Why to vote for Karla Brown
Dear Editor,
I am a mom of three PUSD students and have been a Pleasanton resident for almost 20 years. I have known Karla Brown for quite some time and have always been impressed by her commitment to serve the Pleasanton community.
She is dedicated, honest and principled, and strives to make the right choices for our residents. Additionally, she makes an effort to acquire a deep understanding of issues, viewpoints and community impacts before making her decisions. Almost every time I meet Karla Brown, she asks for my or my kids’ opinions on current topics.
I am supporting Karla Brown for mayor because she believes in slow but smart growth in Pleasanton, trying to minimize the impact on our already busy roads and overcrowded schools and preserve our beautiful and historic downtown.
Karla has my vote. Please join me in electing Karla Brown as the next mayor of Pleasanton.
— Marie Stapleton
Jerry Pentin: Great neighbor, great mayor
When we bought our home and moved to Pleasanton last year, we met Jerry Pentin as our families share a fence. Jerry and his wife have been very welcoming and warm.
Over time, I realized that Jerry is passionate about Pleasanton. He does an annual fundraising for veterans, has made substantial contributions to our beautiful downtown, initiated the ban on e-cigs and vaping products in our city, supported Costco in Pleasanton, and is a big contributor and champion for our beautiful parks (especially Bernal Patelco Park) and Pleasanton Ridge hikes.
Personally, one thing about Jerry that I observed and is quite refreshing in today’s politics is that he is honest and straightforward. His words, promises and actions are all in sync. I have seen this many times as his neighbor.
With Jerry Pentin, what you hear is what you get.
As our next mayor, he would make our beautiful city even better and safer for all of us. I strongly support Jerry Pentin as our next mayor.
— Vamshi Krishna
English Rose closing
I just wanted to publicly thank Lisa Binzoni and her wonderful staff for the many, many years of wonderful memories at the English Rose.
From wedding and baby showers, birthdays, outings to celebrate my supportive girlfriends or just visiting alone, Lisa and the staff were always so warm and welcoming. Their love and support during the happy and sad times will always be remembered with such gratitude.
Here’s to the next adventure that awaits her as a grandmother.
— Sandi Cornfield
Support Nancy Allen for City Council
When I read that Nancy Allen was going to run for City Council my reaction was, “Yes!”
Nancy is going to be great on the Pleasanton City Council. After seven years on the Planning Commission, she has already participated in many of the decisions that have made Pleasanton such a great place to live and raise a family.
Nancy has always supported the downtown and been there when needed for the local business community. Pleasanton has many small businesses and I have seen first-hand Nancy step up to support our local business community.
There are dark clouds forming for local governments with the steep decline in tax revenue coupled with an increased demand for services. We need council members like Nancy, who can decide where to put those precious dollars, maintain our great infrastructure and meet the expectations for our community. Community policing will become a bigger challenge, we must look for more innovative ways to provide social services and mental health solutions that does not always involve police.
Pleasanton has a great culture and I feel Nancy will work for all in our community to continue and preserve that. She has been there, when needed, for the local business community. I feel great knowing Nancy is willing to take on this challenging role. Nancy is thoughtful, reaching out to all.
— Tom Richert
Support for Jarod Buna
Jarod Buna is a sound choice for City Council. I’ve lived in Pleasanton for 30 years and I’ve known Jarod since he attended Amador High School with my son.
Jarod will be a welcome addition to the office of City Council. He is an outstanding legal mind, family man and entrepreneur. He cares deeply about Pleasanton. I highly recommend you vote for Jarod.
— Susan Haines
Karla Brown for mayor
Find national politics depressing? Focus on our local politics. In November, we will be voting for mayor and City Council seats which could dramatically change Pleasanton.
I am voting for Karla Brown for mayor because she is the only candidate who vows not to take special interest money from developers/builders.
