So the good ol' bot network continues. No need for new blood. Just trade the mayor position every few years among the three. Seriously,to make a change, someone has to die. Oh then they are all buddies with the developers as well. Why doesn't Express ask why Danville is on the bond rating watch list?

Are you kidding me! You endorse Ms. Morgan who lied about her profession! You didn't even mention this in your so called analysis. All the people you endorsed have run paid ads in your publication. Danville Express has lost all credibility with this endorsement of someone who misrepresented their background. Contra Costa Times did not endorse Ms. Morgan, they endorsed Mr. Nealis. They have ethical and analytical standards.

Thank you to the Danville Weekly for a fair & accurate assessment of these 3 strong candidates. This election has a lot of negative energy & these 3 candidates seem to stay out of the fray & represent our community. Arnerich, Doyle & Morgan for Council. I couldn't agree more.

Please keep your opinions to yourself! Your input is not wanted or needed.

If one of the issues leading the Danville Express not to endorse a candidate is experience then how do they gain this? I for one think that experience is valuable but so is new blood and thinking outside the box. For this reason I will be voting to add the likes of Bob Nealis, Deanna Sullivan and Lori Hock to the council. Both Arnerich and Doyle have served the town well, but it's time for a change.

I think The Danville Express got it right Arnerich, Doyle and Morgan have all proven that they are capable of managing our Town in these tough times and keep it fiscally strong.I find it so humerous that none of the other 4 candidates have been to more than a meeting or two of the Town Council and the Planning Commission, they have never served on a comission nor been involved in the 2030 General Plan discussions (and 40 meeting have been held) and they now believe they are experts? Nice try get involved make a difference and earn the citizens of Danville's confidence and votes.

Great endorsements Morgan, Doyle and Arnerich are all great volunteers for the Town of Danville and have consistenly shown that they care about our small town environment.

I could not agree more. Arnerich, Doyle, and Morgan are the right choice for Danville. They have proven their ability throughout the last few years and they have my vote.

Shame, Shame on you Danville Express.

You are to report the news not there to try and make the news.

You have NO creditability Danville Express. You are just a small town rag newspaper.

If anything you have done is put Bob Nealis, Deanna Sullivan and Loni Hock in office.

I hope the good folks of Danville act accordingly.

Julia Pardini...Thanks for listening...I hope!

To those who so ardently support in Arnerich, Doyle and Morgan, please consider this reality.
They say they support maintaining Danville's "small town environment" yet they have taken the position that Prop. S does not apply to Summerhill. Prop S was approved by 75% of Danville voters in 2000 which gives voters the right to approve or not approve the rezoning of A-4, Ag. Land or Open Space to permit cluster housing or some such. Now out of the Blue 200 acres of Summerhill have mysteriously become A-2, Rural Residential, which can and will become P-1, Clustered Housing in the proposed 2030 General Plan.

The problem we have with the incumbents is that "We will give the defendants a fair trial and then hang them." In this specific case they will let the "facts" come in and then approve Summerhill. I hope I'm wrong. I as a Diablo resident have much at stake in this issue. Diablo Road is already a traffic nightmare which will become that much worse if 64 Cluster homes plus 16 "low rent Casitas" generating up to another 240 automobiles and possibly 1000 additional car trips per day to the mix. Please give serious thought to this issue which is at stake in this election.

I'm sad I moved to an unincorporated area of Danville, after living within the Town limits for years. Danville does need FRESH ideas and new council members. Just because the others have served terms on council or commissions prior doesn't make them more qualified. I'd like to see Danville change. The Town hasn't really changed in years. I would like to see my kids grow up in an area that embraces change. Change for a better environment, change in ideas, and change for education on issues that represent all residents.

Newell Arnerich, Mike Doyle, and Renee Morgan just released a draft 2030 general plan WHICH OPENS ALL AGRICULTURAL OPEN SPACE TO DENSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT A PUBLIC VOTE in violation of Measure S, which the voters overwhelmingly passed in 2000.

If you value open space and don't want future development in Danville to emulate the Bollinger Canyon cluster model, you need to cast your vote in favor of BOB NEALIS, JIM JELINCIC AND DEANNA SULLIVAN.

I am sorry to see that the Danville Express considers only experience on the Town Council or Planning Commission good enough to get their endorsement. What about the years of experience in jobs and businesses that demonstrate fiscal responsibility? Can't anyone but a sitting member of the Town Council have passion for preserving what we all love about Danville. I am very disappointed the Danville Express did not bother to take a look at the issues and positions. And, sure, Mike, Newell and Renee aren't terrible people. We all owe them for generously contributing their time for years to work for our town. But there also shouldn't be something wrong with wanting to get a new perspective, some new ideas, and a fresh look at things. The Danville Express missed an opportunity and just took the safe way out.

