She should have resigned from being Mayor when she decided to run for Supervisor. There is inherent conflict of interest that she us doing things as mayor to help her get elected, breaching her fiduciary duty to us Danville residents. This shows she us putting her own political ambitions over her duties as mayor. Will not vote for her due to this concern of lack of character.

There's no conflict of interest. Obama was a US Senator all during the presidential campaign until he resigned on November 16, 2008 after winning the presidency.

Lack of character? Come on. If Candace wanted to remain as Mayor AND serve as a county supervisor, then there would be a conflict.

Rick: Obama was wrong as well.

My point is us Danville citizens are paying her salary and expect her to use all of her time and efforts in doing that job we elected her to do, serve as mayor of Danville. Clearly, her primary focus is on getting elected to Supervisor, and her time and efforts in campaigning and fundraising for that position are preventing her from focusing on her job as mayor. There is also the concern that expenses we reimburse her for as mayor should be apportioned to her campaign for Supervisor, and not for her duties as mayor. Finally, there is a concern that she may vote for issues as mayor of Danville because they help her get elected Supervisor and are popular with the voters in the Supervisor district, but not necessarily what is best for Danville.

This is not a political partisan attack, as it makes no difference to me if a Republican, Democrat, or Independent would do this, it is wrong, and shows the candidate is putting their own political ambition over ethics and morals. For the record, I am a Republican, and believe Ms. Anderson is also a Republican, and I will not vote for her based on this lack of character.

Dear Editor,

Please be aware, as exampled in commentary on the Danville Patch, Contra Costa Democratic Party leaders and activists, are using attack brutality in their campaign against Candace Andersen. As this brutal commentary continues with prejudice toward Candace's religion and cultural positions, it will become obvious that it has nothing to do with the job specifications for county supervisor and everything to do with attack brutality of such campaign strategies.

Your readers, as voters, must ask what does such attack content have to do with the job of supervisor and then simply compare backgrounds, education, capabilities, experience and published commitments to determine their choice between Candace, Tomi and other candidates.

As you develop questions for the debate, focus on job specifications should be the guiding factor.

Question for "Voter".....how much are we Danville citizens "paying" Candace for her services as Mayor?

@ Voter, and Rick Pshaw
Actually you are close. It is technically called “incompatibility of offices”. A person cannot legally hold both offices. The most important part of this law, is that if any person was to not resign and an overlap occurred (even for one single moment), the officeholder forfeits his/her position. There is literally no wiggle room when it comes to the timing.

For what it is worth, the term “conflict of interest” is probably one of the most misused (and overused) terms. Legally the conflict of interest term specifically has to do with financial gain-which is not always tied directly to duties performed or titles held.
Besides that is just the tip of the iceberg of reasons not to vote for her. Visit her website and check her voting record for various other reasons. Care about the urban limit line or her ability to work with others? Then I wouldn’t vote for her either.

Dear Editor,

From Mayor Andersen’s website: “The voter approved Urban Limit Line and Urban Growth Boundaries must be honored.”

Working with others: “..her service on the Southwest Area Transportation Committee, the Tri-Valley Transportation Council, and as an alternate to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.. serves on the County Connection Board of Directors Web Link serves on the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors Web Link working together on Traffic Safety through the Street Smarts Program Web Link and supporting School Bus Programs funded through Transportation funding Web Link Working closely with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and the City of San Ramon.

Do your readers have further questions?

Really?

Well as they say, actions speak louder than words.

Check out her website; Web Link

Be so kind as to scroll down to the bottom of the page. I see she is responsible for a large-well VERY large family. 10, 11…? So if our leaders, lead by example and we all had that many children/large immediate families, where oh where, are we going to house them all? Somewhere else? Or are urban limits and “growth boundaries” just for “other people”?
Having a family that large is a decision and a way of life which undeniably is the result of a lot of beliefs. How someone “leads” and “votes” on issues is largely related to their personal views and experience. You can dance around it all day, but it is front and center.

And Hal, lets be real for a moment. The committees are assignments that must be filled by board members, and she is no exception. Every board member on every council sits on multiple agencies-it is how it works. In no way is “membership” or appointments a testament as to how well any individual works with others.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I hear quite the contrary.

