|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A long-time Lafayette resident will run for Contra Costa County District 2 supervisor to replace current supervisor Gayle Uilkema, who will retire at the end of this term. Sean White will campaign alongside Danville Mayor Candace Andersen and Tomi Van De Brooke, president of the county Community College Governing Board.
“The main reason that I’m running is because I don’t believe in money in politics. What I’m trying to do is run a money free campaign, and I figured if I could do it other people could start doing it too,” White said, noting that he will personally finance his campaign, using social media such as Facebook for promotion.
White ran on a similar platform in the 2000 supervisorial race against Uilkema. Although he lost the election, White continues to hold true to the principals in his campaign statement 12 years ago:
“You the citizen should be able to know what I am really about. County Supervisors who claim to care about the quality of life here should not be taking campaign contributions from developers or oil refineries, period,” White wrote. “Accordingly, I will not accept any money from developers, PACs, or corporations; and I will accept no more than $100 from anyone. As a Supervisor I will push for Contra Costa to have the strictest campaign finance laws in California.”
A solar energy professor, White is primarily concerned with environmental issues, renewable energy and job creation. If elected, White said he would encourage job growth in the green energy sector by making permitting easier for renewable energy, incentivizing the public and private sectors to install solar on homes and businesses and help residents find financing.
“I also care about air pollution, affordable health care, smart growth — I live right next to a BART station, and I think it’s the greatest thing,” he said. “It’d be nice if BART went down from Walnut Creek to Dublin some day; there should be more BART stations…. I think that we should focus more on things like that, better ways to get around, decrease congestion.”
Although he wasn’t entirely familiar with San Ramon Valley-specific issues, White said he spent most of his life visiting Danville and Alamo. District 2 is comprised of Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Canyon, Saranap and Walnut Creek, west of Main Street.
Still, White said he doesn’t think his lack of local government experience will hinder his abilities as a supervisor.
“Having no experience is better in some ways because you’re not an insider, you don’t know all the different ways to sell out. I know that I don’t have the best chance of winning this election because of the way I’m doing things, but at least I’m getting some issues out there,” he said, adding that a vote for him would not be a spoiler vote in the event of a runoff election.
During his last campaign, White said he was responsible for policy and project changes, particularly in the Gateway Valley between the Caldecott Tunnel and Canyon/Orinda. Developers were going to put a golf course on pristine land that would “move more earth than they did for the Hoover Dam,” he noted. After his campaign fired up residents, the developers scaled back their plans.
More information on White can be found on his campaign Facebook page. The county supervisorial election will be held on June 5.
Thanks for entering the race. No Van De Brooke, No Piepho !!
Dear Editor,
This presents a real story opportunity for the Express websites. First, this new district 2 candidate will likely capture some of the Lamorinda support for Tomi van de Brooke and favor Candace Andersen in the June results based on strong Saranap to Dougherty Valley neighborhoods support for Mayor Andersen. Second, it illustrates the concerns of your Diablo and Blackhawk readers that there is no competitive candidate stepping forward in district 3.
As you consider your story follow-up, you might consider the importance to all Contra Costans to have a potential new majority on CCC-BOS via new candidate elections in districts 2, 3 and 5. Clearly, polling illustrates Contra Costans’ interest in having a CCC-BOS more committed to their needs and interests and less committed to politics-as-usual.
It would be a great story!!
There still may be hope for a new BOS majority. A unique opportunity has arisen to claim back the special interest influence that plagues our Board of Supervisors. This latest candidate filing shows hope for the citizens in Contra Costa. All that is needed no is another challenger in District III. Support is high for a District III replacement.
Voter,
Same old garbage coming from you? Yawwwwnnnnn.
While I commend Professor White for entering the race, its clearly a choice between Andersen and VandeBrooke.
I, for one, am troubled by the extremely conservative record of Ms. Andersen on issues of civil rights. Anyone with any degree of tolerance towards people of color/disabilities, etc. must confront the record of Ms Andersen and her Church.