Over the years I have observed her as vice mayor, a City Council member and in community involvement. She listens; she is fair; she is smart as well as thoughtful in reviewing everything thoroughly. Her business experience and civic experience make her the ideal candidate for a fiscally sound city.
She stands for (and has the voting history to prove it) families, good schools, preserving our historic downtown, the environment and safety. If you don’t believe it, ask her yourself via www.Vote4Karla.com. Please join me in voting for Karla Brown for mayor.
— Heather Truro
Why omit that?
I would like to lend a bit of clarity to voters in Pleasanton regarding one of the candidates in the upcoming November city council election.
Candidate Jack Balch is listed as a CPA on the ballot statement, which is true. The white elephant omission in his statement is his neglect to admit that he is also the chief financial officer for Balch Enterprises, Inc., identified (on its own website) as one of the largest developers in the Bay Area.
Those residents concerned about the massive building and development in Pleasanton should consider this fact when voting in November.
I do not doubt that Balch has been involved in the community, both with his tenure on the Planning Commission and through his wife’s employment within the city of Pleasanton. I just wonder if a CFO of a major developer is going to consider the negative impacts of growth in Pleasanton, in the same manner as most of us residents. We are already located across the 580 freeway from Dublin, the fastest growing city in California, and IKEA has yet to be added to our crushing commutes and poor air quality.
Considering this new information, I will be putting my trust and voting for a different candidate or two on Nov. 3, 2020.
— Carol Cohen
Uyghur Freedom Challenge
I am a resident of Pleasanton, and I organized a virtual charity event called the “Uyghur Freedom Challenge,” which will raise funds and awareness for the Uyghur people.
The Uyghurs have received increased media attention as of late as increasing information on their plight has come before the international community regarding accusations that the Chinese regime is committing both cultural and literal genocide against them. The Uyghurs, a Turkic people, have a unique cultural identity with their own language, traditions and religion.
Most recently, the United States passed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act with bipartisan support in order to establish a precedent for sanctioning Chinese officials directly involved in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Reports have also implicated many U.S. corporations who profit off of Uyghur slave labor in China.
The event website reminds participants that “a physical event would not be possible even without the current pandemic, as the region of East Turkistan is under strict restrictions, police surveillance and is fighting for survival. The beautiful countryside cannot be accessed even for Uyghurs whose homeland this is, as they risk being thrown into China’s concentration camps.”
All profits from the event will go to the Campaign for Uyghurs, a Washington D.C.-based organization which aims to promote the human rights and democratic freedoms of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples who are oppressed by the Chinese regime. For more information or to sign up for the Uyghur Freedom Challenge, visit https://runsignup.com/uyghurfreedomchallenge.
— Buzura Aiziz
I’m voting for Valerie Arkin, Nancy Allen, Karla Brown
Here is important information regarding local candidates. Valerie Arkin and Nancy Allen, candidates for City Council promise not to take money from developers, so has Karla Brown, candidate for mayor.
Arkin, Allen and Brown do not have close ties with developers, they are more likely to represent the interests of residents who do not want excessive development and they will work to preserve the historic downtown.
This is in sharp contrast with council candidates Randy Brown (chair of the Chamber of Commerce) and Jack Balch (chief financial officer for his dad’s development company) and Jerry Pentin (has council member Jerry ever voted against a pro-development position by the Chamber of Commerce?).
Arkin, Allen and Brown have strong pro-resident track records on the school board, Planning Commission and City Council, respectively, and can be counted on to represent us.
Vote for Valerie Arkin, Nancy Allen and Karla Brown.
— Joe Hagerty
Support for Karla Brown
I highly recommend Karla Brown for mayor of Pleasanton.
She has years of experience in community work as a volunteer and on boards and committees, City Council member as well as the office of vice mayor. I like that she has pledged not to take donations from developers. She cares about the wishes of the residents and maintaining the character of our town.
She is very approachable. You can take your concerns to her and she will listen. I would love to see her as our mayor.
