|Candidate_Dir: ca/cc/vote/durant_d |Contest_Dir: ca/cc/race/2142 |County_List: Contra Costa County, CA |Residential_County: Contra Costa |Office_Title: Council Member; City of Pleasant Hill |Preparer_Last_Name: Durant |Preparer_First_Name: David |Preparer_Email: durant4ph@aol.com |Preparer_Email_OK: Y |Preparer_Phone: 925-906-0107 |Preparer_Fax: 925-906-0107 |Preparer_Address: 645 Paso Nogal Rd |Preparer_City_State_Zip: Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 |Candidate_Last_Name: Durant |Candidate_First_Name: David |Candidate_Middle_Name: E. |Campaign_WWW_URL: http://www.durant4ph.com |Campaign_Email: durant4ph@aol.com |Campaign_Address_Prefix: David Durant for Pleasant Hill City Council |Campaign_Street_Address: 615 Twinbridge Ct |Campaign_City_State_Zip: Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 |Campaign_Phone: 925-687-2888 |Campaign_Fax: 925-906-0107 |Occupation: Attorney - Safeway, Inc. (Law Degree from Univ. of Chicago) |Bio_Highlight_1: Pleasant Hill Planning Commissioner (1996 - present); Chair '98-'99 |Bio_Highlight_2: 1999 Graduate - Leadership Diablo; 1999 recipient California First Amendment Coalition Shield of Courage Award |Bio_Highlight_3: PH Redevelopment Advisory Committee '93-'96; past chair |Bio_Highlight_4: President of two boards (senior legal services and youth development/violence prevention) |Bio_Highlight_5: Past President - Sequoia Middle School Parent/Faculty Club |Bio_Highlight_6: Former Umpire - Pleasant Hill Baseball Association |Full_Biography: GENERAL BACKGROUND After 28 years living in large and small cities, from Bronx, New York to Studio City, California, to Mountlake Terrace, Washington, to Woodridge, Illinois, I settled in Pleasant Hill. In 1990, my new wife, Cindy, and I moved our young family here. I have varied interests, including sports, music, and conversation. I am an active community member, committed to teaching and helping others. My board memberships/community activities: PUBLIC SERVICE BACKGROUND I was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission in 1996, and was selected Chair `98-'99. My term on the Commission expires in 2000. I am a member of the Retail Business Task Force, a recent graduate of Leadership Diablo, and the Planning Commission representative to TRANSPAC. I am an associate member of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and sit as President of two Boards of Directors: Legal Assistance for Seniors (a senior legal services provider) and Youth ALIVE! (A youth violence prevention and leadership training organization). I am a member of the Society of Professional Journalists' - Northern California Chapter - Freedom of Information Committee, and a recent awardee of a Beacon Award, The Shield of Courage, from CFAC. I previously served on the Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Advisory Committee (1993 - 1996), and served as its Chair. I served as President of Sequoia Middle School's Parent/Faculty Club (1992- 1993) and as Co-Vice President (1991 - 1992). I was an umpire for Pleasant Hill Baseball Association for two seasons. Over the years, my volunteer work has included volunteer income tax preparation for the elderly, pro bono legal service (primarily fraud and social security cases), participation in "Lawyers in the Library" (legal advice to the indigent), several years as a Street Law instructor in high schools (both during law school and in my professional life), volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, volunteer for Friends of Rodgers Ranch in Pleasant Hill, Fourth of July volunteer in Pleasant Hill, volunteer instructor at various legal advocacy skills programs and in high school moot court competitions in Oakland, food preparer at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, and volunteer counselor and fundraiser for YMCA. EDUCATION University of Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois - J.D., 1990. Volunteer income tax preparer; intra-mural sports non-legend; member Black Law Students Association (Treasurer and VP). Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey - B.A., Political Science, 1986. Certificate in Administration of Justice. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Safeway, Inc., Pleasanton, California - Sr. Attorney, 8/30/99-Present. Intellectual property law. Advertising. Consumer affairs. Banking. Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May, Oakland, California - Associate, 9/90 - 8/99. Practice primarily involved intellectual property and general business litigation, including media representation. Also handled significant pro bono matters, including social security benefits cases. Past Chair, Associate Committee (1994-1997). Member Associate Pro Bono Committee and Associate Training Committee. Actively involved in recruiting. Professional Associations: State Bar (Litigation and Intellectual Property sections); American Bar Association (Intellectual Property and Litigation Insurance sections), Alameda County and Charles Houston Bar Associations. Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois - Summer Associate, 1989. Primarily in litigation. Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, Illinois - Summer Associate and Law Clerk, 1988- 1989. Cipher Services, Inc., Seattle, Washington - Paralegal, 1987. American Arbitration Association, Somerset, New Jersey - Tribunal Administrator, Commercial/Construction Department, 1985-1986. Public Defender Service, Washington, D.C. - Criminal Investigator - Intern, 1984(additional work as private investigator) Held various receptionist, office clerk, bindery assistant, warehouseman, and other miscellaneous positions from 1979 - 1984. |Political_Priority_1: Promoting child safety and a responsive, service-oriented government that treats residents like customers! |Political_Priority_2: Managing growth, including protecting and enhancing neighborhoods city-wide and supporting local business |Political_Priority_3: Promoting and improving our New Downtown, and fostering cooperation with neighboring cities and agencies. |Political_Philosophy: DAVID DURANT HAS A POSITIVE AGENDA I have a positive agenda for reasonable, common sense government, driven by fairness, propriety and respect for individuals. (See my website, at www.Durant4PH.com!) I believe that public officials have the privilege of serving for the benefit of (and with the consent of) all of the people they represent. When we moved to Pleasant Hill, my wife, Cindy, and I found the small, family-oriented city we were searching for: a city with a dynamic future, a sense of community, and exceptional schools and recreation facilities for our growing children. I am running for City Council because I think the City Council can and should do more. We have vital neighborhoods, a strong small business community, good schools, and an atmosphere that is family friendly. I seek to preserve what is working and enhance the benefits of our city for all of its residents. I think we can do better than we have done, and that we can do it in an atmosphere of openness, respect, cooperation and community. I believe that we can have a more responsive, service-oriented government that treats residents as valued customers. I am an independent person with good consensus-building skills. I value reasonable progress, big-picture thinking, and solutions based on open disclosure, professional and respectful communication, and a common-sense agenda. I listen and learn. I do not, however, shrink from making tough, thoughtful and rational decisions. I will work hard to foster an environment where our city works together with its residents and other jurisdictions for the benefit of Pleasant Hill residents (such as working with the school district to resolve safety and over-crowding issues). I believe Pleasant Hill's City Council needs this kind of focus to move into the 21stCentury. WHAT DAVID DURANT HAS TO OFFER Using my training and experience, I can collaborate and negotiate with other agencies and governments to find local and regional solutions to difficult problems, such as child safety, law enforcement near schools, improving school conditions, and addressing regional traffic. And, I can do it while (1) Protecting and enhancing neighborhoods city-wide and (2) Supporting our business community. |Featured_Endorsement_1: Contra Costa County Central Labor Council and Building Trades Council |Featured_Endorsement_2: Supervisor, Mark DeSaulnier; Sheriff Warren Rupf |Featured_Endorsement_3: Eric Lane - Mt. Diablo Unified Sch. Dist.; Dan Richard - BART Board Pres. |Additional_Endorsements: David Durant for Pleasant Hill City Council David has earned the support and endorsement of the following: Elected Officials: Charlie Abrams - Mayor Pro Tem, Walnut Creek Mark DeSaulnier - Supervisor, Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, District 4 Denise Hansen - Secretary, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board Allen Hart - Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board Joel Keller - Director, BART Board of Directors Eric Lane - President, Mt. Diablo School District Board of Education Dan Richard - President, BART Board of Directors Warren E. Rupf - Sheriff, Contra Costa County Cecile Shepard - Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board Sherry Sterrett - Chair, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board; fmr PH Mayor Community Leaders: Sue Angeli - Chair, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission Helen Adams - Commissioner, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission Jim Alkire - Former Pleasant Hill City Manager Nello Bianco - Former Director, BART Board of Directors Peggy Blake - Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Board Paul Bonnar - Former Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board Bill Brumley - Chair, Concord Park and Recreation Commission Ron Butler - Former Director, Contra Costa Water District George Corrigan - Chair, Pleasant Hill Architectural Review Commission Joe Cwik - President, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Dennis Donaghu - City rep., Iron Horse Trail Advisory Comm., PH Rec & Park rep., East Bay Reg. Pk Advis. Comm. Faye Donaghu - Member, Pleasant Hill Civic Action Committee; past Pres. PH Chamber of Commerce Lola Fellinger -Fmr Pleasant Hill Planning Commissioner (fmr Chair); past Pres PH Chamber of Commerce Mike Hall - Member, Pleasant Hill Advisory Committee on Redevelopment Richard Hartmann - Former Pleasant Hill Planning Commissioner Oliver Holmes - Former Pleasant Hill Mayor; fmr PH Rec & Park District Bd; fmr EBRPD Bd Bud Howe - Former Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Board Wendell Jones - Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Advisory Committee on Redevelopment W.D. "Bill" Landis - Former Pleasant Hill Mayor Jim Maguire - Former Pleasant Hill Mayor Louis Mangini - Commissioner, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission David Mascaro - President-Elect, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Dennis McCormac - Former President, Mt. Diablo School District Board of Education Tom McHale - Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Board Helen McLaren - Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Board Brett Morris - Former Chair, Pleasant Hill Advisory Committee on Redevelopment Chuck Murphy - Member, Pleasant Hill Traffic Safety Committee Dione Mustard - Former Pleasant Hill Mayor Bob Silberman - Member, Pleasant Hill Advisory Committee on Redevelopment Dana Simmons - Member, Pleasant Hill Civic Action Committee Elmer Swanton - Member, Diablo Vista Water District Clint Tubbs - Commissioner, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission Mary Walters - President, Pleasant Hill Historical Society Chris Watchmaker - Member, Pleasant Hill Advisory Committee on Redevelopment Organizations: Contra Costa County Central Labor Council Contra Costa County Building Trades Council Operating Engineers, Local Union No. 3 Carpenters, Local Union No. 152 Community Members: (a partial listing) Al and Karen Amador Carol Anderson Chris and Elaine Baker Dr. James Beebee Betty Bianco Chris and Ron Boone John Blake Martha E. Brauner Joan Butler Nancy Clark Harry L. Conry Dick and Barbara Cooper Barbara Conners Marion and Jack Corder Cheryl Cunningham Andrea Cwik Bob DeVries Cindy Durant Frank Fellinger Norma and Don Flaskerud Kimberly Flynn Debbie Fratangelo Mary T. George Paul Gouveia Dan and Jean Gomes Eleanor "Ellie" Greenfield Steve and Judi Granucci Jean and Walter Hambleton Dr. Michael Harris Majorie L. Hogg Don and Helen Holm Rachel Holmes Joseph and Pat Hurd Indrikita Jones Elaine M. Josephs Al and Virginia Keefauver Helen Landis Veta and Walt Larsen Gary and Joan Lawrence Tony LoForte, Sr. Shelly McHale Marty and Steve McInturf Phil and Beth Madruga Dick and Marlene Maksel Marian Mangini Peggy Miller Elizabeth Moser Pam and Wayne Mosher Lynn Murphy Jack and Pat Myhill Robert and Denise Olinger Dina Phelan Jerry and Virginia Phillips Sharon Pinter Dorothy Plummer Dr. Laura Presnick Dr. Bruce Presnick Sylvia Silberman Jim Sinnott Aleeta and Jim Slattery Michael Sterrett Marco and Sonia Sumarriva Jane Ann Trethric Freda Thurston Libby and Jim Townsend Marilyn Tubbs Ken Walters Bill and Liz Walsh Richard and Helen Webster Robert "Buzz" Whalen Linda Whalen Sindy and David Wilkinson Tom and Marie Williamson Debbie and Ken Wombacher |Position_Paper_1_Title: Vote NO on Measure C; Vote YES on Measure D |Position_Paper_1_Summary: Measure C is NOT about curbing campaign finance abuses. It is an attempt to quell opposition and keep average people from mounting meaningful campaigns. Measure D, on the other hand, would save $100,000 over ten years, would increase voter participation and would advance the cause of democracy in Pleasant