Kay Ayala seeks mayor's post Kay Ayala seeks mayor's post (June 11, 2004)

Veteran councilwoman launches campaign
by Jeb Bing

Two-term Councilwoman Kay Ayala has launched her campaign for mayor, telling supporters that she will work to keep Pleasanton "economically viable" with less government interference and a greater focus on the vitality of the private sector.

She will face fellow Councilwoman Jennifer Hosterman in the mayor's race, with retired businessman Jerry Thorne the only announced candidate for City Council. Three seats will be available in the Nov. 2 election. Mayor Tom Pico and Councilman Matt Campbell have decided not to seek re-election. Ayala's council seat is also open since she will be termed out after serving eight years on the council.

Ayala said that her first priority as mayor would be to complete the city's new General Plan final document that "citizens, business and the entire community can rally around."

"This is the General Plan that will take us to buildout, so it's important that it be acceptable to the community," she said. "There may be some issues that will require us taking them to the voters for final approval."

Determined to take the long proposed West Las Positas interchange at I-680 out of the new General Plan, Ayala stopped short of also canceling plans to extend Stoneridge Drive to El Charro and its interchange with I-580.

"We have to figure a way for office workers in Pleasanton to travel to their homes east of here," she said.

Ayala said she also would focus on moving forward as finances permit on developing the Bernal property in accordance with design proposals, and to support programs and facilities for both youths and seniors in Pleasanton.

"Eventually we'll want to take these plans to the voters for approval," she said, "although it could take a long time to complete the project."

Ayala said she is concerned by the fact that the Alameda County sales tax will rise to 8.75 percent on July 1, the highest in the state, which could drive consumers to shop outside the county, especially for automobiles.

"I have a sense that government is going to start relying even more on taxing us rather than making the cuts that are needed to improve the economic picture for the state and local communities," Ayala said. "As mayor, I'll work with the Chamber of Commerce and the city's Economic Vitality Committee, which I'm on, to concentrate on keeping our businesses thriving."

The filing period for candidates for mayor or City Council opens July 12 and closes Aug. 6. If no incumbents file to run again, the filing period extends to Aug. 11.

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