Plus Candidates’ Statements for the Other Five Candidates –
In a development likely to raise more questions than answers the Vanguard learned on Saturday that Abe Matsui’s candidacy for the Davis City Council may be in doubt before it begins.
One source told the Vanguard on Saturday that there may be a problem with his voter registration in Davis. Apparently his registration address was for a house that does not exist and, according to our source, there is no way to interpret that address as simply a typo.
The indication is that the County Clerk’s Office may have to weigh in to make the final determination.
Meanwhile, the Vanguard again reached Mr. Matsui on Saturday and he indicated a different problem, which arose from his sending his papers from Washington, D.C., as he completes his internship with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office.
He indicated that the main problem was the individual circulating the nominating signatures went through campus asking for students to nominate him, even though he had given instructions that nominators must be registered within the City of Davis.
However, the individual assumed that this meant Yolo County.
“Well it turns out that since the University is considered an unincorporated part of Davis, any student that registered on campus is NOT registered to vote for within Davis, but ok for Yolo County. Therefore, all of those nominators do not count as valid signatures,” he wrote.
So, while he got 27 signatures, he believes that many of those signatures will not count and therefore he will not get the 20 that is needed.
We will find out for sure on Monday or Tuesday, as the signatures are all verified.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Lucas Frerichs
Occupation: Chair, Planning Commission
Education and Qualifications:
I am proud to be part of our Davis community. Active engagement is the hallmark of our community; we’ve worked together to chart our own course, rather than settle for the conventional notions of the day.
Now, more than ever, we must draw upon our deep community commitment to craft a new vision and direction for Davis. We are on the cusp of a new era in city/state financing, investment in infrastructure, need for sustainable budgeting, environmental planning, economic development and community caring.
I bring commitment, common sense, and real experience to the City Council. I came to Davis while in high school. I met my wife here. We love living here. Over the past 16 years, I have built a reputation as a constructive listener and leader through service as:
- Chair, Davis Planning Commission
- Chair, Social Services Commission
- President, Davis Food Co-op Board
- President, Yolo Mutual Housing Board
- Member, Yolo Basin Foundation Board
- Environmental/Budget Policy Advisor, California State Assembly
I will focus on the stewardship of Davis’ money and environment. I will forge partnerships with our university, schools, non-profits and county to build a stronger community.
I would be honored to have your vote for Davis City Council.
Sue Greenwald
I have a longstanding passion for excellent city planning. As your councilmember, I have worked hard to achieve neighborhood preservation, slow growth, environmentally sensitive city planning, genuine fiscal responsibility, and a walkable, bikeable, vibrant downtown. I have consistently voted to uphold these principles throughout three council terms, helping to ensure that Davis retains our special quality of life.
I have voted to:
- Preserve and protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods
- Contain urban sprawl while supporting quality infill and student housing projects
- Promote wise environmental initiatives
- Bring more arts and entertainment downtown to create a cultural environment worthy of a great University town
- Take the hard, necessary steps to bring expenditures down
I cast the only council vote against the Covell Village and proposed Wildhorse Ranch peripheral subdivisions, took the lead in bringing the independent film theater to the Varsity and Bistro 33 to our surplus city building, and located the leading consultants who managed to change course and redesign our new water treatment plant, saving ratepayers $80 to $100 million.
I enjoy working hard for the families, students and all Davis citizens, and offer to lend my experience and my hard work for another four years.
Brett Lee
Age: 47
Occupation: Project Engineer
I am a challenger running for the Davis City Council. I am asking you to vote for me because I believe we need a change in leadership on the city council.
My family has lived in Davis since 1948. My grandfather was a professor at UC Davis and my mother was a Davis High grad and UC Davis Alumni. My wife and I returned to Davis in 1999. We have a three-year-old son.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UC Berkeley, and I have a master’s degree in Industrial Relations from the London School of Economics. I have 20 years of experience working in the private sector.
I am running for city council because our town faces real challenges that must be dealt with squarely.
We must get our city budget in order-we must reduce our long-term costs while maintaining our essential services.
We must require that any growth be community driven, not developer driven.
We need to promote long-term economic growth opportunities.
I have a fact-based, reasonable approach to issues and I am able to work well with others.
More information can be found at my website: www.brett4davis.com
Stephen Souza
Age: 57
Occupation: Incumbent, Business Owner
In collaboration with my colleagues, these are the accomplishments I am most proud of:
- Attracted high tech companies Mori Seiki, Expression Solutions, Digital Technology Laboratory
- Davis retail entities: Trader Joe’s, Target, Forever 21
- Preserved 4,000 acres of open space
- Secured and pending grants of over $20 million for the City’s benefit
- Installed new patrol car camera systems
- Improved streetscapes in downtown
- Acquired Sacramento River water rights
- Balanced budgets every year in office despite difficult times
- Established the Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency My work is not done. It will continue based on three principles: Green, Safe and Smart.
