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Nov. 6 will mark an important election throughout the state and nation, and to another extent here in Pleasanton as well where voters will decide two regular City Council positions.
Incumbent Kathy Narum and challengers Joseph Ledoux, Joe Streng and Julie Testa are on the ballot, a race made even more significant by the fact at least one seat is guaranteed to change with Councilman Arne Olson not seeking re-election.
We think Narum and Streng are the right community leaders to guide the City of Planned Progress through the next four years.
A valuable and effective advocate for Pleasanton, Councilwoman Narum is a no-brainer for re-election. With by far the most experience of the candidates, Narum’s standout service resume includes the city’s Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and currently the Downtown Specific Plan Update Task Force, as well as regional posts such as Zone 7 Liaison Committee and Alameda County Transportation Commission.
She has been a collaborative council member who also maintains her own voice, asking the tough and important questions of city staff and consultants. She focuses on the right goals such as fiscal sustainability, environmental improvements and quality of life, and her record on the council demonstrates her commitment to seeing those priorities through.
Streng impressed as an active member of the Parks and Recreation Commission until terming out last April, taking part in some of the most important, recent parks efforts including Cubby’s Dog Park and Bernal Community Park Phase II. He has shown an ability to be a confident decision-maker but also eager to listen to city staff and/or residents — recall he and the commission revisiting new Tennis Park court locations.
Though we often like to see more direct city planning experience, Streng has worked on master plan efforts with Parks and Rec and the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Subcommittee. As a commuter to Silicon Valley, he also is keenly aware of issues that face many residents on an everyday basis (locally and regionally), and he wants to work collaboratively to solve them.
Testa is a longtime, fervent community advocate and participant in the public process, both as a city commissioner (Human Services, 1995 to 2007) and as an informed citizen speaker at city task force, commission and council meetings — school board, too. She also learned well from her 2016 mayoral bid, running a more measured campaign for council this time around.
She shares concerns close to the minds and hearts of many Pleasanton residents, but we hoped to hear from her — as a voice for change — more specific strategies for solutions to her priorities such as slowing growth, reducing school overcrowding and easing traffic. Pointing out a problem isn’t always enough. We are also concerned about her adamance against restarting east side planning soon (which must at least be considered) and her still offering no public position on Costco after all these years.
We commend Ledoux, a dedicated Berkeley police officer with 12 years on the force, for wanting to expand his influence to effect change in his hometown, with goals including public safety improvements, creating cohesive community and representing the young family’s voice within the city government.
His top priorities are no doubt shared by many in town, but with no prior Pleasanton service experience and few city meetings attended, his depth of knowledge on key issues is only scratching the surface. We hope to see Ledoux pursue a city commission post to develop that experience. We also note that though he says he would be able to participate unencumbered in Pleasanton police union negotiations and other matters despite being a Berkeley police union member, we’re not sure we share his confidence of absolutely no conflict of interest (real or perceived).
We’d also like to briefly single out our support of Mayor Jerry Thorne, who is appearing on the ballot unopposed. Over nearly 25 years of city service experience, including the past six as mayor, Thorne has proven himself a strong leader on the dais and a devoted presence in the community — well-deserving of a fourth and final term as mayor.
Wow. I’m not surprised. But totally disappointed in your choices, PW.
You just confirmed all great points for me about Testa. She is a 30-year advocate for the Pleasanton community, involved with schools, housing, public services, and area non-profits. She has put herself out there at countless meetings and public forums; and is extremely SPECIFIC about her positions.
Testa is still my ONLY vote.
Testa seems disorganized and all over the place. Is that what we want? The PW got it wrong. Ledoux is a very strong candidate. He may not have Pleasanton based experience but he has other valuable experience (which none of the other candidates have) which more than makes up for it. It’s never too late to get involved and I commend him for taking on this challenge. I have also attended the majority of public meetings (only missing a few due to childcare issues) but I have seen Ledoux at all of them. Aside from the stress and full-time job of being a policeman, he has a family of his own and is still going above and beyond for his community. Ledoux is the only one who has personal knowledge and experience pertaining to public safety. For me, that is golden especially with crime on the rise and softening California laws. Ledoux’s visions for Pleasanton are also very community and family oriented and he has pledged his commitment to implementing them. Everything outlined above are the reasons why Ledoux is getting my vote.
