I am writing this letter to support three candidates for the Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District. Each of these three candidates offers something unique and important to our community, and I know they will each work diligently for our town:
Both Kevin Graves and Brian Dawson were appointed to the board last year, and in the time they have served as appointees, they have accomplished much:
• Kevin Graves is the sitting board president, and under his leadership, the board has worked productively and efficiently to get the town’s business done. CSD meetings are often shorter than they have been in recent years, which audience members appreciate. Kevin helped to focus the board on key issues and worked collaboratively with all directors as well as staff to ensure that progress was made on areas of concern to the community, including landscaping, water and wastewater planning, fiscal planning and more.
• Brian Dawson is both a CSD director as well as the treasurer of the Discovery Bay Elementary PTA. He vigorously advocated against shuttering fire stations and helped bring the issue out to the community at large. He contributed to the formation of the P6 Committee, and advocated for improved parks, including the forthcoming basketball court at Regatta Park. Brian has urged greater transparency with the community via a professional website with posted agendas as well as official e-mail addresses that are subject to public records requests.
• Both Kevin and Brian urge fiscal responsibility, understanding that the current economy as well as the community as a whole demand that the district run lean while still providing necessary services. They also contributed to the board actions that are leading to the development of a new long-range plan for water and wastewater services.
I am also supporting Chris Steele, who will bring another dimension to the board:
• Chris is a local small-business owner and an active member of the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce, serving as CEO/president of the chamber in 2009. In this capacity, he has already demonstrated his commitment to the town, but also represents a key audience that has not been served well by the CSD in recent years – local businesses. As a business owner myself, I think it important that our local governing board consider the needs of both residents and businesses, and know that Chris will help to ensure that happens.
As an active member of the Discovery Bay community, I frequently attend our CSD meetings and understand the dynamics of our town, and know that all three of these candidates will take a proactive approach to all issues.
For all of these reasons, I am supporting Kevin Graves, Brian Dawson and Chris Steele in their candidacy for CSD director. I know that if they are elected, each will build on the good work of this year’s CSD board, and the community will continue to progress as a result of their efforts.
Jennifer Finetti, Discovery Bay
They have professional experience to draw from and don't have ties to Tom Koch of Shea Builders.
Our Nation and community is at a great crossroad this November 2nd. YOUR VOTE COUNTS! A vote for me will provide leadership on the issues key to our town’s success. I have the skills and experience necessary to lead community-driven teams and develop public-private partnerships. I am fully committed to working hard with enthusiasm and integrity to improve our quality of life in Discovery Bay and the greater Delta region.
This campaign has been such a great opportunity for me to engage our community in the future of Discovery Bay. Thank you to ALL the passionate and concerned neighbors, business owners, and volunteers I have met, for reaching out to me with your constructive discussion about our local history, present issues and future plans. I am listening to you. We definitely have some great vision, talent and resources ready to move forward to address the recurring issues and projects. Here's a brief list of our community goals. Feel free to add yours:
> Improve our property values.
> Maintain a balanced budget.
> Improve operating reserves.
> Establish and maintain transparent government systems.
> Complete a community-driven Community Center development project with a clearly defined vision and operating plan funded through public-private partnership.
> Increase paramedic and fire protection.
> Eradicate invasive aquatic weeds in our bays and waterways.
> Continue landscape improvements.
> Expand quantity and quality of parks.
> Establish dog owner committee to complete a new dog park development project.
> Establish youth committee to plan activities and complete a new skateboard park / BMX track development project.
> Support the “Save the California Delta Alliance”
> Support the establishment of public-private education partnership as a means of improving the financing and delivery of education to our children.
> Support the establishment of local high school and college student internship programs for delta / agricultural sciences and local community services.
Feel free to contact me directly if you have any suggestions and if would like to participate.
VOTE FOR CHRIS STEELE, DISCOVERY BAY CSD 2010
Thank you for your consideration,
Chris Steele
925-519-5082
votesteele10@gmail.com
My appologies to you Mr. Graves. I would not have attended under those circumstances too. I hope you had a wonderful anniversary. I am sure there will be other opportunities for debate. I would like to hear your opinions on the issues.
Mr. Steele,
Unfortunately your hypocritical statement of "bringing the community together" after you trash residents gains no respect from me.
The bickering and hate between some residents should not be part of any candidates platform.
I noticed Mr. Graves spoke only of himself, family, and appears to have open ears to all ( not just a select few as others have indicated on their platform ). Thank you,Mr. Graves for our sincerity.
On 9/23/2010 the Discovery Bay community did have a very informative candidate forum hosted by Delta Sun Times and the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce. With great communication we had 100% of the CSD candidates participating along with BUSD candidates Elaine Landro and John Craig... it is my understanding that the remainder of BUSD candidates were attending the Contra Costa Teacher of the Year banquet.
It is apparent that the "unofficial" organizers for the 10/6/2010 forum, Bill Richardson and Carol Jackson waited until the last minute to invite the candidates and inform the community of their forum plans. You know what happens when you a-s-s-u-m-e. Enough said.
Now is the time to bring our community together... communication is everything!
My name is Chris Steele and I am asking for your support to join the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board.
I am running to provide leadership on issues key to our town’s success.
Should I have the honor to serve, you have my word that I’ll undertake my role with hard work, enthusiasm and integrity. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Steele
Discovery Bay, California
Vote For Chris Steele - Discovery Bay 2010
VoteSteele10@gmail.com
http://tinyurl.com/242pdmd
I would relish the opportunity to have a a debate with my fellow candidates. One that would be well organized, well advertised and well atttended.
To my constituents, I take this job extremely seriosly, and as our town staff will verify, hardly a day goes by that I am not in that office dealing with one issue or another. In fact I was there twice today.
Please contact me directly with any questions about the issues or my campaign (jkgraves@comcast.net) and I would ask that you would vote for me on November 2nd.
Thank you...Kevin
Where were the incumbents?
Lisa Vorderbrueggen is the most respected political commentator in the region. The sheriff of Contra Costa even attended. This goes to show who cares and who does not. When the time comes to vote remember this.
Kevin Graves, Brian Dawson and Chris Steele were unable to attend