GREEN
- Implement plan to reduce our carbon footprint
- Expand LED streetlight installation
- Provide energy via solar farms and residential installations
SAFE
- Deliver long-term clean reliable water supply
- Continue to provide police and fire services with maximum efficiencies
- Develop comprehensive funding plan to maintain and improve roads, bike paths and sidewalks
- Implement downtown transportation and parking plan
SMART
- Establish an innovation incubator hub
- Create revenue and jobs by having technology invented in Davis implemented in Davis
- Maintain balanced city budgets while providing services and addressing unfunded liabilities
- Reinvigorate downtown businesses and lifestyles
I would be honored to have your vote. Please visit www.stephensouza.com
Dan Wolk
AGE: 34
Occupation: Attorney/City Councilmember
Education and Qualifications:
I grew up in Davis. After leaving for college (Stanford) and law school (Berkeley), I returned and reconnected with Jamima. We chose to raise our two little girls in our hometown.
I was appointed to the city council a year ago and now seek a full term for three reasons: (1) to give back to a community that has given me so much, (2) to make sure my daughters and their generation will thrive in Davis the way Jamima and I did, and (3) to continue to bring new ideas and leadership to city hall.
We are dealing with tough issues right now, issues that will define our future, and we must face them squarely, not leave them to our children. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, but there is much left to do. If elected, working with my colleagues I will continue to:
— Build a structurally sound city budget
— Improve our water quality, streets, and parks
— Prioritize economic vitality and the downtown
— Achieve environmental sustainability
— Create affordable housing for seniors and young families
Thank you for your support!
Si usted desea esta declaraci6n en espafiol por favor visite http://danwolk.org
Sue Greenwald is a definite YES
Brett Lee is an almost YES
Dan Wolk and Luca Frerichs are a MAYBE
Steve Souza is a definite NO
Rusty, please explain why such a strong NO against Souza?
Michael, I didn’t like his politics concerning the whole water project debacle and for the most part I don’t like his stances on housing development.
A graduating Political Science major should probably know that the UCD campus is a State entity not an unincorporated part of Yolo County. And all parts of Yolo County are, by definition, unincorporated.
What was the explanation given for the non-existent residence? This young man is facing the prospect of receiving some life and political career lessons that go well beyond the classroom.
Now, THIS is a reason for to withdraw soon.
Lack of attention to political detail will give Davis racial/religious bigots a legitimate reason to discredit this young man. Mr. Matsui should hope his buddy’s error will keep him out of the race now that he’s learned a couple of real-life political science lessons. That way, he won’t have to explain a subsequent withdrawal or overwhelming defeat.
Another reason why the exclusionary politics of Davis’ refusal to annex the potential thousands of voters who live on campus into the city is terrible and shameful policy. Whether or not you would vote for this guy if he is kept off the ballot because too many of his nominating signatures reside on campus instead of in the city reflects poorly on those who support the apartheid style political segregation of students into the comfortable ghetto of on campus housing.
Yes, of course he should have known that Davis suppresses the student vote by refusing to annex the campus. After all it is this suppression that keeps students off the council, one of his main reasons for running. i will not make excuses for him nor will I make excuses for those who support the policy to which he fell prey.
[quote]I cast the only council vote against the Covell Village and proposed Wildhorse Ranch peripheral subdivisions, [/quote] Sue Greenwald
Q: How many Council members run on slow growth, smart growth or limited peripheral growth?
A: Most if not all.
Q: Which City Council members have consistently supported these goals and voted with the vast majority of Davis residents to limit silly peripheral housing projects when plenty of opportunities exist for housing closer to downtown?
A: Sue Greenwald
Enough Said.
Didn’t Souza also vote against WHR?
Yes Wu that is Sue’s record, an adherence to the political ideology of the past. Twelve years is enough. With high unemployment the new paradigm of regional politics leading with what you opposed in the past is not as important as what a person’s leadership vision has done to foster economic activity that provides jobs both in the past and for the future. After 12 years Sue takes pride in having helped the Bistro and Mishka’s. Is that it? Steve lists all sorts of things.