As a former LDS member (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,aka Mormon) I am troubled by her stance on any number of social issues. I am concerned that her intolerant views render her incapable of performing the duties on a Supervisory Board. Though I am a registered Republican, I can not vote for Ms. Andersen due to her intolerance, and instead support her opponent Ms. Vandebrooke.
I’d urge all voters to closely view Ms Andersen’s background, her endorsements and her political affiliations. Upon examination, I think you will conclude that her ideology is out-of-step with what is required for a Contra Costa County Supervisor. We need vision, tolerance and creativity.
Vote VandeBrooke!!!!
Dear Editor,
It should be your fair obligation to interview all candidates and provide perspective for candidates plans in office. Mayor Andersen has offered such details http://andersenforsupervisor2012.com/?page_id=416 and you could extend that presentation by interview to reveal her social positions. Certainly, the same applies to Ms. Tomi van de Brooke and this new candidate.
Neighborhoods are more concerned about candidates actions in critical economic development, infrastructure and transportation planning than any personal social position. Supervisors seldom have authority over social actions.
More? CDSI Member Information: halbailey@yahoo.com
Dear Editor,
In your interview with Sean White, please ask, “Are you prepared to win this election?” The assassination politics of campaigns that only attack have made it possible for neighborhoods, as a majority of voters, to consider electing Sean.
Amazing!
Sean, you are looking better with every post. Go get em!
It is very sad to read an attack on a candidate simply because of their religious beliefs. The previous Green Valley resident’s comments above showed their own religious bigotry. I feel badly for whoever it is because they are obviously speaking out of emotion. I think most in this community would agree that the neighbors they know who are Mormon are good people, good neighbors and good citizens. Let’s stop the religious intolerance and get to know the people in this campaign.
I admire all three candidates who are willing to seek office on our behalf. Public service at the local level is primarily just that – service. They are not even remotely justly compensated for their time. Over the years I have seen our town council members everywhere at all different times representing our community. As an example, I recently attended two different Boy Scout Eagle Awards ceremonies and Candace Andersen was there commending both young men.
I know that when people look at Candace Andersen’s record as a member of Danville’s Town council they will find her record has been one of exemplary public service. She has shown her willingness to give of her time and service. She has represented us well and I would expect she would do the the same as a county supervisor.
is anyone surprised that Anderson was present at not one but two eagle scout awards.. wake up lady she is a politician. with no credentials beyond Danville. she like the former Danville bell of the ball Millie Greenberg (wonder where she is now) is nothing more than a Danville
look at me now person… please Name some credentials for your wonderful candidate that qualifies her for the job she seeks
I just visited Mr. White’s Facebook page. Here is a listing of his likes:
The Colbert Report
Jerry Brown
Barbara Boxer
The Sierra Club
Barack Obama
The Daily Show
First Editor,
Let’s welcome back the Alamorons (oxymora) of Alamo Ron by illustrating very popular individuals, groups and entertainment as humor within this exchange. Sean is not alone in finding such people, groups and shows popular in our area and likely is reflective of majority interests among voters.
Then, let’s turn to the humor of calling candidates politicians. Imagine that? Mayor Andersen and Ms. van de Brooke would likely acknowledge their political interests and accept such identity as descriptive. What else could they be considered if not considered politicians??
As Oxymo Ron, I applaud this humor!
Nice attempt at deflection there! It really comes as no surprise because that along with a heaping dose of hypocrisy seems to be embedded in each of your posts. Before you cry foul, let’s be clear, I am not attacking you-I am simply making an observation (opinion) based on the content of your posts.
Back on topic, I followed the hyperlinks to Mr. White’s Campaign page http://www.facebook.com/#!/seanwhiteforsupervisor , Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/seantruce and the Smart voter candidates page(s) http://www.smartvoter.org/2000/03/07/ca/cc/vote/white_s/paper1.html
Ok……..now I see. Wow. That is really who you think should be elected to the BoS?
Good luck with that.
You, Voter (does 1-1,000), ISMOT, and East County Watch are really in dire straits.
I’m here Informed. Thanks for your observation. I predict in my opinion that a Van de Brooke / Piepho team on the BOS will probably take the county to the extreme depths of unethical politics. Before you cry foul, let’s be clear, I am not attacking you-I am simply making an observation based on the examples in the media.
