Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 2:09 PM
Town Square
Danville residents launch petition to impose term limits for Town Council
Original post made on Oct 29, 2019
Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 2:09 PM
Comments (27)
a resident of Danville
on Oct 29, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Finally! Someone had the great idea to break the cycle of career politicians in Danville. 30 years in control of Danville's money and decisions. This community has been handcuffed by special interests for decades. I think Arnerich has been running this town his way for the past three decades. I'm done with him and the rest of these folks who've been ignoring the rest of us who pay taxes here. Thanks to Nasser, Melodie and anyone else who has the guts to finally say (and DO) something that the rest of us have been too scared or weak to do. I will volunteer my efforts wherever needed. Looking forward to hearing about opportunities to help. Hopefully we can get rid of these current council members before they get another eight years!
a resident of Walnut Creek
on Oct 30, 2019 at 6:58 am
I am so happy to hear term limits are being set!
This country was founded and set up to be run "By the people, for the people." If congress has not taught us anything, it has surely taught us how corrupt things can get when the same people are allowed to remain in office. How can we grow as a society when the youth of this country are not allowed to be in office. Currently we end up with bitter old self seeking individuals who have forgotten they are public servants. I am happy Danville is setting the standard and honouring our forefathers who fought and died so that we may have a better life.
a resident of Danville
on Oct 30, 2019 at 7:27 am
We should also seek term limits on SRVUSD board members. The current board does not have a single kid still going to school in the district. They are just warming the seats with no true checks and balances to insure are kids come first. They have hired the current administration and seek to just get along even if it involves the death of a student on campus. We need board members that are our voice not the voice of the administration.
a resident of Danville
on Oct 30, 2019 at 8:22 am
In general, I am supportive of term limits, especially in congress. However, be careful for what one wishes for. If you look at voter turnout in Danville, it is usually low because voters are apathetic as the town is well run and fiscally sound. Look at San Ramon, Dublin, and other incorporated towns/cities for comparison. I can tell you, Danville didn't get where we are without hard work and some very dedicated individuals. My family has been here since 1955. We fought hard for incorporation in the 1970s to take zoning and decision making away from Martinez and make it local. Hard to believe but the measure failed multiple times before finally passing
If we do vote in term limits and have higher turnover in the city council, I hope those who run and get elected know what they are getting themselves into. My fear is they will have a single agenda (e.g. block Magee Preserve, block 5G, etc.) and not be willing to put in the effort on the other matters which aren't as visible but just as important.
It's always easy to point the finger at the incumbents, but not having sat in their seat it is not possible to fully comprehend all that the do.
a resident of Blackhawk
on Oct 30, 2019 at 1:12 pm
As someone born and raised in this area I always vote 100% of the time because I care about my area and the nation. Setting term limits ensures we get a fresh and innovative perspective in dealing with multiple issues and helps to prevent complacency and corruption in the long term. No more career politicians!
a resident of San Ramon
on Oct 30, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Now if only term limits would be set for the San Ramon City Council. More than several members there have squatted there far too long. The S.R. city council consistently has turned a deaf ear to residents seeking to be heard at council meetings.
a resident of San Ramon
on Oct 30, 2019 at 11:41 pm
KellyGamble is a registered user.
This is long overdue. Looking forward to big leadership changes in Danville.
a resident of Danville
on Oct 31, 2019 at 8:33 am
Yes, finally. This NEEDS to happen for the good of Danville...
a resident of Danville
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Bravo and thanks to the organizers of this long-overdue initiative! Mayor Storer's comments expose just why this initiative is needed. Even though the initiative's passage by Town voters would allow him eight more years after that, he still isn't satisfied and opposes the initiative.
Help is needed to gather signatures! Please email danvilletermlimits@gmail.com to find out how you can assist. For example, there is a sign=up for residents to help at Lucky's this Saturday. All hands on deck!
a resident of Danville
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:48 pm
@Long Term Resident: You state that new Council members might "not be willing to put in the effort on the other matters which aren't as visible but just as important." I can tell you from personal knowledge that the current entrenched incumbents are not putting in the time to understand the crucial matters they are being asked to decide. That's a fact. They seem more interested in building up their political capital by being involved in non-government organizations and with individuals that can help keep them in office.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 1, 2019 at 8:55 am
Yes on Danville Term Limits: There is a difference between facts and opinions. please state your facts and sources. One fact I am aware of is that the Danville Town Council has a "pay as you go" policy and, as a result, we are one of the only towns/cities in California without debt. Did you know that? Our police services are on 401Ks instead of unfunded pensions like Calpers. Did you know that?
Much of what you have stated is what I believe are your opinions and that's fine. Just don't portray them as facts.
a resident of Walnut Creek
on Nov 1, 2019 at 11:20 am
Its quite obvious Long Term Resident that you are a council member.
We thank you for your service, but its time for someone else to take your place.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 1, 2019 at 11:39 am
Resident: Sorry, once again time for a fact check. I am not a council member and have never been one. However, my family was good friends with John May, the very first Mayor of Danville. In addition, one of my family members was Danville Citizen of the Year for the work they did in helping shape this town into what it is. Needless to say, I have deep roots in this town and care a lot about it.
