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Uploaded: Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 7:56 AM
Updated: Thursday, February 7, 2013, 6:43 AM
2 candidates qualify for special Pleasanton City Council race May 7, 2 others may be ready to file
Election will fill council seat vacated last November when Councilman Jerry Thorne was elected mayor
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by Jeb Bing
Pleasanton Weekly Staff
The special election scheduled for May 7 to fill an empty seat on the Pleasanton City Council became a bit more interesting yesterday as two candidates submitted final papers and paid their fees to qualify for ballot positions.
A third candidate was expected to take out nomination papers Wednesday, according to City Clerk Karen Diaz.
Planning Commissioner Kathy Narum and David Miller signed in yesterday in Diaz' office. Mark Hamilton met with Diaz Wednesday and was given nomination papers. Olivia Sanwong Handerson also met with Diaz but said Wednesday that she has not yet decided if she will be a candidate in the May 7 election.
On May 7, voters will be asked to choose a candidate for the Pleasanton City Council in a special election that will be by mail-in balloting only. The vote is necessary to fill the council seat vacated by the election of Jerry Thorne to the mayor's post last November.
Narum, who will spell out here priorities as a member of the City Council at a fundraising breakfast tomorrow at the Fairgrounds Pavilion restaurant, has already named her campaign staff.
She said fellow Planning Commissioner Arne Olson has agreed to serve as her campaign treasurer, and that Planning Commissioner Jennifer Pearce will be co-manager of her campaign. Also named a co-campaign manager is Nancy Allen, a Danbury Park neighborhood homeowner who is frequently involved in Pleasanton's land use issues.
Narum, the first candidate to enter the May 7 council race, is in her fifth year on the Planning Commission. She has been active in civic events since moving to Pleasanton in 1996. Prior to her appointment to the Planning Commission, Narum served on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission for five years.
Narum is also a member of the city's East Pleasanton Specific Plan Task Force and is chairwoman of the city's Heritage Tree board of appeals.
David Miller, 47, lives in Pleasanton with his wife and three daughters. Director of engineering program management for a Silicon Valley semiconductor company, he has been a member of the grassroots PleasantonTeaParty.com movement.
Miller also is a frequent speaker at meetings of the City Council and Pleasanton school board. Last Tuesday, he praised the council for the "transparency" it showed in its review of employee pension reform liabilities and efforts the council is making to reduce those liabilities.
Mark Hamilton is director of financial services at ADP in Pleasanton, where he has worked for the last 15 years. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and Economics from Golden Gate University, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982 at Purdue University.
Olivia Sanwong Handerson, a graduate of Amador Valley High School, is a member of Pleasanton's Economic Vitality Committee. She is a market intelligence employee at Autodesk, an information technology and services firm, and is a volunteer at both Tri-Valley Haven and the Museum on Main.
She earned a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 2011 from Simmons College's School of Management in Boston and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics in 2000 from UCLA.
A possible fifth candidate, Warren Dumanski, took out filing papers last week for the council election but told City Clerk Diaz on Tuesday that he has decided not to seek that office at this time.
Because of a change in the city's Municipal Code a decade ago, vacancies on the council must be filled by election, not appointment as used to be the law.
The mail-in ballot will cost $250,000, a fee charged by the Alameda County Registrar to conduct the election. That's still $100,000 under what the county would charge for a traditional election where voters could choose between a polling place or the mail to cast their ballots.
The balloting-by-mail process also can be done about a month faster than an election with polling places that could not be held before June. As it is, the winner of the May 7 election won't be seated on the council until June 4.
It's not clear how a mail-in ballot will affect turnout in the May election. Although a record-high 47% of all voters who cast ballots in the Nov. 6 election cast their votes by mail, a majority, 53%, still preferred going to the polls.
That 47%, City Manager Nelson Fialho pointed out, was not only the highest percentage of voters casting their votes by mail in Pleasanton, but also in any city in the county.
The council had the option of changing the code now to allow for an appointment of someone to fill the vacant council seat, but that would have required an ordinance change, public hearings and time allowed to an appeal, putting the appointed council member in office about the same time that an elected one could be seated.