East County Watcher, you are so very predictable and just like a broken clock-very seldom right.
You must also have an empty & fractured crystal ball to be making all of the silly predictions of yours. Apparently you only see what you choose too. Your positions reflect quite accurately those of a very small and desperate minority. All politicians make a few enemies along the way, which goes hand in hand with making policy and decisions.
“I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.”
¯ Franklin D. Roosevelt
As a supporter of Ms. Van de Brooke and Ms. Piepho I would say their approval rating jumps even higher based on this simple quote.
I certainly won’t cry foul as you have left quite a trail of observers with your actions, your posts and the company you keep. Believe me they snicker at your “special” ability to pick out bits of a story and yet manage to lose the entire concept. You see, I am in touch with most of the media folks and your disposition is no secret. I think in some sick way, you provide amusement for them (just my “opinion”-not attacking you or them).
My way of thinking always seems to be aligned with the majority of voters, winning candidates, and good policy. While you on the other hand don’t seem to have such a great batting record. I do understand why you are frustrated.
I don’t think you need to worry about me crying foul.
Dear Readers,
There is little remaining doubt among journalists that sponsorship of campaign attacks on the town square forum has authorship support by Gina C. Allen, President of the Express publisher, Embarcadero Media Corporation East Bay (EMCEB). Such attacks repeatedly contain insider knowledge of the town square forum data on IP addresses used by various commentators. As a result, it becomes fair questions to ask:
“Seriously Gina?
Do you really believe sponsorship of political attacks is going to attract campaigns to your publication? Do you really think any candidate will actually trust an out-of-control forum to invite support? Do you really believe your editors and writers can turn-around the damage done by rude, arrogant brutality in attacks sponsored on your forum pages?
Seriously?”
As readers, we need to illustrate our expectations of news media to service our need for fair, balanced and respectful reporting and commentary. Our news media works for us, and we do not work for them.
Let’s count the Contra Costa County Grand Jury among those who find Mary and her little gang seriously in need of ethical guidance. Might want to throw in longtime Sheriff Warren Rupff. Save room for the Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller and the Bay Area News Group.
Then we can begin listing the private citizens and local businesses that are afraid to cross that little gang for fear of fiscal insult.
Let’s see how soon some of the typical Piepho supporters – financial and vocal – step up to support her with their names and reputations on the line. All we have ever seen is anonymous support, probably emanating from an East Bay firehouse. On the other hand, several opponents of the Piepho way do step up and provide their name only to be attacked from the shadows of the firehouse…
nice to see i smell mary again urging others to use their real names
but she or he uses i smell mary again
No Tomi and No Mary for a better Contra Costa County
I’m not urging anyone to use real names, just pointing out that Piephos poster, while using many names, never uses his real name . Those who oppose her sometimes do .
Some are auditors, sheriffs, editorial boards, citizens, etc …
Nice attempt to change the story…
The real issue is whether the county can afford anther term of Piepho re-writing the ethics rules to suit her personal agenda !
This job is all she has and for a High School graduate it’s a darn nice gig. She’s going to continue to send her foot soldiers out to the message boards to protect her job . At least her husband is now OUT of politics thanks to the Bay Area News Group, Save Mount Diablo, the other members of the BOS who listened to the nepotism charges raised by so many people .
Ready for an rebuttal from an east bay firehouse now…
TO I smell…
You have no logic at all…you state you are just pointing out Piephos posters “use many names” ” never use HIS real name but those who oppose her sometimes do.
How do you know It is a HIS and not a HER
Next Who the Hell says you need more than a high school diploma to
recognize right from wrong or how to become productive. bring your checkbook and we’ll see if your college degree has made you more than me without a degree..
@Smell,
Sorry to once again disappoint you, but I am not at a firehouse, nor located in the east bay. I guess your infatuation now extends to firemen? I am not sure I understand why you would keep using a fire department as some sort of reference as it only shows how ridiculous, dead wrong and desperate you have become. Further I only post under one name. It must pain you to really know that there are many others out there that support Mary Piepho.
