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Publication Date: Friday, October 29, 2004 Letters
Letters
(October 29, 2004) Thorne has character
Editor,
Jerry Thorne is a great example of what we would like all adults to model for our children. He has served on the Community of Character Coalition since its inception. He has encouraged the sports organizations in Pleasanton to sign our pledge to uphold the strong character traits we want our children to have. Those traits are Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Respect, Honesty, Integrity and Respect. He will be an excellent policy maker and a much-needed voice of caring about the entire community on our City Council.
Juanita HaugenPleasanton
Reflecting shared values
Editor,
As spouse-of-mayor I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you who make Pleasanton such a great community, and have heard many acknowledgments of my husband Tom. I believe mayoral and City Council candidates Jennifer Hosterman, Matt Sullivan and Cindy McGovern will continue the forward progress my husband has fostered. Hosterman is the consummate Pleasantonian, raising a wonderful family, and leading local endeavors such as building healthy creeks and downtown vitality. Matt Sullivan is absolutely inspiring with a keen intelligence and passion to implement his ideas into action, to wit his leadership in creating our leading-edge energy committee. Cindy McGovern as a school board member and exemplary community volunteer has tirelessly championed the betterment of our children and families.
Karen Pico Pleasanton
Ayala can lead
Editor,
Individuals serving our community: Why would you willingly cost Pleasanton taxpayers roughly $150,000? That money can be better spent on parks, sports facilities or other community amenities. I'd much rather have it spent there than on a special election. Jennifer Hosterman should finish the job she was elected for before deciding to climb the political ladder. She has only served two short years as a City Council member. Why leave the position early?
Kay Ayala has completed every job the Pleasanton voters have hired her for, never leaving when things were only half done. To me this shows a certain amount of integrity, stability and fiscal responsibility.
Bruce TorquemadaPleasanton
Thorne is thinker
Editor,
We have candidates that want to build a moat around Pleasanton so that no one can get in or out and then on the other hand profess to be for better regional transportation - inconsistent at best. We have folks running that swear up and down now that they support business but have spoken about how bad business interests are for this community. We have folks who have lived here during the growth years where development money built our wonderful schools and parks and now feel that development interests are shameful.
To my thinking, we need a thinker who will weigh all without prejudice and vote for what is best for Pleasanton. That man is Jerry Thorne.
David WaldenBelleza Drive
For Hosterman, Sullivan, McGovern
Editor,
Based on my experience and observations I am supporting the following:
¥ Jennifer Hosterman for Mayor - a great example of someone who works for neighborhoods and our quality of life. Jennifer is representing Pleasanton on several regional boards to solve problems of traffic, housing, etc. She fought to stop the ill-conceived Waterpark with its projected large impacts on traffic, noise, etc.
¥ Matt Sullivan is best suited to work on key issues facing Pleasanton. He has credibility and we can trust him to work for the best interests of Pleasanton.
¥ Finally, I am supporting Cindy McGovern over Jerry Thorne Cindy will be stronger on quality-of-life issues that affect our beautiful city.
George ReidGerard Court
'Fire' for Hosterman, Thorne
Editor,
The Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Local 1974 supports Jennifer Hosterman for mayor and Jerry Thorne for City Council.
Hosterman donned 50 pounds of firefighting clothing and equipment, was given the fire nozzle and, as a part of a firefighting crew, fought hot and dirty fires for most of the day. She asked many questions of staff and firefighters. Also, she currently serves on the Livermore-Pleasanton Joint Powers Authority and is effective in setting fire department policy, goals and objectives for the fire department because she understands the job. The firefighters feel the respect she gives to people, even those who attack her, is refreshing. Hosterman continues to foster good working relationships with the state, county and neighboring cities.
Thorne has supported us and our need to be equipped and trained to answer that unwanted, unexpected emergency call. He has thought enough of us and his community to volunteer his time.
Scott WalshVice President, Livermore Pleasanton Firefighters Local 1974
We need Sullivan
Editor,
I ask Pleasanton voters to please cast your vote for Matt Sullivan for City Council. Matt's family has resided in Pleasanton for a number of years. His wife, Wendi, is a Pleasanton school teacher. His son, Joe, is in his first year of college, and his daughter, Katie, is a sophomore at Foothill High School. Matt has long served this community as a Planning Commissioner, carefully scrutinizing every proposal to ensure that Pleasanton maintains its unique character and charm.