Although those interested in seeking the council position can still file up until 5 p.m. Friday, any errors in their nomination papers might not be corrected in time to make the corrections and submit them by the filing deadline. Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by Christina Nystrom Mantha, a member of the Walnut Grove Elementary School community, on Feb 6, 2013 at 8:32 am Our family is so excited about the candidacy of Olivia Sanwong! We went to high school with her at Amador and know that she will provide an energetic, unique and fresh voice on the City Council. She is intelligent, has a lot of common sense and is passionate about Pleasanton. Thanks for running, Olivia!
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Posted by Sharon, a resident of the California Reflections neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:09 am I totally agree. Olivia is smart, she is a hard worker and she will make a great city council person. I am VERY happy she is running!
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Posted by Bill Fazakerly, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:13 am David Miller is the caliber of candidate we need to represent the people of Pleasanton. He is not backed by unions, so when it comes time to negotiate contracts, David will fairly represent the taxpayers of Pleasanton. David believes in free markets, so when businesses want to locate in Pleasanton, he will insure that all zoning requirements are met, but he will not put arbitrary road blocks in their way because they happen to be non-union. David has children in the Pleasanton schools, and when school issues come to the table, he will be on the side of the parents and children who do not always share the views of the administration and CTA. I urge the people of Pleasanton to do the research and vote for David Miller.
Bill Fazakerly, 15-year Pleasanton resident.
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Posted by Pro-Pleasanton, a resident of the Parkside neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:16 am Mark Hamilton is a pillar of the local community, volunteering countless hours, including coaching Amador's wrestling teams and coaching youth football. I've worked with Mark for over 15 years and play softball with or against him all summer long at the Pleasanton SportsPark.
I'd highly recommend Mark for the Council. As a local professional and community volunteer, he will bring sensible leadership to the council that has been absent for some time. Good luck, Mark.
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Posted by jay, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:50 am David Miller has been front-and-center in working with the city on the pension issues. He is quite knowledgeable about this issue and believes in a fair system for all (not just fair to the unions). I have been impressed when he has spoken at the city council on these issues.
I will agree with Bill above that we need to make sure that whoever you vote for is not backed by the unions. The unions have been in control of the city for too long and it is now time to get the city back to the residents. The unions feel they are entitled to all of our money and will stop at nothing to get it, as we have seen in the city and the state.
I was so happy to hear that David is running. He has the business sense that is needed, and since he has three young kids he is concerned about their quality of life now and in the future. I will definitely be supporting him.
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Posted by Peter MacDonald, a resident of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:00 am Kathy Narum has been an outstanding Planning Commissioner, helping applicants, neighbors, staff and commissioners reach compromises that satisfied all sides. She has more experience with City policy than any other candidate, and for the people who deal with her, it is a good experience.
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Posted by Fred Jansen, a resident of the Ironwood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:07 am (Comment makes no sense and has been removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff.)
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Posted by Miller Supporter, a resident of the Country Fair neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:09 am Everyone should check out David Miller's full capabilities and experience. You will learn and agree his accomplishments in the private sector as well as with our City government far out weigh other candidates. He's the One for our votes! VOTE DAVID MILLER.
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Posted by Will vote for Miller, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:17 am I'm voting for Miller.
The city has reacted with inappropriate skepticism to some residents' concerns, shifted the burden to the residents to prove their assertions, and failed to pass on the concerns to the appropriate departments within the city or other agencies.
I'm tired of seeing the city decline with appointed and elected officials agreeing to loopholes which compromises the safety of residents in the community by "compromises" driven by land use attorneys .
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Posted by Suzanne, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:24 am I agree with Bill Fazackerly. David is the best candidate for the job. The only special interests that David Miller will serve are the Pleasanton citizens and taxpayers, NOT the unions. If you take your vote seriously research the candidates. After you do so, I am confident you will vote for David Miller.
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Posted by Rabid Tea Partier, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:30 am David is also a rabid Tea Partier and the head of the Tri Valley Patriots. Better do you homework before you vote for someone who will take Pleasanton back to the stone age.
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Posted by Theresa , a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:36 am To "Rabid Tea Partier"
If you did YOUR homework you would understand the truth about the Tea Party movement and not just the lies told by the media.
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Posted by Becky Farrar BaanHofman, a resident of another community, on Feb 6, 2013 at 10:43 am Glad to see Olivia Sanwong is running for city council. Always fun to see a fellow Amador Alumni who was raised in Pleasanton continue to serve the community.
