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Uploaded: Monday, October 1, 2012, 5:36 AM
Updated: Thursday, October 4, 2012, 5:50 AM
Two local organizations endorse Thorne for Pleasanton mayor, Pentin, DeMarcus for City Council
Recommendations follow meetings of Bay East Realtors, Pleasanton Chamber's political action committee
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by Jeb Bing
Pleasanton Weekly Staff
The political action committee of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Friday endorsed City Councilman Jerry Thorne for mayor in the upcoming municipal election on Nov. 6 and Planning Commission Chairman Jerry Pentin and transportation consultant Erlene DeMarcus for election to the Pleasanton City Council.
At the same time, the Bay East Association of Realtors announced that it is also endorsing Jerry Thorne for Pleasanton mayor and Jerry Pentin and Erlene DeMarcus for council.
Other candidates in the race who did not get the endorsements from the chamber's Business and Community Political Action Committee (BACPAC) or Bay East are Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Cheryl Cook-Kallio and council candidate Karla Brown.
Scott Raty, president and CEO of the Pleasanton Chamber, said the BACPAC decisions were based on interviews with all candidates and a recent public forum sponsored by the BACPAC in which candidates addressed priorities and answered questions rooted in "Pleasanton 2015: A Community Vision."
"Pleasanton 2015" is the chamber's local public policy platform with goals for the economy, jobs, education, transportation, public safety, health, housing, arts, leadership, culture and recreation.
In endorsing Thorne, Raty said the BACPAC members believed the candidate's extensive business experience makes him the right leader at the right time for challenges that lie ahead for Pleasanton.
"His 40-plus years in the private sector best qualify him to set the tone for public policy associated with economic development, job creation, fiscal accountability," a BACPAC statement said. "As a council member, he has sought to consolidate regional government agencies, retain local control for cities and been an advocate for guidelines to provide clarity and confidence to businesses wanting to expand in downtown."
"The community is fortunate to have both Cheryl Cook-Kallio and Jerry Thorne on the Pleasanton City Council for two more years, regardless who wins the mayor's seat in November," the BACPAC statement added. "Their strengths are different, but their voting records are similar. Both Thorne and Cook-Kallio received our endorsement for Council in the past for being hardworking, conscientious advocates for the best interests of the total community."
In the City Council race, where three candidates are vying for one of two seats to be available this year, BACPAC noted that Jerry Pentin and Erlene DeMarcus "bring a combination of experiences, are most closely aligned with Chamber goals articulated in Pleasanton 2015, and in our view, are best qualified to help Pleasanton remain the Bay Area's best place to live, work and raise a family.
BACPAC's endorsement reads: "Jerry Pentin has demonstrated passion for Pleasanton and high regard for the best interests of the total community through his many years of service as a Parks (and Recreation) Commissioner, Planning Commissioner and as a member of such committees and task forces as Veterans' Memorial Building Renovation, Firehouse Arts Center, Callippe Preserve, Downtown Arts and Hospitality.
"As current chairman of the Planning Commission, Pentin has earned a reputation for doing his homework, treating people fairly, using common-sense as a guide and not shying away from tough decisions.
"As owner of a local small business for 28 years and 20+ years participation in Rotary, Pentin has put time and talent as a videographer to work for countless philanthropic causes and youth organizations in the area."
As a former representative to the BART board of directors, Erlene DeMarcus established a reputation for getting things done, the Chamber's BACPAC stated. The committee cited her tireless efforts to bring divergent interests together, secure funding and hold people accountable as primary reasons for BART's first expansion to be here in the Tri-Valley.
"With many years of experience as a transportation consultant, DeMarcus brings expertise in transportation funding, administration and the political savvy needed to help solve growing problems associated with regional peak-hour commute traffic in the Tri-Valley," BACPAC said in a statement. "She should be particularly effective with Pleasanton's ongoing efforts to complete Highway 84, and extend El Charro Road to Stanley Boulevard."
"Her hard working, straight-shooting approach earned DeMarcus the respect of conservatives and liberals, builders and environmentalists alike throughout our region, and we are pleased to support her candidacy for City Council," BACPAC added.
BACPAC praised Karla Brown for her considerable homework and learning a lot about the community since her first attempt at elective office two years ago.
"We commend her for it," BACPAC stated. "Serving on the East Pleasanton Specific Plan Task Force for the next 12-18 months will provide an opportunity for Brown to acquire important experience balancing the wants of any given neighborhood with the needs of the greater community. It may also provide her an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to meeting Pleasanton's obligation for a Certified General Plan Housing Element.