PW Editorial Board –
I am amazed that you have endorsed Joe Streng for City Council. I have been to three candidate forums and have yet to hear what Joe Streng has on his agenda for Pleasanton. And while keeping our parks beautiful and free from pet waste, this town has a lot more important issues right now, but Joe seems to just keep leaning on his Parks and Rec affiliation. Most of his forum answers were wishy-washy and many he simply stated he agrees with Kathy Narum. Does he have *any* ideas of his own, except for what he plans to do with the next park?
I agree Kathy Narum has done a lot of good for Pleasanton and is still a likely good choice for another two years on the Council. However, Eastside or otherwise, Kathy often claims to be slow growth, but when it comes down to a vote, I remember her voting in favor of most new housing developments, not mandated by the State’s RHNA.
I would like to see the Council with three women members. That might be a nice change. I am voting for Kathy Narum and Julie Testa.
The PW endorsements mirror that of the Chamber of Commerce, as they always have. They fulfill their role as the Chamber mouthpiece proudly.
Unless we get independent voices on the Council – like Julie Testa – willing to fight for the residents rather than business and development interests we will continue to cede control of local government to the Chamber. There are four solid Chamber votes now on the Council and if the PW gets it way it will stay the same for the next two years. There are too many important issues facing the city and our future to accept government benefiting the few at the expense of the many.
This is a very sticky situation……one thing though, we need new blood within our council members. Change is hard and experience is great but we need members with new ideas. We have members that don’t want to budge in their opinions , they refuse to bend a little. You have to bend in order to be more productive. Politics are useful but can also do a great deal of damage if you don’t have the right people with common sense we are up a creek without a paddle. Look around you, Dublin and Livermore are booming and poor old Pleasanton can’t even get a parking garage built. Instead of giving us more parking areas they are taking them away for bicycle parking at Peet’s Coffee area or Starbucks in the downtown area. To bad the present Mayor is unopposed. He might have been a benefit for Pleasanton at one time but it’s time for a change. We can still remain to be that quaint loveable little town we all love and appreciate.
I’m disappointed that once again the status quo is being pressed over freshness. In my 25 years of living and working in Pleasanton I have to say the city government has become stale! The idea that somehow being in the system better serves the community at large is false. While the records of Narum and Streng look good on paper, Joseph Ledoux brings a young fresh perspective to city government. He’s spent 12 years actually working with the public, assessing their needs and serving, not sitting on some committee listening to the same old squeaky wheel voices!
Everyone knows that Joe Streng is running to keep obstructionist Julie Testa off the council and cement the Jerry Thorne majority! It’s time to shake things up. Government is changing at all levels in this country. It’s time to bring fresh minds and actual community service to Pleasanton.
That’s why Joseph Ledoux is for me!
If Matt Sullivan is supporting Julie Testa, that should be a good enough reason for the citizens of Pleasanton to NOT vote for her.
Every time I see someone run for Council with no prior experience, it seems entirely ego-driven. Ledoux should spend some time working on behalf of Pleasanton when no one’s looking. Also, he doesn’t seem to realize how big of a job Council is. He appears to have a very young child and a full time job in Berkeley. How is he going to also be able to devote the 100’s of hours it takes to be an effective council member? Did anyone show him the committee list??
Kathleen, just to be clear, Matt Sullivan has been at Farmer’s Market passing out her literature. He may not be running her campaign but he is actively supporting her.
With regard to her ballot statement, it may have been ruled that it should have been accepted but what you may not be aware of is that it would have then been disqualified as she attacked the Mayor and City Council in it. Something the election is very clear about not being allowed.
@ Carol
a resident of Alisal Elementary School
You call Julie Testa negative.
I do NOT agree with your assessment.
I have also seen Julie Testa at School Board Meetings.
Besides finding that a past PUSD governance team did an illegal cash-out re-fi, she currently speaks to school campus overcrowding.
Her statements are grounded, factual, and always reference the campus standard set by the PUSD Board of trustees.
Did you know that the PUSD standard is 600 students maximum per elementary campus?
Julie Testa does, and is not afraid to point the fact out the many elementary school campus’ exceed 600 (Donlon is at 900+)
I can understand why some may consider it “negative” (not being in agreement with Staff, and demanding that PUSD elected Trustees take action)
Same applies to our 3 middle Schools, & 2 High Schools.
Almost 2 years ago, the PW wrote an editorial titled “PUSD A Train Wreck”
Julie Testa saw that wreck coming years before it happened. If maybe someone at the PUSD had listened to her, and took action…maybe that Train Wreck” could have been avoided.