With University spin offs all the rage do we really want someone who’s entire political career has been a model of opposition without the political skill to realize alternatives. I won’t say who anyone should vote for but I do know who I am against, it is the person who’s belligerent behavior as a public servant is not worthy of serving the community for one additional day. I will not be voting for the person who’s dogmatic opposition to everything has been an impediment to getting anything done. Just the other night Sue was the lone no vote to fund something related to water because she claimed she was voting against it only to be consistent proving as Emerson said “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”
I may go public with my picks later although it would probably cost them votes if I did the main point is that Sue’s time has past. Twelve years is enough. Don’t vote for Sue!
Rusty so let me get this straight. Your votes no on C but yes on Sue. I’m just trying to get a picture of where you are coming from with your public comments.
75% of Davis voters agreed with Sue in the last housing development election. On top of that Sue has a good foundation of voters who also question the water project.
[quote]75% of Davis voters agreed with Sue in the last housing development election. On top of that Sue has a good foundation of voters who also question the water project. [/quote]
Perhaps we are mired in the past but what is the future? Elk Grove? Stockton?
“Perhaps we are mired in the past but what is the future? Elk Grove? Stockton?”
Why does everyone want to speculate that Davis will turn into Elk Grove? Elk Grove does not have a major university or access to a train. Stockton was much bigger even before the housing boom.
Rusty said “75% of Davis voters agreed with Sue in the last housing development election. On top of that Sue has a good foundation of voters who also question the water project. “
But is there something consistent between your support of Sue and your opposition to C?
Mr.Toad
One man’s “mired or stuck” in the past, would be this woman’s ” grounded” by the past. I find Davis’ past without much of the peripheral development and certainly without the redundant Target, to have been preferable to its current state, and certainly preferable to some of the proposed peripheral developments that have come along which mirror those in the surrounding communities of Woodland and Vacaville.
Maybe you will see things differently when your kids finish college and want to move home but perhaps will move somewhere else where housing is cheaper and you need to commute long distances to see, should you be so blessed, your grandchildren.
So you don’t like Target or houses for others to live in but after 12 years certainly you would think that Bistro 33 and Miska’s is a pretty thin record of accomplishment upon which to base a campaign for re-election.
Does anyone know why we moved the water tank (someplace?) so Mishka’s could have a new building? And how much the project cost. And who paid for it? But, most of all, why?
Mr Toad
What I think is that success is not measured by growth alone. The appropriateness of that growth and many other factors go into determining who is or is not a successful representative. For me, it is not just a count of the number of businesses and homes added which is what you seem to be promoting as the sole criteria.
Well then what? If you think that two small businesses is enough to show for twelve long years on what basis would your measure Sue’s success? Maybe you feel that her belligerent behavior towards other members of the council is something you can overlook. Maybe putting Ruth in an ambulance and dismissing it by saying something to the effect of some people aren’t cut out to serve is acceptable behavior. Maybe you even think it is worth tolerating such conduct in defense of your belief that she is protecting your quality of life. Maybe her dogmatic votes on principle even when she states she is only doing it to be consistent is the hallmark of her success. Maybe fighting for an exemption to add pollutants to the already endangered Delta ecosystem making her a champion of pollution over environment makes you want to support her. Please tell me what it is that makes you think that 12 years is not enough of her craven ranting that business expansion will lead to crime and bank robbery?
Perhaps the fact that Sue has been the consistent voice of caution on budget and contract issues. The city’s budget is the most pressing issue facing the council. We know who you oppose, Mr. Toad. Perhaps you can tell us who you support, and why.
Mr Toad
If you actually consider my post, I said nothing at all about Sue, or any other specific candidate. What I said was that factors other than the actual numbers of stores and houses promoted would inform part of my decision making. Given that we have budget, environmental, public health and safety, education, law enforcement and infrastructure as well growth vs no growth issues to deal with I do not think it is so strange to say that I plan to look at the bigger picture when making my choice for representative. I am sure that just like you, when it comes time to vote, I will be choosing the candidates whose values, as demonstrated by their votes and positions, most closely reflect my own. Isn’t that what you plan
to do ?
I will also consider the ability to get things done. It takes three votes to get anything done. Remember when Sue called Ruth a liar and so upset her that she had to go to the hospital? Sue now claims that Ruth wanted to vote with her but voted with Don instead. Why do you think that is? Its because Sue is impossible to work with. Poll those who have served with Sue over the years and you will find that almost all of them who agree with her will voice a support that is shallow while those who generally disagree with her are much more caustic in their disapproval. Don’t take my word for it ask them yourself they are not hard to find. I can think of 3 off the top of my head who decided not to stand for re-election because the didn’t want to serve with Sue. Again, I challenge you to go out and ask Ruth, Lamar or Ted about how serving with Sue played into each of their decisions to step down. Is this constant disharmony really what we need in leadership? I hope not. For those of you that think its because she was provoked by previous councils i would disagree. Go and watch her on the dais and then imagine what its like in closed session. Ask the current members and watch their reaction to a question about serving with Sue, how their body language changes and the cautious manner in which they choose their words. There are other values that are important in deciding who should lead other than their votes. One of them is the art of getting to three votes so you can get things done. Sue has consistently failed at the art of politics for 12 years having cast the dissent in more 4-1 votes than anyone in memory. She has failed in the art of politics and leadership. Twelve years is enough!