Besides Pleasanton, the Bay East Association of Realtors also endorsed candidates in Dublin, Fremont, and San Leandro and for Hayward Unified School District board of trustees.
"The candidates endorsed by Bay East best demonstrate an understanding of issues that impact real estate transactions, property rights, public safety and municipal finances," said Doreen Roberts, 2012 President of the Bay East Association of Realtors.
"Leadership is one of the core Bay East values," Roberts added. "We thank all of the candidates running for election for their willingness to step up and serve the community. We wish them good luck and look forward to working together to maintain and improve the quality of life in our local communities."
The candidates earning Bay East endorsements are Dublin City Council, Kevin Hart; Fremont Mayor, Bill Harrison; Fremont City Council, Sue Chan and John Dutra; San Leandro City Council, Ursula Reed, Jim Prola and Chris Crow, and Hayward Unified School District Board of Trustees, Sara Lamnin, Heather Reyes and Annette Walker.
[Editor's Note: Michael Harris (a Pleasanton City Council candidate whose name appears at the top of the list in the election, has since dropped out of the race, but too late to have his name removed from the ballot.Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by George , a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 6:43 am If you want a house on every hill, vote for these pro-growth folks. My family is voting for Karla Brown. The only Slow Growth candidate on the city ballot in Pleasanton. Someone needs to replace our only 2 slow growth council members Cindy McGovern and Matt Sullivan.
Karla Brown gets my vote and my families votes. Don't let Pleasanton look like Dublin.
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Posted by Suzy, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 6:50 am That makes a lot of sense. My house values would drop with more growth and all of the construction traffic. The same thing happened when I moved to Fremont so I left and came here.
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Posted by George, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 6:56 am I remember when the Chamber's $$$$ was the kiss of death for a Pleasanton candidate. You just confirmed my vote. I support Cheryl Cook Kallio for her independent thinking, and Karla Brown for fighting to Save Pleasanton Hills and open space, all over Pleasanton!
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Posted by Kathleen Ruegsegger, a resident of the Vintage Hills Elementary School neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 7:20 am
Kathleen Ruegsegger is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com I'm not sure how losing a 500 acre park helped the community. Yes, it's a pretty property, but it's private property.
While slow growth has merit, at least one current council member benefited from different thinking many years ago and was able to build a home abutting the preserved Pleasanton Ridge. Slow growth also gave us forced growth by the state. I'm just saying there's at least two sides to consider on every issue.
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Posted by Jackson, a resident of the Vintage Hills Elementary School neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 7:23 am It looks like Cheryl's strong union ties hurt her in this election. But Erlene is even tighter tied to both Fire and Police unions. Erlene came by my house on Saturday. I told her No Thanks. I am not a union fan. I live on my pension and social security. No million dollar city pensions for me, but I guess as a taxpayer I will have to pay for them to retire at only 50 years young too. This mayor has us in a mess, and of course she is backing the union gals for office.
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Posted by Fred, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 7:29 am Kathleen, the state is requiring rezoning of affordable/high density housing, I think it is over 4300 units, some are built but more are coming. How would you like it if it was next door to you? Property rights also apply to people that live here too right?
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Posted by huh, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 8:06 am Fred, its more like rezoniong for 2,000 units of which 15% are affordable. Remember the City is NOT going to build one of these units. In today's economy, I can't help but wonder how fast any of this is going to get built anyway.
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Posted by Kathleen Ruegsegger, a resident of the Vintage Hills Elementary School neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 8:13 am
Kathleen Ruegsegger is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com Fred, I said growth is being forced by the state. Maybe slow growth (or fast growth) should have been intelligent growth. In our neighborhood, one negative is also the positive, particularly for the community.
Is "live here too" a way around the Oak Grove property battle? I just want to be sure we aren't splitting a hair to say the owners don't live here--it's still their property. I was one who felt a 500 acre park mitigated the number of houses.
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Posted by john, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 8:58 am Karla Brown has no respect for personal property or the rule of law. Pure Nimby-ism.
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Posted by Makes No Sense, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 9:24 am The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce endorsed Measure B1 on the November ballot and then went ahead and endorsed the mayoral candidate who is campaigning against B1. No good old boys network going here! The one tax that will generate jobs in Alameda County and Thorne is against it. Looks like the Chamber of Commerce endorsed against their own best interest! Should have stayed out of that race!
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Posted by Shelia, a resident of the California Somerset neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 9:57 am Karla stood up for her own neighborhood, and I KNOW she will use that energy to stand up for the citizens of Pleasanton. I met her at Farmers' market on Saturday and I am impressed by her knowledge of our city. She will fight for the citizens which is a lot better than fighting for the developers and realtor pro-growth groups.