Regarding City matters, she always backs her statements up by specific reference to the current General Plan.
“Standing for residents” is her campaign tag-line.
Her past actions show that she has been “standing for residents” for 30+ years.
The Independent was correct in their endorsement of Testa.
Two comments – if Matt Sullivan is supporting Julie Testa that’s a great reason not to vote for her.
And the city and the schools are two very distinct and different entities. The city has no power over the schools. Julie just doesn’t have the experience to be a member of the city council.
Narnum and Streng for my vote.
As I said before if Sullivan is campaigning for Testa and is supporting her efforts that’s enough for me to not even consider her as a viable candidate.
I agree with Carol in that Testa is so super involved with the schools perhaps a better run for her would be for school board.
She is making statements and campaign promises she can’t keep. She cannot put Pleasanton back into slow growth, we’ve already been sued for that. She cannot control what Sacramento forces down our throats.
I’d rather vote for someone who is speaking the truth, even if we don’t like it and planning for the future vs sayings we don’t have to do anything now – hey let’s just wait for Sacramento to force more building, that’s not my idea of a well planned community.
Voting for Narnum and Streng.
Pleasanton is Asian community and we need Asian on council to represent viewpoint like Fremont and other city. It will come soon.
Kathleen –
Yep darn iPhones and fat fingers lol.
Sullivan has so annoyed / angered / disgusted many people. He supports her – I won’t. But that’s not the only reason. See my previous comments – basically saying things in her campaign that she can’t deliver. Saying things that people want to hear but can’t be supported.
Voting NARUM and STRENG.
Actually Asian does make a good point. Elected officials should be representative of the community and that goes for race also.
White people only understand white viewpoint. Asian work hard and pay taxes and expect teachers to teach and do job. Most Asians who work have no time for political office but expect those who do to do good job.
White people do not understand but will. 7kneC
Very serious. We are used to paying high taxes but expect good services. No need to pay high taxes for high salaries if we must volunteer to get work done. Makes no sense. This is why you have trouble getting volunteers.
Kathleen- I think I can shed some light on this topic since I was there. On Dec 8, 2015 the council approved a development called Lund Ranch. People objecting to the location, hillside development, roads for access etc collected signatures through Christmas and qualified for a referendum on the ballot (and narrowly lost in June 2016). Matt Sullivan took one side of the referendum, and “Ms. Vic” Vickie took the other point of view. Most people can agree to disagree, but Ms. Vic became so belligerent with her cussing and ranting **ON MAIN STREET for all to see** in response, Sullivan called the cops. I saw and she was out of control. I was not a fan of Sullivan before this, but I took his side and agreed that Vickie was disrespectful and rude. After a strict talking to by the cops, Vic shut up, for awhile. Who ever Ms. Vic (Vickie) supports, I will vote the other side – every time.
Let it go, Carol. Have you been spiraling on this all weekend??
@ Carol
With the thread veering to “Growth Management”, which is almost always referenced by staff when presenting a development for approval.
Got me thinking…
What is exactly “growth management” and how is that number derived.
A current elected was kind enough to provide that information.
Simply explained, the growth management number is derived directly from the RHNA number given to Pleasanton by the State of CA.
It basically takes the total RHNA number and divides by the number of years to come up with an annual number.
The number is called “growth allocation”
So technically, if all the RHNA housing number is approved in year 1…that’s it…Pleasanton has met its number.
Carol
You are probably part of the 0.01% of Pleasanton who knows what a growth allocation is.
You are a wonk (or someone in the business) M2BAC
I think Julie Testa has stated that Pleasanton should strive to meet the RHNA number…but no more.
What this boils down to us “non-wonk” folk is that development results in:
Gridlock traffic, no parking in downtown, high taxes, and overcrowded schools just to name a few.
@BobB
As proof to my comment, one only needs to look at the town north of us…
DUBLIN
That hyper growth they have “planned” has resulted in:
Gridlock traffic, no parking at Whole Foods, high taxes, and overcrowded schools just to name a few
I’ll also throw in a school debt of over $1B
That is why people choose to live in Pleasanton vs. Dublin.
With many of your pro-growth posts you have made over the years which tout the benefits of “hyper-growth”….you may want to consider re-locating to Dublin, CA.
It seems that they offer you everything you are looking for. (unless you already live there)
Voting for TESTA
@ BobB
Bob..you make me laugh.
Do you not know that the residents of Dublin have said “enough is enough”?