The Danville Express failed to even interview the candidates for office---at least the ones it is not endorsing! Obviously, the Express' endorsements are to be disregarded.

On one point the Express is correct: yes, Danville Express, experience matters and our experience with the three you have chosen to endorse shows that they disregard the Measure S right of voters to decide for themselves whether Agricultural Open Space is forever lost to residential development.

Look what happened on Elworthy Ranch---100 new dwellings on Ag. land and the public vote was denied by Arnerich, Doyle, and Morgan. The triumverate have stated their intention to deny the public its right to decide whether Magee Ranch will be forever lost to a SummerHill Homes dense residential development(the three made those statements in interviews with the Contra Costa Times---a paper that actually INTERVIEWS the candidates--- and that paper endorsed Bob Nealis and not Morgan). There are other remaining Ag. parcels in the Diablo corridor and off of El Capitan for which public rights to decide about conversion to residential will likely be lost as well.

Because of the flouting of the law by Arnerich, Doyle, and Morgan, Save Open Space-Danville is being forced to go to the extraordinary effort of collecting 4000 Danville registered voters' signatures on an initiative to preserve and strengthen the public's right to decide about conversions of open space to residential development. Once the signatures are obtained, there will be a public vote on the initiative.

Danville Express, why didn't you ask the candidates about the initiative and why Danville residents are so dissatisfied with Arnerich, Doyle, and Morgan that they were compelled to do it, before deciding to endorse those three?

Vote for BOB NEALIS, JIM JELINCIC, AND DEANNA SULLIVAN to protect your right to vote.

P.S. Danville Express naively suggests that Nealis, Jelincic, and Sullivan get on a Town commission. Guess who appoints those people--Arnerich and Doyle! What are the odds that they will be appointed after opposing A and D in this election?

P.S.S. Danville Express, if you talked with Arnerich, Doyle, and Morgan before you endorsed them, did you ask about why Renee Morgan falsified her ballot designation? Apparently believing it would help her chances of beating her opponents, she falsely claims to be an architectural designer, which is a misdemeanor under state law (see article in the San Ramon Valley Times). She is still claiming to be an arch. design drafter based on a trade school diploma she holds, but her campaign website says nothing about her working in that field either.
She recently stated on her LinkedIn (now inaccessible to the public, wonder why?)that she is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty. Who are you, Renee? Tell the truth!

Newell Arnerich is an architect! He is so desperate to keep control of Council that he is endorsing Renee, despite her trying to fool the public into thinking that she is an architect, too!

Finally, why not ask Mike Doyle about his $750 campaign contribution from Shapell Homes? Shapell never does something like that without expecting something in return....

Seems we have folks in Blackhawk, Alamo and Diablo that aren't content with their own communities and want to push their ideas on Danville..We are happy to have you eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores but until you move to Danville you don't get to vote! Which judging from the Whacko posts that is a good thing!

To Danville voter: When Danville stops choking the exits from our community with traffic, polluting our air, and flooding our streams, we will stop trying to influence Danville's development decisions.

And by the way, your incumbent Council candidate Mike Doyle brags on his website about Danville's influence on the Dougherty Valley development ----in San Ramon, and on the Alamo Creek development outside of Danville. What was that about, Danville voter? Stop your childish rants.

Stop endangering do your homework Danville's population has not grown in the last ten years...the growth has come at the county level but bet you have not been at those meetings as you might have to drive from Diablo to Martinez to protest!

Perhaps if you do not appreciate comments from ALAMO CITIZENS YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR CITY FATHERS RETURN THE FUNDS THAT WE PAY FOR THINGS LIKE hAP MCGEE RANCH DANVILLE CONTROLS IT BUT who PAYS PERHAPS ALL THOSE FUNDS could be returned and also all the money taken from alamo citizens for that wonderful san ramon pool send the money back now

Dear Citizen Paine and cute Dump Julia.

I want to thank both of you for following may comments, It is deeply appreciated.

I know it's difficult to get solid creative advise and the truth from the folks in Alamo, but that's the way it is.

You will see on November 6th how the intelligent folks of Danville will handle these issues.

And by the way, Citizen Paine I know you have no idea of the purpose of our Gallbladder...but in any case may my bile in my gallbladder flow upon you.