Hill! |Position_Paper_1_Full_Text: I BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY! I oppose Measure C, which has been labeled as a "campaign reform measure." We have a set of State imposed limits on contributions already. I am not opposed to lowering those limits reasonably. Unfortunately, passage of Measure C (assuming it was not overturned by the Courts) would do so much more. It would limit the average candidate's opportunity to raise funds to mount a meaningful campaign and educate the voters. For example, it would PROHIBIT a candidate from obtaining, soliciting or accepting either contributions or loans from other people for the last three days of an election, but it would not stop an individual candidate from putting thousands of dollars of his or her own money into the campaign. The State requires a good deal of reporting of candidate finances during an election -- which is very time consuming for candidates. This Measure would require extra reporting, which is unnecessary and further inhibits candidate campaigning, especially in the last two weeks of the campaign. This Measure looks good on the surface, but attempts to limit contributions from ordinary people by requiring disclosures of CONTRIBUTORS' information at lower limits, and by PROHIBITING (I believe illegally) any person from making ANY expenditure "on behalf of" a candidate "without first obtaining the candidate's prior written approval." That means a friend could not purchase copy paper for my flyers (or even make and pass out flyers on my behalf) without prior written approval from me. In short, Measure C just tries to do too much, and is bad policy. I favor Measure D, which would once again join city elections with the school board elections (which the City Council approved in 1982). The current Council failed to move the City elections this year, like the school district, to the even-year system. Just like in 1982, moving the election would save a lot of money. In fact, it would save tens of thousands of dollars (over $100,000 over 10 years) that are better spent on improved government services. Moving the elections now would also be more democratic, guaranteeing greater voter participation (voter turnout in even-year elections is 65%, compared to 25% in odd-year elections). Further, when turn-out rates are low, it is more difficult for candidates to get their message out, as many people are not inspired to go to the polls. If Measure C passes, and Measure D fails, fewer than 25% of the city will continue making decisions and citizens will be deprived of the opportunity to learn about new candidates who are not backed by established interest groups. The opponents of even-year elections decry long, confusing ballots and worry that TV coverage of state issues will distract voters from Pleasant Hill's issues. I simply do not agree with the argument that we "confuse" the voters with long ballots. And, I do not buy the argument that absent separate elections the newspapers will provide inadequate information to voters about local issues. I have faith in our local electorate and our newspapers. I trust that the vast majority of voters take their voting rights seriously and they prepare to vote. I trust that The Contra Costa Times knows its job, to inform and educate. I also trust that the newspaper dedicated to our city, The Pleasant Hill Record, will ensure that local issues are neither lost nor forgotten. Finally, if our City Council operated more openly and with full disclosure, and the City used the even-year elections savings wisely, the City itself could better inform the citizens about what is going on in Pleasant Hill. |Position_Paper_2_Title: Let's Move Into the New Millenium with a Positive Approach and Cooperation |Position_Paper_2_Summary: We need a new positive spirit on the Council! The Council must act accountably, with integrity and dignity. It must listen actively to all citizens and encourage partnerships between citizens, business, and government. |Position_Paper_2_Full_Text: Politics in Pleasant Hill has been called "notoriously divisive" and "dysfunctional." Many have wondered how this came about and what I would do to "fix" it. This is an historic problem which manifests itself in how Pleasant Hill is seen by other agencies and jurisdictions: we are seen as hostile, uncooperative, unprofessional, and arrogant. Some believe that the divisive attitude on the Pleasant Hill City Council was spawned by disagreement over growth issues in the 1980's. As we approach the 21st century, growth is no longer a significant issue in our city. Today, the City Council is seen as a dysfunctional