You come across as extremely angry, agitated, frustrated and paranoid so I thought I would give you some time to relax and compose yourself. It is difficult to address your rambling when you come across that way. Once again, you are just posting the same nonfactual, recycled ramblings over and over. You certainly have demonstrated over and over that you have a very unhealthy infatuation with anything Piepho. Perhaps it is time for you to step back and deal with your own anger issues before they consume you any further.
From what I read Mr. Piepho retired from many years of public service and was even recognized as such. Here are two links I easily found which substantiate this as fact. So not only am I not attempting to change the story, but I’m calling you out on your efforts to re-write history.
http://www.thepress.net/view/full_story/9548399/article-Longtime-CSD-director-steps-aside-?
http://64.166.146.155/docs/2011/BOS/20110405_144/7434_BO_Recognize%20the%20Extensive%20Public%20Service%20of%20Former%20Discovery%20Bay%20Community%20Services%20District%20Director%20David%20Piepho.pdf
The real question remains as to why you keep attempting to spin things? Your accusations tell half a story and the moment anyone checks up, you lose all credibility. I wonder why you would continually put yourself in that position.
Last I checked Ms. Piepho has handily won her last two campaigns, and does not currently have a challenger. So explain again why (or how you know) she is “sending her foot soldiers out to protect her job”, because quite frankly your statement makes you sound ridiculous.
It will probably come as another disappointment to you –but I never attempted to ‘change the story’ because I only post under one name. With all of the assumptions you create, I imagine you have issues with many other people besides just me. I empathize with your frustration, but really, you need to find another hobby because quite frankly you fail in your current efforts. You see, it wouldn’t matter to me if you went by the name of Carol, John, Don, Mark, lived on a ranch, had a difficult time seeing straight, lived in a horse town or were a habitual liar, what matters here is the validity of your statements-not who you are. You just go on to provide more examples of anger, cowardice, denial and hypocrisy. Until you can figure that out, I wish you the best of luck dealing with your personal issues.
p.s. And speaking of your comments re; posting under several different pseudonyms, There you go again putting a (space) before your punctuation mark-in this case an exclamation point. Don’t you know that nobody does that (except you under your different aliases)? I guess that relieves me of having to point out the hypocrisy of your actions. You did it for me…
Informed blah blah blah….
You rant the same old rant like a child and then you go into Mr.Piepho.
“From what I read Mr. Piepho retired from many years of public service and was even recognized as such”
Since when were we talking about Mr.Piepho? Do you know something about missing toilet paper at the firehouse that we don’t?
Then you go on to list personal names of anti Piepho citizens while stating you don’t live in the East Bay. You are a liar just like who you support.
No Tomi ~ No Piepho for a better Contra Costa
@ Smell,
You are calling me a child? Wow, now that is funny! I sure hope you did not put a lot of effort in that. Are you even reviewing what YOU posted before popping off?
You asked, “Since when were we talking about Mr. Piepho?” and then add some bizarre statement about toilet paper. That tells me and anyone reading your nonsense that you are really grasping at straws.
Can you do us all a favor and scroll up to your own post (above) which YOU posted a short 18 hours ago where YOU wrote; “At least her husband is now OUT of politics…”.
So to answer your ridiculous question, YOU were talking about Mr. Piepho 18 hrs. ago in YOUR own post. Clear enough for you?
I guess it is true what they say, “stupid should hurt”. You might find this link very helpful; http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolved-primate/201006/when-ignorance-begets-confidence-the-classic-dunning-kruger-effect
While you are at it you might just want to also bone up on your geography. There is a difference between the East Bay and East County. How would I know who anti Piepho citizens are, unless you are one of them? Paranoid? I simply used a few random names off of the Auditor’s summary that YOU referenced.
Once again it appears that your anger and paranoia is getting the best of you.
Again you are misinformed. That was someone else you’re talking about. Maybe more than one person can smell unethical people. I am another anti piepho/vandebrooke for obvious reasons. I agree stupid should hurt. How stupid do you feel now? Actually you seem to be the only piepho/vandebrooke supporter. Now we will probably see you come back as another commenter. This is typical piepho/vandebrooke deceit as usual. If someone does pop up and run in district III they can clean house with an easy win.