And for my other dear friend "Dump Julia"...I don't think you really mean for me to stay in Alamo. I'm a very good customer in the town of Danville. I am sure I spend many more dollars per month in your lovely Danville than you and your entire family.

In closing, my dear critic's, I love you...without you, no one would know little Julia. So thanks for listening and most of all thanks for your very intelligent remarks. This is Julia Pardini from beautiful Alamo...but you know that already

Ms. Julia: you underestimate the size of the shadow you cast over these proceedings -- it is not little, but large -- and a nearly constant presence. Anyway as I indicated, bile is your business -- I expect to get my share of it. I just wish you'd get some others organs involved in your musings.

To "do your homework" : Sorry, do your homework, but growth in the Diablo Road corridor is Danville's doing, not just the County's.

In fact, Danville is now amending the 2010 General Plan in its draft 2030 General Plan specifically to allow it to approve the SummerHill Homes/Magee ranch development proposal for an additional 70 homes plus up to 45 or so second residential units in the Diablo Road corridor. Up until now, Danville has stated that the 2010 General Plan allowed it to approve the Elworthy Ranch 100-dwelling development, and would likewise allow it to approve the SummerHill proposal and future proposals for other Agricultural-designated land in Danville. Guess what, they lied! Now they are changing the 2010 General Plan because local residents told them it didn't allow them to legally approve SummerHill. I would suggest you go to the SOS-Danville website for more information on Danville's shenanigans.

And, in response to your second accusation, in fact Diablo residents have attended all the County meetings involving Diablo Road corridor developments, starting with the Blackhawk proposal in the 70's. You do not know what you are talking about, "do your homework."

I think the bottom line here folks is that even from a small town on-line "newspaper", we should be able to get a modicum of analysis. Instead we have what looks like a lame sound bite commercial. Here's some advice Jessica: leave this article off your resume.
As to the first poster, Wise Owl, I believe he meant "old boy network" (the T & Y being adjacent on ye' old keyboard and all), but in fact "old BOT" may have been more appropriate. Or perhaps "old tool".

Candidate Bob Nealis accepted $500 from Castle Construction, owner of Danville Hotel property.

To Citizen Paine and Dump Julia,

I live in DIABLO, not in Danville and therefore according to your inscrutable logic I should have NO say in this matter. Everyone along the Diablo Rd. Corridor will be affected by the Summerhill clustered home development whether they live in Danville or not. Those people living on the north side of Diablo Road from Diablo through to Blackhawk cannot vote in Danville elections, but nevertheless have much at stake and therefore ought and do have a say in this matter.

Tony,

Millions of people around the world are affected by the decisions and actions of the President of the US. Are you going to listen to them too? You made a choice to live in unincorporatedland.

I don't have a problem with intelligent comments, but you're defending the village (though thankfully not our village's) idiot Julia?

The "traffic nightmare" as you call it happens twice a day. If you and the Maryanne Cella's of the world would devote their time to solving the problem and not blowing smoke, we'd all be better off. How do we solve it? By working with the schools to increase carpooling, bussing, and varying the school start and end times. Very little has been accomplished and much more could be attempted.

The smoke I'm referring to is your preoccupation with Measure S. Here's what's going to happen - if you're lucky, your man Nealis might make it on the Council (have you seen the debate performance of the other two?). When it finally comes time for the town council to vote, the town attorney will advise the town council that Measure S is not applicable, and the town risks a lawsuit if they push for it. Nealis will say "sorry SOS'ers, my bad - if only I knew then what I know now." The simple fact is the Town's interpretation of Measure S (which they wrote) is correct.

To Voters' rights: You need a new name. You obviously don't care that your right to vote is being denied by Danville.

Your explanations of the situation in the Diablo Road corridor and regarding Measure S betray your lack of knowledge about the realities of either subject.

All your suggestions for solving the traffic nightmare have already been implemented, and the problem remains. And by the way, buses are always short-lived. Housing developments are forever.

You need to study Measures S, the 2010 Danville General Plan (esp. p.52), and the recently released draft 2030 General Plan. Save Our Creek's attorney informed Danville in Jan. of 2012 that the 2010 Plan does not provide for P-1 zoning on Agricultural-designated land. State law requires that only zoning consistent with the land use designation be used. Because the SummerHill proposed development for Magee Ranch depends upon Ag. land being rezoned to P-1, SOC advised Danville that such land would first have to be redesignated to a land use, such as Rural Residential, that allow for P-1 zoning. That redesignation would trigger Measure S's requirement for a public vote of approval. Danville never addressed the specifics of what SOC said, and merely continued to maintain with no legal support that Measure S did not require a public vote in order for Danville to convert Ag. land to dense residential development via a P-1 rezoning.

