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Karla Brown, who helped stop Oak Grove development, to run for council
8-year resident is president of homeowners' group, Realtors' council

by Jeb Bing

Karla Brown, a real estate broker associate and an 18-year Pleasanton resident, filed paperwork Monday with City Clerk Karen Diaz to become a candidate in the Nov. 2 election for City Council.

Brown said that she and her husband Tim Belcher have been involved in the community as they raised their three daughters, coached RAGE soccer, volunteered in their schools and worked to protect Pleasanton.

"As a Pleasanton business woman, I am interested in growth that is well balanced and will preserve our community's excellent quality of life," Brown said.

"I was very disappointed when a few of our current City Council members stood on street corners downtown, discouraging citizens from placing two controversial issues on the ballot," Brown said. "The citizens' goals were to put stricter ridgeline protections to a vote, and ultimately into law. The citizens also intended to block construction of a recently approved ridgeline development called 'Oak Grove.'"

"Through hard work, money and perseverance, the citizens won, ultimately nullifying the council's approval," she added. "I think listening to the citizens and the protection of our city are vital characteristics of a good council member. I am concerned that many of our council members may be more interested in special interest groups, than in representing the people. It is time for a change in Pleasanton politics."

Before working in Pleasanton, Brown earned a business degree from San Jose State University, and was a successful manager in Silicon Valley. She is currently president of the Women's Council of Realtors in Dublin and president of the Kottinger Ranch Homeowners Association, the community where she lives.

She is a broker associate with Keller-William Realty in Pleasanton.

For more information, contact Brown at 200-1909 or visit her website at www.Vote4Karla.com, which she said will be up and running shortly.