’t been allocated out in that area,” she said. “When I … see how people are treated in one part of the county versus another part of the county, and we’re all paying property taxes, and we don’t have the same resources, and people are actually sitting on Highway 4 a lot longer. We’re not able to live, play and worship in a community that we actually would like to be in.”

Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson shares Lefrancois’ desire to increase government services in East County.

“I believe that it’s time for East Contra Costa to have the access to job training, affordable health care, education, economic development,” she said. “[H]ow do we support [East County’s] industry and make sure that they are surviving, that they can hire more? And also look at industries such as advanced manufacturing, biomedical and energy. And finally, people want to come home to safe communities. They want to come home, raise their kids, have a wonderful life and still feel safe.”

The candidates also had varying stories of how they decided to run for office.

Barr said a friend suggested he apply for a vacancy on the school board, which he did and then was elected to another term. “I think my ability to work with people, solve problems and with my financial background, I made a good candidate,” he said. “And that’s why I’m in politics today and serve now on the City Council.”

Burgis said that she is a divorced mother of three boys under 10. “[A]nd I wanted to live in a place that I could be proud of, where they would be safe and they could go to good schools,” she said. “The reason why I’m running for county supervisor is that I have this regional experience. I have this really strong experience with the Delta. I have strong shoulders, a compassionate heart, I’m really smart and I want to make a difference in my community.”

Hardcastle said he was motivated to run after a confrontation with Piepho over the supervisors’ initial pay raise.

“When the Board of Supervisors voted to give themselves a $30,000 a year raise, I was furious,” he said. “I told one of the supervisors that I serve on many boards [with that I] was going to run against this person. She said, ‘Well, why?’ I said, ‘I think you’ve lost touch with the people that you’re supposed to serve.’ When we take a position in public service, it’s service. It’s not to make ourselves any better, not to financially make our lives better. It’s to serve the people out there. So, like I said, when they voted for the $30,000 a year raise, I said, ‘You’ve lost touch because there’s a lot of people that you serve that don’t even make $30,000 a year.

Harper said his motivation for running for office is simple.

“I just want to help people,” he said. “I’ve never lost an election. When you win an election they call you a politician. I don’t want to be a politician. I just want to help people. I served in law enforcement for 24 years. I started off as a police dispatcher, worked my way up through the ranks. I volunteered for the school attendance review board for the high school. I’m now teaching part-time at the local high school. And I’m training up the next generation of police officers. My family was in ministry. I am a minister. And it is in my heart to help people.”

Lefrancois said there are two types of people in the world – doers and complainers – and she’s the former.

“I learned a long time ago that you can sit around and complain about things, or you can be somebody that actually makes things happen,” she said. “Twenty-one years I spent on active duty in the military, and that’s the lesson that I learned. I think I bring leadership and accountability, responsibility and a dedication to make something happen. Because it isn’t about me. It’s about making sure that every resident out in far East Contra Costa has a say in how their dollars are spent and what type of life they should have.”

Wilson got involved after struggling during the Great Recession.

“Back in the early ‘70s when my parents moved to the Bay Area, they were able to buy a home, raise three kids and had jobs that paid affordable wages,” she said. “Fast forward 2008, I go to buy my home, two weeks later the economy crashed, I lose my job. I used a lot of my savings to keep myself afloat. So I got involved in my community. I eventually was appointed to the Economic Development Commission.

“And then eventually I ran for the City Council. I ran for a seat I wasn’t supposed to win. And I went out there and I worked really hard to let the community know who I was and I was serious about running. I now currently work for the Workforce Development Board. I work with a lot of people in the community ranging from 16 all the way up to people in their 60s and 70s making sure that they have job training available to them so they can get jobs that pay them livable wages.”

The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to AT&T U-verse customers on Channel 99, on Channel 27 for Comcast customers and on Channel 32 for Wave customers in Concord. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays at 9:00 AM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, Wednesdays at 12:00 PM and Fridays at 3:00 PM.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.