To Matt's credit, our General Plan update will include an energy element, a water element and a sustainability element - not many California cities have reached that goal. Further, Matt has been instrumental in bringing Pleasanton green building guidelines, both commercial and residential. Matt's vision for Pleasanton is what I'm looking for in our new city leaders.
Jennifer HostermanCouncil Member
Thorne person of action
Editor,
Jerry Thorne demonstrates family and whole community values. He has made extensive contributions to the city's young residents, being the driving force behind both the Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center on Black Avenue and the recent citizen's initiative (adopted by the City Council) to build more sports facilities on the Bernal Property.
Jerry thinks and acts for the benefit of the entire community, something not all of the other candidates do.
Jerry is a (retired) experienced and capable business executive who understands the benefits of sound planning and the execution of the plan. He is a person of action, not debate and delay. He will practice sound leadership and not interfere or micro-manage the city staff.
Brad HirstMinivet Court
Matt on top of issues
Editor,
I have served with Matt Sullivan over the past three years on the Pleasanton Energy Committee and he has always been prepared and on top of the issues. I have not always agreed with him, but I have always known where he stood on an issue and why - and this combination of energy and integrity is what I look for in a public office candidate. His six years on the Planning Commission is valuable experience in city matters, which Pleasanton can use at this point when so much experience is being lost.
Bob NickesonPleasanton Energy Committee
Jennifer is strong
Editor,
As a council member, Jennifer Hosterman spends lots of time listening to what Pleasanton people are concerned about. She has been standing very strong on what she believes is right and has the courage to fight for Pleasanton people. She has shown her commitment to act on behalf of people but not on special interests and made no compromises on issues that may risk the quality of life.
Xian HuanDiavila Ave
Thorne for all
Editor,
Let's be honest! Not one of the Mayoral or City Council Candidates can solve the issues (affordable housing, traffic, etc). They are the same issues each election and will continue to be. Only with skilled city planning and regional involvement will the "issues" be addressed and gradually remedied. We must vote on the most honest and capable candidate. Without question that candidate is Jerry Thorne. He has demonstrated his capability through his Park and Recreation Commission tenure, his Bernal Task Force leadership and his most recent involvement in bringing sports fields to Bernal Community Park. His drive is fueled by his passion for the city and what is best for all of its residents, not just a select few.
Bob and Trish MaasPleasanton
Cindy is dedicated
Editor,
I believe Cindy McGovern is the right person for the Pleasanton City Council. Over the past several years, I have worked with Cindy on the Teen Center and the Bernal Block Party. She is extremely dedicated, and when she tells you that she will do something she does it fully. Her decisions are based on doing lots of research and checking multiple sources. Her goal is to make decisions that are right for the overall community.
Scott R. TuckerYouth Commission Vice-Chairperson
In support of Ayala
Editor,
I recently met Kay Ayala at an event on Main Street. My first impressions were that she is committed to our community and really cares about everyone's concerns and well-being. I've since followed the local politics a little closer and have learned that Kay has built a very solid foundation for serving this community as mayor through her eight years on the City Council. In fact, she has more experience than any of the other candidates, even combined.
Kay's interest in the prosperity of our town is rooted in the fact that she has four generations (a mother, children and grandchildren) all living in Pleasanton.
Eugene TheronKottinger Drive
Thorne clarifies position
Editor,
For some time I have opposed the construction of the West Las Positas Interchange. The cost of constructing it is too high, the benefits will not justify the cost, and there is no appropriate funding mechanism. I am also concerned about the safety issues. It is also clear to me now that our citizens do not want it in the General Plan.
I would like to propose the following:
¥ Remove the interchange from the General Plan;
¥ Preserve the land as open space;
¥ Allow future generations to revisit the issue, but require a vote of the people to place the interchange back into the General Plan.
This is an issue that has divided our community for too long and we need to get it resolved.
Jerry ThorneCandidate, City Council
Jennifer, Matt care
Editor,
When we moved to Pleasanton we were excited about our new neighborhood, happy to find a home that allowed our children to ride their bikes without the fear of being run over. Six months after moving in, we found out about the plans to develop Lund Ranch II. I contacted Jennifer Hosterman, and both Jennifer and Matt Sullivan came out. They really cared about how we felt; more than that they made themselves available to understand the issues.
When I think of Jennifer I think of her willingness to stand up for what the citizens want. We do not always agree on everything, but unlike the other candidates, I know when she tells me her position on something she will not go back on it just because it may be unpopular.
Matt advised us as to how we should go about getting our voices heard. We now have the visibility as well as the proper analysis being done to determine if this development is what the city needs.