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Posted by Jerry & Jerry, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 10:10 am I am for Jerry Thorne & Jerry Pentin, so am very glad to know both the Realtors and Chamber of Commerce are endorsing Jerry & Jerry.
To the extreme green no-growthers, we are about built out...moot point. From here on we need the best all around candidate. CofC is right on, with this economy, to consider Thorne's (Pentin too) business and financial background. Both Jerrys have served on the various commissions and committees longer than all the other candidates combined. Karla and Erlene each have very different flaws, but still wrong side of issues for Pleasanton.
As far as measure B1, Thorne was not against the purpose, only against the tax in perpetuity, meaning our great-grandkids would still be paying, and their kids too, forever. Thorne was/is right. ALL tax proposals should be have to be REsubmitted every 6 years or so anyway.
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Posted by question?, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 10:35 am Thorne wants the project but is against the funding of the projects. I guess he is not for the projects!
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Posted by justwondering, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 12:07 pm Thorne supports transportation funding but has been very clear that government needs to be held accountable to us the taxpayers by requiring an end date to the tax. An agency shouldn't be afraid of this if they are really doing a good job spending our money. The statement by the last poster makes no sense or he/she has had their head in the sand the last few weeks.
I find it curious that the other candidate talks about government accountability but then supports a tax with no end date. How is that making government accountable?
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Posted by Instructive on how to vote, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 4:06 pm The Chamber has done us all a great favor. Now I know to vote for the candidates they DIDN'T endorse!
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Posted by Jerry & Jerry, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2012 at 5:40 pm To question?....when you buy a car, does the loan have a 'termination' date, or do you buy it open ended, just keep on paying (over & over) forever ?????? I sure don't....only a fool would want to pay for something 'forever'...ooops forget AND BIG government spender types. Are you paying for your house forever??? or is it paid off at some point. You will still have 'repairs' understandable, and you will contract and pay for those 'as needed'.
To just wondering, it's the ' why sur, let's go whole hog' people who have brought us bankruptcy debt to our national gov, CA gov, and most counties in CA. So, so cruel to the next generation. OPM is really OKM ..... OurKidsMoney. Sadly, They are the people!!!!
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Posted by Terry Messick-Cass, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 2, 2012 at 10:26 am I will vote for Karla Brown for City Council. She supports slow & smart growth, open space & ridgeline protection; will safeguard historic downtown homes & neighborhoods. Finally, she will develop a plan for our financial future to address long-term city debt! GO KARLA!!!!!
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Posted by Coach, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Oct 2, 2012 at 10:42 am Karla Brown gets my vote. We need a voice for slow growth, property and taxpayers' protection. Unions have more than enough representation in this city.
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Posted by Becky, a member of the Foothill High School community, on Oct 2, 2012 at 5:19 pm Once again I call shenanigans!
Karla and her minions made little or NO effort whilst campaigning out in front of the Valley/Santa Rita Safeway to correct a mother and her children that the "Save OUR Ridgelines" campaign was for the Oak Grove area and not the Pleasanton Ridge until I made both her, her minions and the mis-informed mother that it would also include a 500 acre park, that the Oak Grove area is barely visible to ANY area in downtown Pleasanton. The fact that Karla, Steve Brozowsky et. al were simply concerned over their property values, (yes, Steve just happens to live at the top of a ridgeline on the aptly named Brozowsky Way) construction traffic and especially mitigating the rights of private property owners who at the time of the land purchase was initially approved for, and zoned for future residential construction.
No Karla, you were perfectly content knowing that a small percent of the voting population would look at your cute signs and assume that you were trying to save the Pleasanton Ridge from future development and not a small plot of land that would not present a visible obstruction of any real vital real estate. The real tragedy is that ignorance was bliss and you were able to pull it off. You, my friend are no friend of the tax paying, property owning citizens of Pleasanton you are simply yet another NIMBY wanna-be politician only looking after your own interests.
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Posted by Been Around, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 2, 2012 at 5:35 pm Ah, sour grapes for loosing an election issue. As always, if you cannot debate the issue you try to trash the messengers. How sad.
Get the same response after every protection measure wins by a landslide in Pleasanton. Those who campaign strongly for development after being defeated every time blame the public for not understanding the issue. Time to give the voters of Pleasanton some credit. And get off your horse of trashing anybody in the city you do not agree with that ends up being on the winning side of issues that the voters approve. It is getting old and pathetic.
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Posted by Justin, a resident of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood, on Oct 2, 2012 at 11:03 pm Dear Been Around,
Are you saying Becky and Jennifer are old and pathetic? I don't know, but Older than my mom for sure.
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