Misinformed? Really? Really???
Nope, still me, I only post under this one pseudonym.
All I can say is….that is the best you can do? More innuendo and hollow insults? You are really circling the drain. Please read http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolved-primate/201006/when-ignorance-begets-confidence-the-classic-dunning-kruger-effect because this study is about you. Getting past denial is the first step.
Why would I feel like the only supporter when my candidates always seem to be elected by the majority? Once again you make no sense. Besides you can only live in one district, so apparently my vote will cancel out yours! That is of course if you are even registered to vote.
BTW-How have your candidates been doing?
Sean White? Really? Warren Rupf? Really? Guy Houston? Really? You just can’t get past the “black and white” of it, try as you might. You posted the same junk last election cycle and yet here you are again with the same old recycled rhetoric. It did not work then and it doesn’t work now.
Now you are banking on a “pop up” candidate? For a County Supervisors position? …And they are going to “clean house” as you say. Sorry, but that one of the silliest comments I have read from you. Once again, just more insight to your level of desperation. You have diminished your credibility to the point that I think the time has come for me to leave you to your own demise.
For the record, I am feeling pretty darn good-especially since reading your last post.
Dear Gina, Mary and Jessica, as Informed Resident(s) sponsors and contributors,
On this Saturday morning, neighborhoods forums in districts 2, 3 and 5 announced a joint meeting today to discuss candidates for supervisor with the sole purpose of changing the majority on the CCC-BOS. Clearly, qualified candidates available to represent the will and interests of districts’ neighborhoods are not available as ballot candidates because capable and qualified prospective candidates too easily see the inability on any one supervisor to change the politics of disservice provided by CCC-BOS currently and over the past decade. As an example, Tomi van de Brooke and Candace Andersen are sincere individuals that are illustrating their need to gather endorsements, and political obligations, among our county political consortium identified in http://martinez.patch.com/articles/powerful-politicians-fete-piepho-today. This patch article introduces those that select candidates for voters’ confirmation without obligation to the will and interests of Contra Costans.
There should be no expectation among Contra Costans that Tomi or Candace, or even Sean for that matter, would be able to offer change on the CCC-BOS. The very savvy professionals in the Danville Express readership area are quite convinced that changing faces on CCC-BOS does not change the politics that occurs as decisions are made privately before any public presentation, discussion and approval. Contra Costans see this reality in the newest member of CCC-BOS, Karen Mitchoff, as illustrated in two BANG columns, http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_20073885/tom-barnidge-sufi-sanctuary-hearing-fine-example-democracy and http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_19905439?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com.
Instead of sponsorship of the attack brutality of Informed Resident, it seems to be time for you, collectively, to fully define how Contra Costans are served by CCC-BOS and the 19 City Councils in Contra Costa County. Provide your views of the next four years in Contra Costa County and how WE, the people will be served and our will and interest met by concerned actions by supervisors and council members. Before thousands of Contra Costans simply vote for OTHER as their write-in candidate, it should be considered an urgent need of the Danville Express and its town square forum to prove supervisors’ and council members’ service to WE, the people.
For more information?
CDSI Member Information
halbailey@yahoo.com
Dear Hal,
As of last week it looks official. Once again, the current Supervisors of districts 3 and 5 will have the privilege of representing us. 4 more years!!!! Let’s hope they will finish wiping out the OPEB debt.
The big race will be who prevails in District 2. Personally, I hope Tomi does since she has much more County and regional experience (although neither Tomi or Candice is a bad choice).
As far as Tomi or Candice “changing” the BoS, I think you should consider their personal opinions. You continue to assume that candidates are interested in changing things…apparently to your way of thinking.
Your concept of voting “other” is too big of a waste of time to even counter.
For such a “savvy professional” (as you put it) you certainly don’t have a very good track record proving your assumptions. I highly suggest if you wish to stay informed you should attend meetings, or get your news from somewhere else rather than blogs (e-chains?) or your own “news services”. That apparently is not working out to well for you.