They are ready to kick-out the pro-growth City Council, and elect people with a “no-growth” agenda.
The current Dublin City Council, in an effort to save their CC seats just voted down the development on 580 (The old moving company warehouse) just across from Bart.
Probably too late for the Dublin CC to finally listen to their residents.
Pleasanton has been on that track since Jennifer termed-out.
Standing for residents, not developments.
Seems logical to me.
Voting for Julie Testa
@ I’M No Wonk
That voter approved measure you are referencing was known as a housing cap.
That voter approved measure DID limit the number of annual building permits, and actually placed a cap on the total number of residences (I think about 28k).
Pleasanton had the only housing cap in the state…got sued by then Atty General Jerry Brown…
Pleasanton lost and chose not to appeal…
By this time the pro-development City Council of 4 members was elected, and immediately approved close to 3000 homes.
If you are referring some something else..please explain.
It’s simple…
Park your car at the library…
Walk north on Augustine, then north on Peters to Barones, turn around and walk back south to you car on Peters.
Talk to the people who live along those streets.
If you like what you see & hear from the residents…
Vote for the Chamber of Commerce PAC endorsed Narum & Streng.
If you do not like what you see or hear, vote for Testa & Ladoux
As an FYI, recent survey taken by the City show that 70% do not agree with development policies which lead to the current Augustine St.
Obviously we all know who BobB will be voting for 🙂
The speed bump alterations in Stoneridge Creek have effected the quality of life of residents, and even after a complaint regarding excess noise was filed with the State that was substantiated, the city has yet to fix the issue. Needless to say, I won’t be voting for any incumbents.
They don’t care about seniors in this community.
If someone told you “if you aren’t going to vote for me, then please don’t vote,” you would probably be offended.
But that is what Julie Testa is doing with her “Vote ONLY for Testa” campaign. Everyone is allowed TWO votes for Pleasanton City Council. Trying to convince you to use only one of your votes is a form of voter suppression, asking you to only use half your power and to keep your other opinions silent.
So make your voice heard – if you like Julie, by all means vote for her, but also vote for another candidate you would also like to see represent you in the council.
But I will be voting for candidates who, unlike Testa, ENCOURAGE people to fully participate in the civic process and WELCOME differing opinions.
As a long time Pleasanton resident, I am pleased to see the PW endorse the two strongest and most qualified candidates for Pleasanton City Council. With all of the negativity in our world these days, I am so glad to see two POSITIVE, inclusive and experienced candidates endorsed. We need people on our City Council who will listen to ALL viewpoints on all issues, and who will not only be champions for all of the positive aspects of our great city, but will also take time to listen to the community on the pressing issues facing Pleasanton. Both Streng and Narum have the leadership qualities and open-minded, consensus-building attitudes needed to be an effective member of our City Council.
I will be casting my votes for Joe Streng and Kathy Narum.
WE ARE 30 YEAR PLEASANTON RESIDENTS AND WILL VOTE FOR NARUM AND LEDOUX.
Narum has strong experience and makes balanced decisions. Ledoux, although new, has public service background as a police officer.
Julie Testa sued our City Clerk when she filed her candidate application under the wire and there was a question about its completeness. Thats not a prepared or organized person.
If you have ever watched her at a school board meeting, she is 100 percent negative. Matt Sullivan is probably running her campaign because negatives attract. He disses the business community here as being against the residents. Poor Mr Sullivan—still back in the 1960’s. Im proud to have world class headquarters.
Carol, Please at least be accurate. The City Clerk was found to be in error. Matt Sullivan is not running Testa’s campaign. Tests is one of the people who found the illegal cash-out refinancing of bonds by the governance team at the time (not current team)–bonds we are still paying today because of that refinancing; she is one of the people who fought for the new elementary school to be part of the recent bond. Certainly choose who you wish to support and vote for, but do it without spreading nonsense about other candidates.
I didn’t say Matt didn’t support her. As to the statement, people keep repeating this claim without providing that statement. Do you have it? Was it published somewhere?
Do not make assumptions about Sullivan and Testa—they do not agree on everything.
The schools and city have cooperated on many projects—middle school gymnasiums for one—and used to work more collaboratively on behalf of taxpayers. Thankfully, they are showing cooperation again.
One correction, the board voted to make elementary schools 700 students, but last I checked there were at least schools over that number.
I dont care if Sullivan is running her campaign or not but he sure is a super surrogate.
Kathleen, where does Sullivan and Testa differ on issues since you know them both apparently. Wait, He is not running for council so why would I care.