Now Danville has released its draft 2030 General Plan and guess what---P-1 has been added as an allowable zoning on Ag. land. Danville has implicitly admitted that it was wrong before, and now must do a General Plan amendment ----which it previously maintained it didn't need---to allow it to approve the SummerHill development.

So, in the draft Danville 2030 General Plan, Danville is effectively redesignating all the Ag. land in Danville to Rural Residential. That requires a Measure S vote. Sorry, Danville your latest attempt to circumvent Measures S fails.

Speaking of lawsuits, Danville needs to be concerned about lawsuits from its citizens.

One final point: why are Danville's incumbent Council members fighting tooth and nail, to the point of endorsing someone that falsifies her ballot designation, so that no new voices can join the Council? They appear to be afraid of a Council members that will not agree with their opinions on any subject, including illegally denying voters their Measure S rights.

Oh my gosh, more drivel from Maryanne Cella.

I dare you to come to my door spouting your nonsense.

What kind of name is "Maryanne needs to get a life?" Use your own name or one might get the impression that you are a cheap shot coward. Everyone means that all of Diablo disagrees with her and oppose her actions. Open your eyes and read the yard signs and come out from under that truly pathetic name you use. You will be adversely affected by Summerhill as well. Try spelling her name correctly as well.

What kind of name is Tony? Coward and hypocrite come to mind.

To "Who is Tony." I can't help it, Tony is my real name and I live in Diablo. I looked up coward and hypocrite in the dictionary and "Tony" isn't one of the synonyms. I presume "Who is Tony" is your given name, albeit somewhat strange. I think it is high time that the Danville Express require that all commenters use their full actual name and I will be happy to participate. To "Drivel Killer" if you send in your address I will be happy to come to your home to discuss the Summerhill issue. I would expect a reply that I should start using my full name now. I will, if and when it becomes an Express policy. I hope "Drivel" and " Maryanne needs to get a life" will join me.

@drivel killer: don't worry. We won't be trying to get signatures at the Shapell Homes office---or do you work at SummerHill?

Good point "Follow the Law." I think it is time that all posters use their full name and this should be required by the Danville Express. I am reluctant to be the only one at this point, but would be more than happy to join in if it becomes their new policy. There aren't too many Anthony's or Tony's in Diablo so I should be pretty easy to identify. It is getting somewhat scary in light of such mean, incredibly nasty bile that comes from the likes "Maryanne needs to get a life". Thank ypu for your input.

Sorry for the typo. Thank you "Follow the law" for your input.

Well, we have another clear example of the arrogance of the current Town Council members and of an incumbent in this race. Our town has an election sign ordinance which limits total space to no more than six square feet. Yesterday we have begu seeing signs for Mike Doyle which are easily 24 or 32 square feet in size. Two locations are north side of El Cerro just before the 680 N ramp and the empty lot at the corner of El Cerro and Diablo Road. One must ask if he has the impunity to ignore the rules in a simple local race, then what other rules would he overlook? Very diappointing for one of the most tenured council members who simply has to know better.

@MANTGAL: You have made the 'alias' charge repeatedly, but you haven't indicated how you know, or what those aliases are. MAN up, MANTGAL!

Here's what I know, from reading stuff she has written under her name: agree with her or not about the subject, she's an excellent, cogent writer. So, which of the comments above meet that standard? I can't tell -- can you?

@concerned voter: apparently you embarrassed Danville into compelling Mike Doyle to remove his illegal signs. They were taken down yesterday. Good work! After being in office for 22 years, Mike Doyle finally was told that he is not above the law.

Now if Mike would only follow Measure S and provide voters their rights to decide whether open space agricultural land is converted to residential development.... That would definitely be the right trend line. Better outcome: if only someone else would be elected instead of Mike....

This sign size violation really irks me, after 22 years in office he had to know this was not kosher and yet decided to do it anyway. I thank Mr. Doyle for his years of service but winning yet another term has me concerned. It is time for new voices on the council and his advanced age is something to consider. Not being "ageist" in that view just pragmatic, there does come a time to put down the gavel.

Our family has recently moved to Danville and we have been very active in politics where we came from. We have been studying for several months, trying to pick the "right" candidates for the council. This is one of the hardest elections we have ever seen. It seems that everyone is either too old, too young or "dirty" in some fashion. we still haven't decided who to vote for and will probably flip a coin. We really love this town, but feel that a vetting committee would keep the important issues a priority.

The right people to lead Danville got elected...Hurrah!