Debara and Jim FrostPleasanton
Thorne is for ALL
Editor,
With close to 30 years experience as a volunteer and commissioner within the city of Pleasanton, our candidate for City Council, Jerry Thorne, has the background to understand the workings of our community. Jerry's vision for the future of Pleasanton is based on what is good for ALL its residents: the youth, seniors, and the in-between-agers. This vision includes traffic solutions that benefit our General Plan, developing affordable housing options, and creating and improving lighted sports fields. Thorne is a man of integrity who places the best interests of Pleasanton first.
Bob and Pat LanePleasanton
McGovern effective
Editor,
This year's election race for Pleasanton City Council has a candidate with 10 years of elected public service experience. There is a candidate that we all have observed listening to the community, seeking information and making informed decisions that are good for the community as a whole. That candidate is Cindy McGovern. Let's elect this effective leader and decision-maker.
Betsy EverettPleasanton
Sullivan understands, cares
Editor,
I have proudly served with Matt Sullivan on the Planning Commission for five years. He consistently supports neighborhoods and is not swayed by well-financed developers and attorneys. He is strongly opposed to cut-through traffic and challenges the city traffic model and projections used to justify new large developments, the West Las Positas interchange, and the Stoneridge/El Charro freeway connections. I have never seen him waver from his core values. He led the Planning Commission to develop and adopt city-wide green building practices. He understands and truly cares about our great city.
Brian ArkinPleasanton Planning Commissioner
Thorne's open mind
Editor,
Council candidate Jerry Thorne seems to be the only candidate running for public office in Pleasanton who understands that central Pleasanton has a stake in the traffic debate. Those of us who live in Country Faire, Pleasanton Valley, Birdland, the Black Avenue Corridor, etc., will be impacted by decisions made with the traffic element of the General Plan update. Why has the City Council not allowed the staff to look into the community-wide impacts of these decisions prior to the election? Could it be that the council and other council candidates do not want us to know that the traffic elements they have pledged to remove will have a huge impact on the rest of us? Jerry Thorne has pledged to at least keep an open mind until these impacts are well understood.
Barbara Davies WalshPleasanton
Sullivan for sound planning
Editor,
Matt Sullivan is prepared to tackle the key issues Pleasanton will be facing in the next several years. The challenges include affordable housing, traffic congestion and adoption of a new General Plan to guide the build-out of our city. The long hours Matt has spent with his Planning Commission work will prove invaluable to what the City Council must do on these matters.
As an engineer, Matt will also help our city develop energy policies to meet the crunch we see in our utility bills and the supply restrictions that periodically threaten us.
Christopher SchliesPeters Street
Voice on neighborhoods
Editor,
I support Matt Sullivan and Jennifer Hosterman because they are responsive, responsible, energetic, knowledgeable and accessible. But I particularly appreciate that they support neighborhood interests. In contrast, Jerry Thorne, who in a guest interview March 14, 2003, of the Pleasanton Weekly, says elected leadership should make decisions "in the best interest of the entire community and not necessarily catering to very small but vocal neighborhood groups."
I trust representatives who respectfully listen to the citizens over people who feel they can impose their values and agenda on the public by deciding what is best for Pleasanton and ignoring the voice of the people who would be most impacted by those decisions.
Marjorie MuentzSharab Court
Thorne supports sports
Editor,
As you drive around Pleasanton on a weekend, rarely in dry weather do you see empty fields. Our town is a sports town. Jerry Thorne not only supports Pleasanton sports but embraces it. Recent studies show that over 50 percent of Americans are overweight, which includes a chunk of our children as well. Keep your kids active by keeping our sports, our fields and our pools full of kids having fun by getting exercise. Thorne in City Council is a voice sports families want in office. As president of the Pleasanton Seahawks, I support Jerry Thorne for City Council and thank him as a friend for supporting the Seahawks for the past 10 years.
Chris SeitzPleasanton
Sullivan, McGovern consistent
Editor,
Two years ago when Jerry Thorne ran for City Council, he was supporting the West Las Positas Interchange and the Stoneridge Extension and/or to keep it in the General Plan. He finished fourth with two council positions open. This afternoon, he had a group of supporters at Muirwood Drive and West Las Positas with posters stating "No West Las Positas Interchange." In following debates and newspaper accounts this year, his stand has always been, in my opinion, "suspect." For City Council, please vote for candidates that have been consistently against (or for) issues important to you. Vote for Matt Sullivan and Cindy McGovern.
