Six candidates vying for three seats on the Oakley City Council are giving their final push to earn voters’ attention and support. Incumbent Mayor Kevin Romick is seeking re-election for his third term while contenders Randi Adler, Ron Borland, Diane Burgis, David Hansen and Doug Hardcastle are making their first bids for council seats, hoping to make a difference by promoting economic growth and continued public safety.

Borland, 61, is a 25-year resident who first made a splash in the local political scene by serving on Oakley Incorporating Committee when Oakley sought cityhood. In his campaign for council, he’s presenting himself as the candidate who will build a bridge between the public and local politicians, offering a more transparent process that keeps residents in the loop about what’s going on at City Hall.

“I’ve served Oakley in a variety of ways over the last 25 years,” Borland said. “From serving on the Oakley Incorporating Committee to coaching local youth sports and teaching in our local schools to improving my neighborhood and being a proponent for ethical, community-based government, I’ve tried to serve the community. I’m dedicated to bringing that much-needed public-servant mentality to office. I also believe we need change and I’m running as a candidate for change.”

Burgis, 47, is known throughout Oakley and East County as the executive director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Her involvement in the local nonprofit has helped her build connections with elected officials on the local, state and national level, but her quest for City Council is a personal passion.

“I’m running for City Council because I believe I can make a difference,” said Burgis. “I have a compassionate heart that wants to make the world a better place. As a mom and homeowner, I recognize the need to make sure Oakley remains a safe and happy place to raise a family. While some folks running (for council) are focused on what is not working, I am focused on how we can move forward and how we can do better.”

If elected, Burgis’ greatest priority is to help improve economic development while maintaining Oakley’s small-town personality.

Hansen, 51, is also concerned about Oakley’s growth in the next four years. Hansen, a local business owner and pastor who’s lived in Oakley for 20 years, wishes to foster positive growth for businesses, services, infrastructure and opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors.

“I want to see Oakley become a place where people can work, shop, play and enjoy community,” said Hansen. “That will take hard work and strong leadership. I believe I understand the community and have the leadership skills needed to help craft a great future for Oakley. My background as a pastor, business owner, teacher and coach has taught me the importance of listening and leading. I know how to work with a diversity of people to accomplish the vision and goals of those I’m serving and working alongside.”

Hardcastle, 61, is a local business owner who’s lived in Oakley for more than 30 years. The current president of the Ironhouse Sanitary District wants to help draw more businesses to Oakley and improve the city’s economic climate.

“There are people who talk about doing something; I take action – that’s what is called leadership,” Hardcastle said. “When elected, I will be seen as someone who is already heavily invested in this community, believes in the city of Oakley and will represent the people who live here. Oakley is a wonderful community to raise your families in; we need to make it a wonderful business location as well.”

Hardcastle, like Borland, wants to create a transparency between residents and local government and has pledged to make himself available to listen to the public’s concerns for their city.

Romick has served Oakley for 12 years (two terms on the council and four years on the now-defunct Planning Commission) and intends to use his experience to help steer Oakley into a prosperous future.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the citizens of Oakley for nearly 12 years,” said Romick, 57. “This is an honor I have never taken lightly. I am very proud of the record I hold as an appointed and elected official.

“During these last four years, I have ensured continuation of our excellent police services’ contract to maintain our high standard of public safety, worked to re-energize our downtown, continued to implement traffic safety enhancements along Main Street and throughout the city, worked closely with property owners and grape growers to not only save vineyards but increase land devoted to agriculture, diligently represented and served our regional interests as a director for Tri Delta Transit, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Transplan and several other government agencies, and worked with downtown business owners to find solutions for their problems.”

Adler, 53, is a consumer activist. Adler didn’t respond to requests from the Press to get her final thoughts about the council race, but in past forums, she has pledged to be a voice of the people and look for ways to make Oakley a destination city to bring in more revenue and tax dollars.

At least two new faces will be on the council by the end of the year. Councilwoman Pat Anderson is retiring after 13 years of service, and Councilman Jim Frazier is seeking a seat in the State Assembly.