— Trudi Hartley
Buna for City Council
Our Pleasanton City Council would benefit greatly with Jarod Buna. He’s born and raised in Pleasanton. Graduated from Amador and is a successful attorney.
We need his independence, personal and professional experience and commitment to do what’s right for our city. I proudly endorse Jarod Buna for City Council. Please vote for Jarod Buna for council.
— Luann Silva
Karla Brown offers certainty, clarity
Amid this chaos and uncertainty, why would anyone run for public office? Only aleader committed to our community — Karla Brown.
She listens to various viewpoints, demonstrates integrity and supports smart slow growth while encouraging vibrancy and preserving our historic downtown. Karla’s common sense rejects expensive recycled sewer water in Pleasanton’s drinking water system. She is an experienced member of the City Council and does her homework, often questioning points easily overlooked.
Why is she running for mayor — because she cares about Pleasanton now and in the future. Vote for Karla Brown for mayor. We need clear certainty in these troubled times.
— Jan Coleman-Knight
Jerry Pentin for mayor
I wholeheartedly support Jerry Pentin for mayor of Pleasanton. Jerry has the experience, the knowledge and the passion for this job.
I have been acquainted with Jerry for many years and know his devotion to Pleasanton. He is endorsed by many others who share his devotion to our city. He understands small business as an owner himself. He will work to make sure downtown Pleasanton maintains its vibrancy and character through this difficult time.
Jerry is a former Marine. He is able to work under pressure. Jerry is able to function through distractions, to see the goal and work toward achieving that goal. Through his many years serving our community, Jerry understands well the business of the city of Pleasanton. He will be able to hit the ground running on day one.
Please join me and vote for Jerry Pentin for mayor, city of Pleasanton.
— Jan Batcheller
Vote for Karla Brown
I am endorsing Karla Brown as mayor of Pleasanton. I have always been impressed with Karla’s knowledge and experience related to issues that affect the long-term viability of this city, particularly when it comes to safety, traffic congestion and slow growth.
I appreciate Karla’s continued stance on preserving our historic downtown. Pleasanton is a unique community that has a small-town feel with a wonderful history. There are not many cities in the Bay Area that offer the benefit of a downtown that residents and visitors alike can leisurely visit and enjoy its many amenities.
As a longtime Pleasanton resident, our family has always valued the safety of our community, its open space and excellent schools. I look forward to Karla’s leadership as mayor so that we can be assured these values will continue for the long-term.
Pleasanton is a wonderful community, but it will take someone like Karla to lead us through the challenges that we are facing today. Please join me in voting for Karla Brown as Mayor of Pleasanton.
— Terry Exner
Karla Brown has my vote
Vote for Karla Brown for mayor of Pleasanton because of her years of experience, intelligence and preparedness for the issues that come before the City Council.
Karla appreciates our outstanding police and fire personnel and supports adding vital mental health professionals to our city to assist Pleasanton’s vulnerable population. She listens to the residents when making decisions and is not cozy with special interests. She knows unmitigated growth will impact our schools, traffic and limited water supply.
She knows developer impact fees never pay for costs affiliated with big developments. The costs are passed on to you and me. And she will fight the efforts of Sacramento to hamper local control of our city. Vote for Karla Brown
— Sandy Yamaoda
Jarod Buna endorsement
I am writing to enthusiastically endorse my hometown friend, and Amador graduate, Jarod Buna for City Council.
Jarod has quite an impressive resume as a successful attorney for some of the world’s largest companies; his legal experience and global interaction/influence would greatly benefit our community. With that said, Jarod’s legal experience isn’t the only reason I am inspired to endorse him for City Council.
I met Jarod on the soccer fields of Pleasanton as our sons played on the same soccer team. Before I knew Jarod was an attorney, I saw him as an amazing husband and father. Our families bonded and became friends.