Mr Toad
“Remember when Sue called Ruth a liar and so upset her that she had to go to the hospital?”
What I remember, and yes, I have seen the full exchange, is that Ruth and Sue got into a verbal altercation during which Ruth became upset enough to have what to my medical eyes appeared to be a panic attack. Do I think this level of animosity serves anyone well ? Of course not.
“but maybe putting Ruth in an ambulance” is so over the top as an expression of your animosity towards Sue as to be ridiculous. I am quite sure that we are each still responsible for our own emotional responses to circumstances. I doubt Sue has enough power to “put anyone in the hospital.”
If all you are going by is the video I think you are still missing the part that David reported about Sue’s behavior off camera and her remark about Ruth not being fit to serve. Anyway you fail to address my concern about her conduct that weighed on Lamar, the person who agreed with her the most on policy, to not run again. Oh yes, Lamar didn’t say as much publicly, but I challenge people to go ask him themselves. Or ask Ted, Don, Ruth, Ken or even Mike what it is like to serve with Sue. Ask the people she serves with today. It will be hard to get an honest answer unless you know these people enough that they will confide in you but watch their reactions and their body language and you will know why she has been unable over her 12 years to build support among those she has served with to get things done.
“Perhaps the fact that Sue has been the consistent voice of caution on budget and contract issues. The city’s budget is the most pressing issue facing the council. We know who you oppose, Mr. Toad. Perhaps you can tell us who you support, and why.”
Anyone but Sue for the reasons i have stated.
i would also like to see a younger generation take over but I like Steve too because as a small business owner he understands how hard it is to make it on your own.
Most of the other candidates; Dan, Lucas, and Steve went to school here. Either high school or college. I’m not sure if Brett went to the Davis schools or not but he does want to claim deep generational roots here. So i think they have a better understanding of what it is like to be in school here, and, being younger in age, have a better feel for the issues that young people in this community deal with as students or trying to make it here with a young family. i would be happy with any 3 of the other 4 winning.
As for the budget I think we can see that we are out of street to kick the can down. Who ever is on the next council will need to meet this challenge. It would be better to have a group where nobody is so abrasive that people vote against that person even if they agree. We need more collegiality and fewer tantrums. i believe who ever wins will serve Davis well except for Sue.
Thank you Toad. Finally someone gets it. I understand that so has a devoted following, many of them are “frequent fliers” of the Vangaurd. But when voting for any governmental candidate the point isn’t just to vote for someone who shares your ideals and objectives but can also achieve those ideals and objectives. I too have watched many a council meeting where you can easily see the change in posturing of the other council members whenever Sue speaks. In my mind, many of them are probably resistant to her ideas and proposals that they might otherwise be open to merely because they are being presented by her. If you recall, the altercation between her and Ruth began when they were voting on the PASEA contract. Sue then brought up the previous contracts that council had already voted on and began reiterating her disapproval of those contracts. It really had nothing to do with the task at hand and it was rehashing business that was already concluded. But Sue has a bad habit of this, she belabors moot points, she repeatedly asks the same question when she doesn’t agree with the answer that she was given, as if the answer will change. She beats points to death and often they are trivial points. Asking questions is good but she asks too many, and in doing so tediously drags things out. Many of the questions she raises are nit picky and trivial. Even with the current council I’ve seen many a time where Rochelle has rolled her eyes when Sue goes off on one of her “Sueisms”. Often she is rude and abrasive. She has succeeded in alienating the other members of every council she has been a part of – you won’t get support that way.
Sue not “so”. Typo
Thanks Sequioa. You seem to have a good knowledge of the council and probably have seen many more meetings than I have. I really don’t follow their meetings on TV so I only have occasional observations of their interactions although I did watch the now famous debacle with Ruth here on the Vanguard. Still it is amazing that Sue enjoys the professional courtesy of the other members of the council despite her inability to display the decorum one would expect of an elected official. I am struck by her behavior on the few occasions that I have observed the council over the years. The pattern is too consistent to be coincidence with my random observations. The most troubling thing is the failure of her supporters to see her behavior as intolerable or to overlook it entirely. Sadly we may have to suffer her reign of terror for another 4 years.