So if Candace jumps off a cliff with 10 children, you're afraid that everyone else will be inclined to do this and it would then be a case of leading by example?

Family choices are just exactly that: Choices. Maybe not my choice, maybe not your choice, but along with her family, it is her CHOICE.

Or do you want to limit the number of children people have so that other people will not be tempted to follow their example?

Sheeeesh....


And by the way, she has SIX children. The additional folks in the picture are (pick one):

1. In-laws
2. Out laws
3. Strangers pulled in from the street to make a nice photo.

Thanks for completely missing the point and punctuating it with the old “if Suzy jumps off a cliff…” scenario. Talk about one dimensional...Sheeesh!

The point is (and was), that people-including politicians, are inclined to make decisions based on what they know. Aka; Life experiences….their own personal realities.
Suggesting that elected officials will vote or lead outside of their own personal nature goes against human nature.
Many of the social and fiscal concerns that we face are directly related to population issues. This is an undeniable fact-even globally. Whether you understand this is not the point-the point is the majority of people understand it, including those who are uncomfortable about discussing it.

If you don’t think things like urban limit lines, or growth is directly tied to population then you don’t really get the concept to begin with. I never said I would limit how many children people have-or that Candace isn’t allowed a choice. But on the same token the voters all have a choice, and they make those choices, (vote), based on a number of subjective values.
I like to support those who practice what they preach and what I value as a voter. History shows us that voters as a group do the same. It’s not rocket science.

Wow…Six children. That is at least 6 more homes needed, 12 more cars eventually on our roads, etc. Now ask yourself, if every couple in the county “jumped off that cliff”, made that “choice”, how would that affect our county-and more importantly the urban limit line? To deny the impact would come across as a little hypocritical don’t you think? I tend to vote for those who share my same values and lead by example.

I have to agree with informed resident. If Anderson is elected we are all in for huge traffic delays and longer lines at the supermarket. Unless Ms. Anderson has plans to move her family to Utah she can't justify her position on the urban limit line. Her hypocracy knows know bounds.

Sorry, but she should have thought of that before having such a large...I mean VERY large family.

Good catch IR!

Nice try Rick. But you know exactly what I am getting at.
I am still laughing over the whole jumping off a bridge comment.
If that is the level of mentality then I see why Candace appeals to you.

Voting for those that “choose” to jump off of a bridge is not my definition of good leadership. Even if they "choose" to be the first to jump. -Nor are those that gain titles simply by association. Danville Mayors are rotated-not elected.
Let’s see as I recall, Millie Greenberg was the last one to take the plunge right?

<Crickets chirping>

Talk about missing the point....

Dear Editor,

It is now highly evident that Contra Costa Democrats have established their attack strategy to combat Candace Andersen’s clear advantage of education, expertise, capability, experience and independence most suiting specifications for district 2 supervisor. As you review commentary on the Danville Patch and in this exchange, such attacks are based on personal positions not related to the job of supervisor. So far we have seen Mayor Andersen attacked for her religion, her social positions, her family values, and her relationships without reference to her superior resume for the job of supervisor.

There is much that could be used to attack Tomi van de Brooke including endorsements from democrats at the center of such attack strategies being used against Candace. Your readers are looking for editorial control and presentation that illustrates the advantages brought by all candidates and not a cheap repeat of the “swift boating” of the 2008 district 3 campaign. At this moment, Tomi needs to join Candace in bringing her actions, intentions, and capabilities forward to illustrate her resume for the job of supervisor and not hide behind party politics that can only deliver attack brutality.

The prejudice in such attacks does not serve the voters among your readers and the ignorance promoted by attack brutality does not suit the very savvy senior professional voters in district 2. Such lack of editor’s responsibility here can only translate to party politics at the April 26 Candidate Debate for the non-partisan position of district 2 supervisor.

Hal,
Again with the recycled rhetoric? Perhaps in the future you just may want to copy, cut and paste. Your complaints which are poorly disguised as commentary continue to demonstrate your hypocrisy. We get it…and wish you would as well. Let’s review again shall we?