Its interesting Testa touts herself as slow growth but does not mention the growth management ordinance. Her literature also takes credit for many things the city council is already doing or has accomplished. Not to mention the old toilet to tap scare tactic she uses when nothing has been specifically proposed by the special agencies who have jurisdiction.
Dear Accountable,
since Testa has been so involved with PUSD as you say, why didnt she run for a seat on the school board? That seems really odd to us. She has been involved by going to meetings and speaking about all the problems from the podium but did she ever serve on any school district committees during all that time? Sure, we have challenges but consistently several major national publications say Pleasanton is always one of the highest rated to raise a family which in part is due to the schools.
Carol, I believe I met Sullivan once, so no I don’t know him. I could say for myself, I don’t like the loans to Costco, but I am not opposed to Costco on Johnson or the other proposals for that location. I’m not aware of a growth management ordinance, but only because I don’t follow the council as closely as I do the school board. Isn’t there a lot going on in Sacramento that undermines any ordinance, like RHNA did? I’m not a fan of the tap to toilet phrasing; I would agree it stirs unnecessary hysteria. I do, however, want to be certain science has weighed in. I also believe that meetings on that topic were scrapped during this election, as were the downtown specific plan meetings. Not a complaint, just noting the temporary step back from the limelight.
Not often discussed, cities are rated highly and get their school ratings largely because of the demographics of the community. Communities with a higher average of college educated parents are going to rank highly: Danville, San Ramon, Piedmont, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, etc.
Kathleen, you dont know there is a growth management ordinance????? WOW. I must say with all your postings, IM SHOCKED.
Why? I have plenty on my plate with the school district. Post a link; I’m happy to read it. Does that change RHNA or the recent nod to BART or anything else Sacramento is attempting?
Testa’s involvement has primarily been at the city, including meetings with staff and all the downtown specific plan meetings and as a commissioner. She has lobbied many electeds and went to Sacramento, all as a citizen. It is disingenuous to say “because of Matt”; he isn’t the one running.
I think you meant Narum.
Well, I would not stop liking you because you knew someone I don’t like. And I don’t think we can say Testa can’t deliver; she has delivered as an advocate, and she could accomplish any number of things on the council. I don’t expect you to change your vote. Just pointing to what you are saying is only opinion. As is mine.
Dear Asian, To vote for someone solely because you are Asian and they are Asian seems somewhat a racist statement. We are proud to vote for the most qualified regardless of ethicity or gender.
Do we mean *any* elected office should be representative of the community, as defined as a school board, or a city council, or county/state/national office? I’m not sure how you “make” the vote happen to accommodate that desire. In the case of the council where three seats are open, do you state in the ballot: “Please vote for (1) African American, (1) Chinese American, and (1) Caucasian”? There is a push for making Councils and Boards be elected by “districting.” I don’t know how that would break into five areas for Pleasanton. Would any one district end up being heavily weighted to a particular race? And what happens if they do not? Should we also select along gender lines, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, income, education levels, etc.? More interestingly at state and national levels, should candidates only match the race of the demographic majority?
Here are the national demographics as of July 2017: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045217
Here is California as of July 2017: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ca
Here is Pleasanton (also says 2017): https://suburbanstats.org/population/california/how-many-people-live-in-pleasanton
So far, we get a field of willing people (except school board), and we vote according to how best we feel any candidate represents our personal views, regardless of how we might draw lines–on a map or by demographics.
@Asian,
Please encourage more Asians to run for office.
Do you think other people do not work hard, pay the same taxes, and have high expectations—and no time for political office? You want Asian representation, but don’t have the time? That’s not going to work out then. I’ll skip the veiled threat at the end.
No way “Asian” is serious. Just a troll.
Volunteering almost always makes sense; schools or elsewhere.
Asian would have to be a troll because his post is almost comical right down to the poor sentence structure. Nice try Asian trying to stir up race problems by pretending Asians work harder, pay more taxes and are superior to whites because they just dont understand that. Although Asian is correct that Pleasanton, Fremont, and I would add San Ramon and most of the Bay Area is now Asian.
i just want to understand. Why would we need to have an Asian City Council person elected to represent Asian interests. Are those interests really that different from any other ethnic group? Quality schools, good roads, low crime, traffic, shopping, mix of housing, etc. ??????? i don’t like the vibe of any group saying we are better especially since we are here in Calif, Bay Area, and Pleasanton and have all welcomed different cultures for a long time.