I find your suggestion and accusation insulting. Please present the facts and sources as I have requested.
a resident of Walnut Creek
on Nov 1, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Thank you "Yes on Danville Council Term Limits"
I have signed up to help the the people regain control.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 2, 2019 at 9:30 am
We've lived in Danville since 1968, and I grew up in Lafayette. While there is no question that in some respects, Danville has been managed effectively, nothing good comes from an entrenched leadership. And it's sad that we have to resort to term limits to get the needed turnover in our elected officials. But it really is telling that the term limits proposal allows the current Council Members another EIGHT YEARS in office unless we vote them out! But if we, as citizens were bothering to act as citizens and actually go and vote, we most likely would have seen the needed turnover without the need to limit terms.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 4, 2019 at 8:31 am
Safest and most fiscally responsible Town in CA. Beautiful downtown area with plenty of new parking drawing people from out of the area to spend their money. Yep, definitely time for term limits.
Magee Ranch people didn't like losing something even the Sierra Club endorsed. They will once again be PAYING out of the area people, who mislead voters, to get their position on the ballot. Some things never change.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 4, 2019 at 10:28 am
The sclerotic weasels on the town council violated agricultural zoning laws to illegally green-light "Magee Preserve." Bunch of glad-handing, self-promoting lightweights.
a resident of San Ramon
on Nov 4, 2019 at 11:52 am
Virginia is a registered user.
Long Term Resident: Danville’s police are on contract from the County Sheriff. They have pensions NOT 401k’s and the town is paying for those pensions as part of the contract. The rest of the regular Town staff have 401k’s.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 7, 2019 at 12:07 am
Where do I sign?
a resident of Danville
on Nov 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Danville Term Limits - The Official Initiative is a registered user.
Come by on Saturday, November 9th, from 1PM - 4PM at 1101 Greenbrook Drive, Danville, to sign the petition to end limitless decades of the same incumbents. This initiative is to establish two, four-year terms (8 years total) for Town Council members. Thirty years of the same people in power is too long, whether you like the status quo or not. Career politicians are not good for the Town of Danville or for any city. Incumbents have never lost in Danville, so new voices will never be heard unless we fix the system. Newcomers cannot raise enough money to market and brand themselves, yet they can bring great experience to this important decision-making role in our community.
New Petition Sign-Up locations are offered on the website or you can contact DanvilleTermLimits@gmail.com and we will come to your home if you prefer (or you can come to one of ours).
Web Link
We need every single signature because they will try to invalidate as many as possible. The Council could have simply accepted this initiative, but instead they are making us collect 3,000 signatures, just to put this on the ballot for public vote in 2020. Thank you.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 7, 2019 at 4:12 pm
ALL political positions should have term limits. For obvious reasons. It's commonly known as fresh blood.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 8, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Danville Term Limits - The Official Initiative is a registered user.
We've added another signing event this Sunday, November 10th, at Smart & Final - 460 Diablo Road, Danville, from 1PM - 4PM. We are looking for volunteers to help us gather signatures. Contact us at DanvilleTermLimits@gmail.com and check out our website at www.DanvilleTermLimits.com
Thanks!
a resident of Danville
on Nov 22, 2019 at 3:30 pm
I believe the citizens of Danville should also be able to vote for mayor. This sytem of rotating people who have served for years and years is ridiculous. I do not think our founders would approve. I am also a long term resident and have already signed the petition!
a resident of Danville
on Nov 26, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Danville is beautifully run. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and complain. It's much harder to dedicate your time to local government as an elected official. During the last election, none of the new folks even stood a chance because they were not qualified, at all. This isn't a term limit issue, it's a competence issue. Be careful what you wish for.
a resident of Danville
on Nov 27, 2019 at 12:09 pm
@Hamilton:
Founders of what? Do you think that the framers of the Constitution in any way cared about or believed they were addressing how representative of a local municipality would be elected?
But great contribution. You’re doing an awesome job.
a resident of Danville
on Dec 3, 2019 at 8:05 am
Parent and Voter is a registered user.
While the comment about term limits for SRVUSD Board Members may not be directly related to this term limit initiative it is important to everyone who has children in our schools or works in our schools.
At my local elementary school we have had a string of poor Principals in recent years. The current one is the biggest bully on campus but teachers and staff are in fear of their jobs if they speak up.
And the Superintendent and his Human Resources leadership are beyond bad. Not sure who made the decision to hire the HR person who was mixed up in an ugly situation in another district. Our children deserve better.
a resident of Danville
on Dec 4, 2019 at 8:25 am
Parent and Voter is a registered user.
As voters we need to know more about the people who make important decisions that impact us as individuals and as a community. At one time many of our council members and mayors were leaders in important businesses and actively contributed to our community. It appears that self interest and higher political aspirations now dominate some of them.
We need to know more about the people that we elect. Flyer blurbs, etc are not enough.
The same goes for our SRVUSD School Board that hired our Superintendent and other people who impact the education of our children. I have seen their names on ballots in past years but know nothing about them. Below is a list of our current Board Members.
In 2020, SRVUSD Board Members Greg Marvel and Mark Jewett will be up for re-election for a four-year term. In 2022, Board Members Rachel Hurd, Ken Mintz and Susanna Ordway will be up for re-election for a four-year term.
Perhaps we need to find out more about these people who have made some poor hires.
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