YOU like Candace more than Tomi.
YOU label any opinion that differs from your own is an “attack” in an attempt to diminish other’s opinions.
YOU create conspiracy theories such as “CC Democrats have established their attack strategy…” without any evidence that any such thing is occurring. I highly doubt that posting on a blog such as this would be considered an “attack” strategy in anyone’s mind but yours.
YOU label any opinions which counter yours as “swift boating” (you really need to come up with a better tag line-that one is sooooo 2004).
YOU constantly attempt to remind us about being a “savvy senior professional” but then go on to demonstrate quite the opposite with your inability to comprehend what a blog-forum-opinion board is all about. Ironically you would be the first one to cry foul if your own posts were being censored or edited-you already blame the editors for some imaginary bias.

I actually believe that Tomi and Candice are fairly equal candidates, with a slight regional advantage to Tomi, due to her former and current positions and connections.

Hal, you opined; “So far we have seen Mayor Andersen attacked for her religion, her social positions, her family values, and her relationships…”
I personally believe you need to come to grips that just like any other candidate “all of the above” define her as an individual, candidate, and a possible representative. She would obviously be placed in a position to make decisions based on her “values”, which in this case many such as myself, may not share.

Dear Gina and Informed Resident sponsorship.

Prejudice confirmed: "I personally believe you need to come to grips that just like any other candidate “all of the above” define her as an individual, candidate, and a possible representative. She would obviously be placed in a position to make decisions based on her “values”, which in this case many such as myself, may not share."

EMCEB readers now have confirmation of the political tactics to be employed straight from Contra Costa Democratic Club activists and EMCEB. Emails, commentary on the Danville Patch, and sponsored Informed Resident(s) commentary in town square exchanges leave no doubt of the cheap prejudice to be employed without any application to the specifications for the job of supervisor.

Sadly for Tomi such early actions create two problems, 1) she cannot demonstrate her talent because she has no public activity for such demonstration, and 2) she cannot reference her 3+ years with Mary Piepho due to Mary's very low approval rating and unwelcome politics in our corridor. Tomi has now been labeled as part of such prejudice and without ability to match contributions in progress by Candace.

Hal,

Again, you could not be more wrong. Perhaps taking a 100 percent opposite view of everything might put you closer to reality. You should try that.

In the mean time I stand by my statements that a person’s “values” define their character and decision making process. Too bad that comes across as prejudiced to you, but that doesn’t surprise me.
Once again you are stabbing at the wind with your accusations. I doubt highly if the Contra Costa Democratic club even reads these posts-and I certainly am not a member. Thanks for pointing me over to the Danville Patch where I can see you are at odds with others with differing opinions than yours, there as well.

I do believe that YOUR specifications for Supervisor differ greatly from the realities of the job. You seem to be pleased with leaders that do very little and have a very low level of achievements. History shows us that leadership that is lackluster creates very little controversy. Real leadership takes on the critical and controversial issues and brings them to resolution. It is no stretch to see why you attempt to label those efforts as unwelcome since they threaten your perspectives.

From what I see Tomi has been exercising her talent for the last several years on a regional basis. I do believe your candidate will have a much greater challenge to identify herself as a true leader by demonstrating progress. So far I haven’t seen anything in that regard. The board of supervisors does not need another Millie Greenberg. Thanks again for pointing out the obvious.

Dear Gina and Informed Resident sponsorship,

It seems we have two levels of creed prejudice in play and even greater connections to messaging from campaign sources within party politics. With that, would you care to disclose all supervisor candidates religion and such religions' perspective on womens' rights, the definition of marriage and family values? Once again, focus interviews by major news services offer your readers' specification for EMCEB reporting including your sponsorship of commentary focused on attack brutality.

Possibly, focus on the state of Danville Government and what residents want as their community's future would complete this exchange?

Candace's "salary" for being mayor and council member: $0.

Tomi Van der Brooke's record as chief of staff for Mary Piepho, Supervisor for District 3, which formerly included all of the San Ramon Valley: 0.

Hal,

When you finally come to the realization that you don't get to set the rules, you will be in a much better place. You really seem to have some control issues.