Gary FletcherMuirwood Drive
Not prime-time ready
Editor,
I am endorsing Kay Ayala for mayor and Jerry Thorne and Cindy McGovern for City Council. All three have exceptional experience and attitudes that encourage inclusiveness in local government. Contrarily, Jennifer Hosterman and Matt Sullivan have displayed arrogance and exclusivity surrounding their agenda. Hosterman with Planning Commissioner Sullivan's backing pushed through the embarrassing Patriot Act letter from Pleasanton to the federal government one year ago. Likewise, when the Pleasanton Weekly has written editorials opposed to Hosterman's and Sullivan's agenda, they have responded with cutting and sarcastic letters. Hosterman and Sullivan only want to hear from citizens who agree with their actions, so I believe Hosterman and Sullivan are not ready for prime time.
Mike DuartePleasanton
Proven dedication
Editor,
We are fortunate to have a strong pool of candidates to choose two City Council members and a new mayor. I want individuals who can wade through dense information and then make an informed decision for residents, with an eye to the future.
Jennifer Hosterman as mayor, and Matt Sullivan and Cindy McGovern for City Council are the three candidates that meet my criteria because all three have proven their tireless dedication to our city. Hosterman sits on the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency and is our strongest advocate against the expansion of the Livermore airport. Planning Commissioner Matt Sullivan has an equally impressive record and worked diligently on the impacts of the proposed West Las Positas interchange on adjacent neighborhoods. Cindy McGovern has been a champion of Pleasanton children through her multiple terms on the PUSD School Board.
Joanne HallFoxswallow Road
Thorne is 'uniter'
Editor,
I believe there is only one clear choice to be elected to Pleasanton's City Council this November, and that would be Jerry Thorne. He is a reasoned and reasonable person, a seasoned executive who has served this city over 15 years on task force projects and commissions to the benefit of all our citizens.
I also believe that Jerry Thorne will be a uniter and not a divider of our citizens, neighborhoods and community groups, on important issues facing us in the upcoming General Plan review. This gentleman has only one agenda, which is for the continued success and improvement of Pleasanton for all of our citizens.
Gerry BrunkenPaseo Del Cajon
Sierra endorsements
Editor,
Fellow citizens, I'm asking you to join me in voting for Matt Sullivan for City Council and Jennifer Hosterman for mayor. I know these people and I've learned that they care deeply for our city. Maybe you're asking, why should I vote for these people just cause some guy says I should?
Maybe you'd vote for them if you knew that the Sierra Club endorses both candidates. Those of you who feel strongly about having a clean glass of water and fresh air know that the Sierra Club is cautious, even obsessive, about whom they endorse. They know that we can't make any mistakes when it comes to our children's health. Matt and Jennifer know that, too.
Mark EmersonPleasanton
Hosterman best
Editor,
Jennifer Hosterman is the best candidate for mayor. Hosterman was the only council member who responded to our concerns regarding the proposed water park and Livermore Airport expansion. None of the others, including Kay Ayala, returned a phone call nor e-mail. Jennifer believes that City Hall should fight for the people. She brought the first E-Waste (electronic waste) day.
Jennifer has a vision for the next two years as mayor. She will work to eliminate cut-through traffic on our streets. She will carefully guide the General Plan update, as it will take us through build-out, and she will have it include an Energy Element, a Water Element and a Sustainability Element.
Kelli and Terry WongBallantyne Drive
Thorne tireless for children
Editor,
As a resident of Pleasanton for over 25 years, I have witnessed the tremendous development the city of Pleasanton has experienced. Throughout the course of this development, Jerry Thorne has been a consistent and thoughtful advocate for our youth and youth activities. As the key figure in the development of the 50-meter Olympic pool in Pleasanton, and as a nine-year member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Jerry continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our children.
Todd TuckerFargo Court
Hosterman for Mayor
Editor,
Jennifer Hosterman is the mayor Pleasanton needs at this critical time in our growth, because she is responsive to residents while being unafraid to take on tough issues. We recently sent a series of messages to City Council members, and Jennifer was the only mayoral candidate to respond to each and every inquiry. Her responses not only were thorough, they encouraged additional interaction as she sought deeper understanding on the implications of her leadership decisions! Hosterman has demonstrated conviction and strength by challenging the ramifications of unchecked expansion by big-box retailers, something that few others were willing to take on. Jennifer is also about smart growth.