I saw Jarod as a person who went out of his way to make everybody else happy. He was amazingly soft and kind when interacting with his children, a true gentleman with his wife, and he looked his friends in the eyes and really cared about what they had to say. I’ve been with Jarod during interviews and negotiations; he has a comforting and welcoming warmth, and sense of humor that keeps everything at ease, yet still productive.
Bottom line is, in all the scenarios and situations I have experienced or witnessed involving Jarod, I can say with total confidence, he is the real deal and Pleasanton would benefit greatly having him as a council member.
— Rob Davis
Karla Brown deserves your vote
Pleasanton needs Karla Brown as mayor. Karla has been an effective councilwoman for eight years.
She will focus her energy on reinvigorating our COVID affected downtown. She is an advocate of public safety, and she will address our city’s long-term debt.
Karla Brown has been actively involved for many years in making Pleasanton a better place to live. She will provide a better balance between the interests of residents and the interests of developers. Karla is the only mayoral candidate that pledges to reject all campaign donations from builders or developers.
For many years developer-supported council members have often endorsed ill-advised projects. As a result, the citizens have had to initiate referendums to protect Pleasanton and the quality of life that we have come to expect.
Before successfully serving on the City Council, Karla was a co-author of the successful hillside protection initiative (Measure PP) that was passed by a significant majority of voters. Pleasanton was one of the last cities in the East Bay to develop such protection for the remaining undeveloped ridge tops. Her efforts also helped stop PG&E from placing high power lines directly under residential neighborhoods using untested technology.
Karla Brown deserves your vote.
— Louis Astbury
Standing up for what is right
Mayoral candidate Karla Brown is not afraid to stand up for what is right and in the best interest of all Pleasanton residents:
1. Karla Brown is the only candidate who does not accept campaign donations from wealthy builders or developers in exchange for votes or favors.
2. Karla supports slow and smart growth with consideration of city infrastructure (water and sewage capacity), traffic congestion and school overcrowding.
3. Karla has stood atop protecting Pleasanton ridgelines from development.
4. Karla Brown has voted for the preservation of Pleasanton’s crown jewel, our historic downtown, which gives Pleasanton our sense of community and small-town feel.
— Debbie Ayres
Protect workers amid COVID-19
Reports of COVID-related workman’s comp claims are soaring because workers are returning to workplaces that are not COVID secure.
Businesses are opening where there is no social distancing, masks and PPE is not provided. Decision-makers at these businesses put profit before the health and safety of employees, customers and those who come in contact with them. The businesses may face fines and possible forced closures but those individuals responsible for the decisions are not penalized.
Legislation that penalizes decision makers who put profit before health, safety, privacy of the environment is called for by Democratic Clubs in the TriValley, San Ramon Valley and Diablo Valley in the “Corporate Executive Perpetrators Responsibility Act” resolution (trivalleydems.com/exec.perps.htm).
It not only deters those who flaunt COVID security measures but also those who, price gouge PPE, market vaping to our kids, put planes in the air with insufficiently trained pilots, sell our private information to those who undermine our democracy, create an opioid epidemic, cause deadly wildfires due to neglect and pollute with impunity.
Fines do not deter these behaviors, fines encourage misbehavior because fines are just the cost of doing business and are frequently a tax deduction. An effective deterrent is holding individuals criminally responsible for their behavior and letting juries decide if incarceration is appropriate.
— Ellis Goldberg,
Tri-Valley Democratic Club president
Why I’m voting for Karla Brown
I believe the city of Pleasanton should be thankful Councilwoman Brown is running for mayor.
Karla has the experience and the values to continue to make Pleasanton the desired destination in the Tri-Valley for families and business. When I had an issue I needed addressed, I emailed Karla and she responded immediately and even setup a personal meeting with me and my wife to discuss the issue in greater detail.
My wife and I both appreciated Karla’s interest in our issue and her assistance and guidance to address the matter with the city of Pleasanton, that is why we will both be voting for Karla for mayor this fall, 2020. Go Karla.
— Gabriel Araiza