I am sure "all of the above" will come out during the course of the campaign. I expect some information will be relevant and some may not.

The range of issues can be broad. As an example I would not vote for cult member or someone that did not share my fundamental values. If that bothers you-so be it. Some people vote for the candidate with the most signs or one with the most endorsements. Some even vote for the most physically attractive candidate. The rule is once you are in the privacy of the voting booth, there are no rules.

Politics are not for the weak of heart.

@ Just the facts,

Care to share more than just opinion? Because quite frankly your opinion is wrong-not only is there a "salary", but it is clear there is retirement and health care benefits associated with being on the Danville Town Council/Mayor.

Web Link
You might want to read the web link, which is an official Danville web site that includes;
• Total Salaries and Benefits
For 2010/11, the Town budgeted a total of $9,390,263 for salaries and benefits. This represents 28.4% of the total projected Town expenditures of $33,022,518. Total salary and benefit costs were allocated as follows:
Salaries Retirement1 Health Care Other2
$6,758,408 $1,079,812 $1,099,398 $ 455,654
1 The Town contributes into a 401/457 pension/deferred compensation plan; equivalent to a maximum of 15% for all Town employees; 35% for the Town Manager and 27% for the City Attorney.
2 State Unemployment Insurance, Long and Short Term Disability, Workers Compensation Insurance and FICA.

• Town Council and Commissioners
In accordance with Government Code Section 36516 and Town Ordinance No. 2006-05, Town Council members receive $675 per month in salary for their service. Council members do not receive the same fringe benefits as Town employees, but are eligible to be reimbursed up to $250 per month for medical expenses.

@ Just the facts,

Doesn't look like the Town Manager is doing too bad with a salary of over 200K (239k fully loaded!). Apparently he even has a (150K) assistant, and another (90k) assistant! Wow...almost 500 thousand in tax dollars annually just on those salaries alone. You might want to take a closer look.

Just in case you were wondering...it is all public information and posted on ther Town of Danville website.

TOWN OF DANVILLE
2010 Salary Database**
Calendar Year
2010
Employee
Title
Year Employed
Salary
Auto
Overtime
Other Comp.
Gross Pay
Calabrigo, J.
Town Manager
1985
215,285.54
5,400.00
18,516.09
239,201.63
Ewing, R.
City Attorney
1995
187,810.96
3,600.00
7,310.19
198,721.15
Lake, S.
Development Svcs. Director
1985
149,607.32
3,600.00
1,345.83
154,553.15
Somers, M.
Assistant Town Manager
1993
145,005.78
3,600.00
932.76
149,538.54
Hudson, E.
Finance Director
1998
139,990.34
3,600.00
276.88
143,867.22
Williams, T.
Transportation Director
2001
139,640.39
3,600.00
276.88
143,517.27
Gailey, K.
Chief of Planning
1988
117,760.27
3,600.00
276.88
121,637.15
Johnson, J.
Maintenance Services Mgr.
1990
110,837.74
10,336.64
121,174.38
Gilbert, G.
Emergency Prep. Manager
2006
109,112.13
3,876.68
112,988.81
Leontiades, M.
Chief Building Official
2000
108,317.30
3,876.88
112,194.18
Collins, R.
I.T. Manager
1998
110,337.77
110,337.77
Phoenix, D.
H.R. Manager
1990
108,337.59
534.51
108,872.10
Stella, M.
Senior Civil Engineer
2004
103,260.68
103,260.68
Crompton, D.
Principal Planner
1990
101,237.54
534.51
101,772.05
Shakerin, N.
Traffic Engineer
1997
100,457.62
100,457.62
Lacy, M.
Recreation Services Mgr.
2002
97,045.55
97,045.55
Sunseri-Lax, M.
City Clerk
1991
96,450.51
96,450.51
Bergman, J.
Economic Development Mgr.
1998
95,665.65
95,665.65
Mack, A.
Associate Civil Engineer
1987
91,442.39
600.00
92,042.39
Korbmacher, F.
Development Coordinator
1989
91,592.37
91,592.37
Russell, R.
Landscape Architect
1993
89,448.41
89,448.41
Parke, J.
Maintenance Supervisor
1994
83,823.78
4,583.81
88,407.59
Flotten, R.
Assistant to the Town Mgr.
1992
88,336.85
88,336.85
Ha, L.
Financial Svcs. Supervisor
1991
81,863.94
3,876.68
85,740.62
Teixeira, J.
Maintenance Supervisor
1994
83,031.83
707.13
83,738.96
Bryant, W.
Public Works Inspector
1985
76,642.18
4,930.13
81,572.31
Dillard, A.
Associate Traffic Engineer
1996
79,860.80
1,068.95
80,929.75
Laris, J.
Program Supervisor
2000
78,306.38
78,306.38
Stanley, D.
Public Works Inspector
1996
76,780.46
76,780.46
Southern, K.
I.T. Analyst
2001
74,188.44
74,188.44
Allen, R.
Assistant Civil Engineer
2006
72,853.42
72,853.42
Hegeman, M.
Maintenance Supervisor
1994
69,808.76
1,776.08
71,584.84
Morrison, V.
Building Inspector
2003
70,211.79
305.86
70,517.65