@david,
“Asian” is an obvious fake. A troll.
Kathleen, you have posted about the City many, many times, so now when backed into a corner after I point out Testa’s claim to be a slow growth candidate is a bogus sound byte, you never knew about the existing growth management ordinance ( which annually caps housing building permits ) because your focus is on the school district. Then, you put it on me to post a link! How about this… you do your own fact checking or ask Testa to explain it publically to you and the voters asap.
Carol, when I state the facts, I am courteous enough to post a link. It’s only right to provide corroborating evidence. I doubt most citizens know, and you know that. Ask me about schools. Glad to help you out.
Anonymous, I just returned from traveling and like to get caught up. Why would I let such an important credibility issue go quietly. but its obvious you want to sweep it under the table. Its so revealing about Testa and Kathleen dodging it. but now you are right, I’m done with this silliness.
Kathleen, google it. You should find multiple links if you are interested enough. your claim about me lacking courtesy is a real smoke screen.
@Growth management,
It results in better schools, more tax revenue, and generally a better place to live. The more people and businesses move in to Pleasanton, the better our schools get.
#CancelLongTimePleasantonResidents
It would be nice if we could have term limits for Pleasanton residents. But then again our own special kind of gentrification is doing the job.
#CancelNimbys
#KeepBuilding
Carol, you didn’t answer me: Does having the ordinance change RHNA or the recent nod to BART or anything else Sacramento is attempting? The answer is no; the state can trump our ordinance. So tell me what the ordinance does. Telling me to google it is lame. Certainly I can, but you pointed to it’s importance.
BobB, you don’t want to claim growth “results in better schools”; there is absolutely no room for more students, at any level. We can grow as a community—wisely—and only with the necessary schools, roads, and services.
@Growth,
Back when we bought our second house in Pleasanton, we had a bid on a house in Dublin but lost out to a higher bidder. Settled for the Pleasanton house. Dublin is a great place to live. School test scores have been going up for years and parents are clamoring to get their children in the district.
#StopTheNimbys
@KR,
There is plenty of room for students. Have you seen some of the schools in places like Singapore or Japan? Much higher density and better math scores.
We do not have room—we are not choosing higher density. As to test scores, you need to know why they are going up in Dublin. You also need to know what children in other countries sacrifice for high scores.
Hey, i’m not a wonk but if you ever read the local paper or watched any city council meetings on TV, you would know there is an annual cap on the number of residential building permits issued by the City which was approved by the voters many years ago. Its called being informed. That is of course unless you just moved here, live under a rock, or are an uniformed resident or candidate.
Why invoke a scare tactic like look at Dublin? This is Pleasanton and there is no comparison between their rapid dense developments and Pleasanton. .
@GM,
You give me quite a chuckle. You are a NIMBY, plain and simple.
#NoTesta
So what are you saying exactly Kathleen? We all know Dublin has a high Asian population. So are you concluding that Asian Immigrants study harder so that is why Dublin has higher scores and that they sacrifice by living in higher densities? Those higher densities homes and townhomes are well over $1,000,000.00 by the way if that’s considered a sacrifice and they chose to live in the USA to have the advantage of our school systems and economy.
The question of Japan and Singapore is the systems’ And parental approaches to education. The sacrifices are there. Nothing to do with housing.
For Dublin, changing demographics, yes, and higher education levels of parents—same for us and Palo Alto and many other districts .
This is not to diminish the work by educators and especially by great teachers who work diligently with children.
@ GM
Thank you for taking the Growth Management Ordinance to the next level of detail. However, I think your statement that the current city council approved 3,000 units is a little misleading to most. Pleasanton lost the lawsuit brought by a non-profit housing advocacy group. The court required the city council to Zone land for high density housing because there was a large shortfall in the number of housing units here per current State requirements. I think the number of units approved up to that time were backlogged or had accumulated for years due to the annual permit cap and Great Recession 2007/2009. The city council therefore had to zone and subsequently approve a lot more units. I think your statement that the current city council approved 3,000 units is not correct but rather, they were required to expedite building permits instead.
Most people don’t check into the background of things and prefer to simply state things such as I’m a slow growth candidate in order to get votes.
Your votes count: you realize this practice is not something Testa invented I hope? It’s a tactic many candidates use, have done this as far back as I can remember, and by well-respected candidates. I personally do not support that approach and always vote as allowed on my entire ballot, including when I ran in 2016 for board–I voted for three seats as indicated.