James, Mary, Aleia and Daniel Van DykePleasanton
Matt man of vision
Editor,
Matt Sullivan has been there for Pleasanton on many issues that could have changed the Pleasanton we know and love. When we were threatened with having RO sewage water dumped into our aquifer, Matt actively worked against doing this. Matt was there opposing the Enron plant that threatened to change the east side of town. Citizens came together in opposition to the plant's location and the Energy Advisory Group was born. It is now the Pleasanton Energy Committee, which Matt chairs and I am proud to serve on. We are adding an energy element to the General Plan emphasizing sustainable energy options for Pleasanton.
Matt knew that traffic impacts to Pleasanton were unacceptable and was not afraid to stand up to voice his opposition to the Shadow Cliff waterslide expansion. Matt is a man of vision, a friend to the environment and an advocate for residents.
Sondra BierreRiesling Drive
Hosterman impressed me
Editor,
I am writing to endorse Jennifer Hostermann for mayor of Pleasanton. While I don't know Jennifer personally, I have observed her over many years by attending various City Council meetings concerning issues about senior housing, development in the hills, the Happy Valley bypass road, the Waterslides, and the Vintage Hills Shopping Center. I remember sending an e-mail letter two different times to all the City Council members on two separate issues affecting Pleasanton, and Jennifer was the ONLY member who responded personally to my letters. I was so impressed, since I assumed they get so many letters and calls!
She has struck me as intelligent, courageous and caring in her decisions about the community and the people living in it. We are very fortunate to live in a city where there are so many qualified candidates running for mayor, but I feel that Jennifer Hostermann has the right background, insight and attitude to carry Pleasanton into our next phase of future planning.
Michelle LaMarchePleasanton
Thorne proven leader
Editor,
Jerry Thorne is a proven leader. He brings 26 years experience as a senior manager of a Fortune 100 company. He understands the importance of building a strong business base that will bring jobs to Pleasanton. Jerry believes in a fiscally sound government and will work to make the right spending choices for Pleasanton.
Jerry has served this community for many years. When Jerry sees a need he goes to work on it. He led the campaign to build the Olympic pool at the aquatic center, which we all enjoy today. He has been serving as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the past 10 years. Jerry understands the importance of providing the amenities that improve the quality of life for all Pleasanton citizens.
Vicky ReinkePleasanton
Balanced view
Editor,
For those who have not made up their minds in the upcoming election for Pleasanton mayor and City Council, I would suggest that they take a close look at the major events (Bernal land development, Water Slide, Traffic control, Wal-Mart expansion and others) in the city development and what the candidate did during the past few years. Among the three candidates for mayor, Jennifer Hosterman is the only one who always stands for the interest of Pleasanton people. I also support Matt Sullivan for City Council not only because his election will create a balanced view on the City Council but also because he has proven records on representing the interest of Pleasanton residents on the major issues in the past.
Ken ZhouCorte Munras
Hosterman challenges issues
Editor,
I am a strong supporter of Jennifer Hosterman because she sincerely cares about our community. When I raised concerns about the Livermore airport expansion, Jennifer was the only person who responded of the 32 people to whom I sent emails. She has the ability to remain strong on issues that are important to Pleasanton residents, even in the face of opposition.
Most importantly, however, Jennifer is intelligent and understands the complexity of issues and the implications of policy decisions. She does not make decisions in a vacuum but rather considers the short- and long-term impacts of these decisions both locally and regionally.
Kay Ayala has not done as much for residents from either a regional or local perspective. Kay has not challenged issues like Jennifer has.
Jami TuckerPleasanton
Kay best candidate
Editor,
Kay Ayala is the best candidate for mayor of Pleasanton. Jennifer Hosterman remains on the City Council and her vote and opinions count whether she is mayor or not. Your vote for Kay eliminates a costly March election and stymied council well into 2005. Gabe is a nice guy and I encourage him to get involved in city politics before he attempts to lead. Kay is a proven leader and is devoted to listening to the people of Pleasanton and ensuring our excellent quality of life.
Kris WeaverTokay Court
Endorses Sullivan
Editor,
Those elected this time to our City Council will control the final build-out of our city; the quality of life we now enjoy could remain, or could be lost, over the next four years.
Matt Sullivan is the best and most qualified candidate running for City Council. His civic involvement in our community is the most closely related to the workings of the council, and Matt is dedicated to preserving our quality of life. His commitment to reject any proposals for a West Las Positas interchange or Stoneridge Drive extension, and his commitment to solving Pleasanton traffic issues, will help ensure our quality of life is sustained.
I join our present mayor, Tom Pico, in endorsing Matt Sulivan for City Council.
Greg O'ConnorPleasanton
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