...sorry about the format being so lengthy, but if you want to view it for yourself check out the official link Web Link
From there you can access the PDF for salaries.

This might be insightful to anyone that wants to deciding for themselves regarding the topic at hand (the Mayor's speech on the town's fiscal conservatism).

Dear Gina and Informed Resident sponsorship,

We have now drifted to a "play it again, Sam" moment that replays a campaign strategy used against Mayor Wilson, San Ramon, in his bid to become our state assembly member. A campaign was launched against Mayor Wilson that tied the SR City Manager's salary to him without any prominent role in such salary progression. So now, as additional prejudice, we have a campaign addition that is cheaply trying to tie Danville Town Salaries exclusively to Mayor Andersen.

And, in great humor, "we are suppose to buy that? If only voters were as ignorant as you label us, right?

Informed Resident is part of the Tomi/Piepho support system that will do anything they can to gain some votes. Mormon bashing is just the start. It will get uglier.

Tie these prejudiced and cowardly comments by Tomi's supporters to Tomi. She could set the proper tone, but instead she sits back and let's them attack her opponents. Vote against that sort of politics.

Informed resident: Funny how you listed so many HUGE numbers in your reply to my post before you finally got around to answering my assertion that Candace Anderson has been essentially working for free as Danville's mayor and as a Danville Council member. You claim her salary is $675 per month.

Thanks for verifying the facts, Informed Resident. Yes, CANDACE ANDERSEN HAS ESSENTIALLY BEEN WORKING FOR DANVILLE FOR FREE CONSIDERING ALL THE HOURS SHE PUTS INTO HER JOB.

Tomiwatch, Stocktonwatch, Eastcountywatch and “just the facts”,

For starters, this is a thread titled; “Mayor highlights projects, fiscal responsibility in State of the Town speech”. So why wouldn’t I highlight all of the online “HUGE numbers” (your words-not mine) aka; Salaries? So much for “just the facts”…

Then, when I answered your assertation (well actually it was your incorrect assumption…) you somehow tried to suggest that $675.00 month plus another $250 a month adds up to $0? Huh? Apparently you have both reading comprehension issues and basic math issues, because to most of us taxpayer’s $675 and $250 adds up to $925/mo. No wonder you are struggling with debt!

I posted the actual link from the Town of Danville and all you can say is that “I claimed” her salary is $675 per month? I didn't claim it-it is posted with a web link. Wow, I guess simple realities don’t affect you much.

And what is with you playing the Mormon card and suggesting Mormon basing? Please re-read my posts, I never used anything of the sort. Shame on you.

If posting simple facts makes me a Tomi/Piepho supporter, than I sincerely thank you and I am sure those two women would too. In fact, please keep posting and pointing it out for all to see!

Dear Gina and Informed Resident Sponsorship,

What must be drawn from the purpose of this exchange is what Danville as a government is doing for the residents of Danville and as a good neighbor in our corridor. What should not be part of the discussion is the political campaign attacks that are attempting to engineer blame for competitive salaries paid staff. Certainly, this exchange should not continue the obvious prejudice that labels any religion a cult, or the positions assumed to be against women's rights, legal marriage, and family values.