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Posted by Susie, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 11:32 am Rabid Tea Partier,
You have got to be kidding! "... not just the lies told by the media"??!! Most of the media in this country has declared war on The Tea Party because it is a voice against the rabid left-wing-loonism they so readily embrace. So, please stuff your loonism and let's keep the commentary focus on the candidates' records.
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Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on Feb 6, 2013 at 11:35 am Can anybody sign up to win? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...!
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Posted by Bill Fazakerly, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 11:56 am Many Pleasanton residents are proudly associated with the Tea Party. We are conservatives who are alarmed at the incredible debt that our nation is accumulating and concerned about the fiscal irresponsibility that has trickled down to our state and cities. Pleasanton is not among those cities that have gone totally nuts with union benefits and other spending, but having council members like David Miller will help us to insure that we do not join Vallejo, Stockton, and the other California cities that are financially insolvent and unable to maintain their city services, and also unable to maintain their promises to the unions. I am a frequent attendee at City Council meetings, and I have heard David speak quite often. I have also heard all of the other present and former council members. I have a lot of respect for Jerry Thorne and the Council members; that said, I believe David Miller is a very needed voice, and brain, on the Council.
Bill Fazakerly
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Posted by liberalism is a disease, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 1:08 pm
liberalism is a disease is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com Bill, David sounds like a great candidate. He's probably not a good choice for the flaming leftists posting here, but they are thankfully a minority (albeit a very whiny, vocal one).
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Posted by Pleasanton needs Miller, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 1:09 pm I have known David Miller on a professional and personal level for years. I am delighted to hear Dave is in the running for a council seat and wish him well!
Pleasanton residents will truly benefit from an intelligent, reasonable guy like Dave on the City Council.I have known him to be thoughtful and easygoing, as well as easily approachable and friendly.
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Posted by Patriot, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 2:25 pm But when the tea party people invite speakers to local events whose main purpose is to prove that Obama's birth certificate is fake, one has to question their motives. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just Google it.
Is David Miller related to the Doug Miller who has been posting on these forums recently? If so, I hope he doesn't share his rather dogmatic and unthinking viewpoints.
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Posted by Great news, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 3:38 pm So happy to hear David Miller is running!
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Posted by Sorry, Olivia, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 8:03 pm I'm voting for David Miller.
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Posted by David , a resident of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 8:17 pm Kathy Narum is clearly and by far the most qualified for the position. She gets my vote.
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Posted by Why?, a resident of the Country Fair neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 8:30 pm You say Kathy is qualified, based on what? She has voted in favor of every development that has come along for years. I am not a fan.
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Posted by Tea Party Proud, a resident of the Valley Trails neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:40 pm Miller's my man, for sure. He won't molleycawdill the corrupt unions and all the public servants who are getting rich off of the public taxpayers teet.
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Posted by Busy bee, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:41 pm I am so happy to hear that David is a candidate. I have discussed matters important to our community with him, and I have been impressed with his beliefs. He wants what we want for Pleasanton and for our schools. Take time to listen to David before you make your decision.
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Posted by Tea Party Proud, a resident of the Valley Trails neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 9:48 pm I forgot to mention: All eight members of my household will be voting for Miller. And I definitely am NOT the individual who has posted the last half dozen or so pro-Miller posts.
PS I've already seen about a dozen Miller signs on my street. And all of my neighbors are very enthustiatic in there support for him.
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Posted by Patriot, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 11:33 pm Does Mr. Miller or his supporters ever respond to questions or concerns raised by others or do we just get a bunch of mindless cheer leading?
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Posted by liberalism is a disease, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 9:52 am
liberalism is a disease is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com Patriot, I'd like to answer your loaded question with another question: When did you stop beating your wife?
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Posted by Pleasanton TP supporter, a resident of Livermore, on Feb 7, 2013 at 11:00 am I will answer you, 'Patriot'. There was A Tea Party event one year, to which A self-proclaimed, so-called 'birther', Orly Taitz, was invited to speak (and later uninvited). Ms Taitz was invited because she was on the ballot as a candidate for Secretary of State.
Therefore, the statement "tea party people invite speakers to local events whose main purpose is to prove that Obama's birth certificate is fake" is inaccurate. Ms Taitz was invited by A Tea Party person (not David Miller) to A single event, and her main purpose was that she was a candidate, the same purpose for which every speaker was invited to that event.
Other candidates objected (other Tea Party people didn't like her being there either, you can ask David Miller if he is among them) and Ms Taitz was uninvited.
So Patriot - Make of it what you will, but lets be truthful with each other. Oops too late, you are already making stuff up. In addition, this has NOTHING to do with the City Council race, and is a mere smear tactic.
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Posted by Another Tea Drinker, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 11:57 am I don't think we have to justify the Tea Party to any one. Most of the people is Pleasanton no that we are that Party of TRUTH,FREEDOM, and FAIR and BALANCED. We support David Miller because our FOUNDING FATHERS would have suppoertd him. THIS is a FACT. Can you name ONE Founding Fathers who have joined a union?
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Posted by Patriot, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 10:26 pm TP Supporter,
"Oops too late, you are already making stuff up."
Sorry, I can't see where I made anything up. Taitz's main purpose appears to be to to question Obama's place of birth. The was the whole point of her candidacy. She was not a serious candidate.
"and is a mere smear tactic. "
Smear tactic? You make it sound like I'm supporting some candidate. Who knows, I may vote for this David Miller myself. I sure hope Mr. Miller was one of the organizers who didn't want Taitz at the event.
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Posted by Pleasanton TP supporter, a resident of Livermore, on Feb 8, 2013 at 1:48 pm " I sure hope Mr. Miller was one of the organizers who didn't want Taitz at the event"
So, you brought up the Taitz thing for mere guilt by association? You don't dispute that you pluralized your words, you admit you have no idea who in the Tea Party invited Taitz to one event a few years back.
You used a very broad brush in making an accusation. That is, quite simply, a smear tactic. Trust me, a TP supporter knows a smear tactic when they see one. I know the people who associate with the TP in the Bay Area and beyond. We are called racist, bigoted, homophobes because we want smaller government. The only response to a group of citizens who want common sense reform and smaller government is to smear us, as a whole and individually. You did it, probably almost reflexively.
And to add to it, you attempt to associate David Miller to another person who posts here anonymously using the name Miller. You do not seem like you 1) know anything about David Miller 2) are considering voting for him.
Just be truthful, you made a sloppy and hearsay assertion with zero evidence of a single grain of truth to back it up.
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Posted by Fred Watson, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, on Mar 4, 2013 at 9:04 pm I could not recommend anyone more for the current city council seat than I do Mr. David Miller.
David Miller was NOT part of the TEA Party event where Ms Orly Taitz was to speak. However I was, as head of security, as well as a member of the organization running said event.
I was the one who invited Ms Taitz to the event, and unfortunately was the one to have to remove her from the speakers schedule. As much as I respect Ms Taitz for her tenacity and conviction, she was removed at my recommendation based on her refusal to work within the guidelines of the guest speakers.
This was a decision made between me and the event coordinator. David Miller had no knowledge or part of said event with Ms Taitz. Google Fred Watson and Orly Taitz to confirm this.
I would like to reach out to every Oath Keeper and family member of any Oath Keeper within the city of Pleasanton. Each year we celebrate July 4th. How unfortunately it has lost its original meaning of Independence day by calling it July 4th. We should call it what it is, Independence day, but another subject for another time.
We enjoy this country and the liberties that go with it each day because of the men and women of the original TEA party movement. Unfortunately those liberties are dimishing at an alarming rate. The TEA Party movement first started in the Boston Harbor due to the over taxation by our British friends.
Although our forefathers used actual TEA bags tossed over board to get their point across, that act does not diminish the purpose for which it was done. The modern day movement and its acronym still represents the same problem they had then, TEA Party = Taxed Enough Already. Have we not been Taxed enough?
I'm reaching out to the Oath Keepers and the families of Oath Keepers because David Miller represents the same traditional American family values as our forefathers. David Miller is not one to blow with the whimsical genre' of the current wind, but is grounded on the principles of what this country was founded on. What more could you want in a candidate?
Get to know David Miller and you will see a family man full of Patriotism, responsibility and conviction. Would we want anything less representing us? I know David and his wife and how concerned they are for their childrens future as well as everyone else's. Lets put this hard working, business oriented family man in the city council seat.
For those using the term tea bagger and not feeling they are paying enough taxes, In the spirit of cooperation, I will gladly share my tax burden with you. Let me know where to send the bills.
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