Since LDS is mentioned, your readers should see little difference between positions by our Catholic, CPC and LDS neighbors. Mostly, we should see those positions as personal, not part of any council position or supervisor activity, and to be respected as a personal position without government impact.

Tomiwatch, Stocktonwatch, Eastcountywatch, “just the facts” and now HAL,




For starters, this is a thread titled; “Mayor highlights projects, fiscal responsibility in State of the Town speech”. So why wouldn’t I highlight all of the online “HUGE numbers” (your words-not mine) aka; Salaries? So much for “just the facts”…




Then, when I answered your assertation (well actually it was your incorrect assumption…) you somehow tried to suggest that $675.00 month plus another $250 a month adds up to $0? Huh? Apparently you have both reading comprehension issues and basic math issues, because to most of us taxpayer’s $675 and $250 adds up to $925/mo. No wonder you are struggling with debt!




I posted the actual link from the Town of Danville and all you can say is that “I claimed” her salary is $675 per month? I didn't claim it-it is posted with a web link. Wow, I guess simple realities don’t affect you much.




And what is with you playing the Mormon card and suggesting Mormon basing? Please re-read my posts, I never used anything of the sort. Shame on you.




If posting simple facts makes me a Tomi/Piepho supporter, than I sincerely thank you and I am sure those two women would too. In fact, please keep posting and pointing it out for all to see!

Dear Gina and Informed Resident Sponsorship,

Until Tomi, as a very delightful coffee partner, steps forward with forward-looking planning for the CCC-BOS there will be little reception among district 2 voters for willingness to allow attack brutality by supporters to represent her. You and your staff have obligation to bring Tomi's direct message to voters on the future of the Contra Costa County that you promote in your April 26 political event.

Attack brutality is killing Tomi's opportunity to serve.

That has nothing to do with the reality of service by Danville's government to danville residents or their good neighbor policies. This exchange simply presents the Danville Government and should warrant careful review in our region.

Please focus!

Tomiwatch, Stocktonwatch, Eastcountywatch, “just the facts” and now HAL,

For starters, this is a thread titled; “Mayor highlights projects, fiscal responsibility in State of the Town speech”. So why wouldn’t I highlight all of the online “HUGE numbers” (your words-not mine) aka; Salaries? So much for “just the facts”…

Then, when I answered your assertation (well actually it was your incorrect assumption…) you somehow tried to suggest that $675.00 month plus another $250 a month adds up to $0? Huh? Apparently you have both reading comprehension issues and basic math issues, because to most of us taxpayer’s $675 and $250 adds up to $925/mo. No wonder you are struggling with debt!

I posted the actual link from the Town of Danville and all you can say is that “I claimed” her salary is $675 per month? I didn't claim it-it is posted with a web link. Wow, I guess simple realities don’t affect you much.

And what is with you playing the Mormon card and suggesting Mormon bashing? Please re-read my posts, I never used anything of the sort. Shame on you.

If posting simple facts makes me a Tomi/Piepho supporter, than I sincerely thank you and I am sure those two women would too. In fact, please keep posting and pointing it out for all to see!

Speaking of "responsibility" why hasn't anything been reported or anything done to those black women who assaulted a 47 yr. old mother and her two daughters; ages 12 and 14 at the San Ramon roller skating rink? The girls had their money and cell phones stollen so the mother asked some black women who were sitting closeby if they had seen anything and the women became enraged and attacked the mother and her children, sending the eldest to the hospital! One woman grabbed her by her hair and slammed her face into the table, threw her on the floor, kicked her and then threw a chair on her, then punched the mother and younger sister! The police were summoned but DID NOT ARREST ANY OF THESE WOMEN!!! There were several African/American; (to be politically correct) men, women and children
who came there from Oakland! Seems they arrive there on Friday evenings around 9:30PM because their skating rinks are closed! Has anyone seen this story publicized anywhere? I'd like to know why these women weren't arrested and why this is being hushed!!!!! Parents watch your children closely!

Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?