council both locally and regionally because of the "attitude" brought on by the tone and tenor of some of the City Council members. This must change! OUR CITY COUNCIL MUST BE PROFESSIONAL AND TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECT Too many of the current City Council members fail to treat citizens with respect and decency. They take pot-shots at audience members and city staff. They are negative to citizens who come to speak before them. The City Council's interactions must become professional. The discussions must be open, thoughtful, rational, deliberative, and compassionate. I believe that the City Council should welcome public input, listen openly to speakers and show respect to the city staff and people of Pleasant Hill. THE CITY COUNCIL NEEDS MEANINGFUL, ENFORCED RULES OF CONDUCT I believe that having meaningful rules and procedures will help lessen the dysfunctional atmosphere of City Council meetings, and - with appropriate leadership - will lead to an improved City image and more efficient, effective and productive meetings. I took a leadership role in having the Planning Commission function at a highly professional level. I treat staff, fellow Commissioners and the public with respect and decency. As Chair of the Planning Commission, I enforced our rules fairly and respectfully. If elected to the City Council, I will continue to conduct myself in this fashion, will work hard to create a City Council that operates in optimal fashion, with a spirit of cooperation and reasoned debate, and will bring forward a proposal to bring meaningful rules of conduct and procedures to the City Council within the first 100 days after assuming office. WE MUST BEGIN AN ERA OF COOPERATION IN THE NEW MILLENIUM That is the start. To repair our city's image, we also must choose cooperation whenever possible, picking our battles carefully. There are many matters over which the City Council has no or very limited jurisdictional power: schools, parks and recreation, fire service, and water issues. Nonetheless, the Council has an obligation to work for the benefit of its citizens and to advocate for Pleasant Hill children. I think we can do better than we have done. I know that we can improve our reputation with the school district and we can do it in an atmosphere of openness, respect, and cooperation. We need to collaborate with the school district to find local solutions to difficult problems, such as child safety, law enforcement near schools, improving school conditions and improving education. With two school district school board members from Pleasant Hill, we should be able to be heard and to work together for the benefit of our children. The same may be said of traffic issues. We must work with other jurisdictions to help find regional solutions to this long-standing issue. WE MUST WORK WITH OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES I believe that we must both recognize the vital role business plays in the well-being of our community and be more responsive to business. We need to form a new partnership between the City Council, Pleasant Hill businesses and Pleasant Hill residents. If we have proactive planning, with a managed growth philosophy, and a creative, problem-solving spirit on the City Council, I believe that the partnership can be created and our city can truly reach its potential. As a Chamber member and member of the Retail Business Task Force, I have worked closely with the Chamber to improve retail business advertising opportunities. I am proud to say that the current City Council unanimously approved new sign ordinance that I helped to craft. I believe that RBTF is one important step toward maximum cooperation between the city and its businesses. If elected, I will start a review of the home occupation permit regulations, particularly in light of emerging technology and global telecommunications. I will work with city staff and local businesses to minimize the affect of the new downtown on our existing businesses. I also envision the City and the Chamber jointly sponsoring events, like they did decades ago! |Position_Paper_3_Title: Let's Talk Traffic, Airports and Child Safety |Position_Paper_3_Summary: Tough issues lie ahead: increased traffic, potential airport use, and child safety on routes to and from schools. These issues require careful analysis and regional cooperation. I will advocate for Pleasant Hill, promote child safety, work to add needed bike lanes and sidewalks, to increase crossing guards and law enforcement near schools, and to improving traffic circulation. |Position_Paper_3_Full_Text: ROAD TRAFFIC FIRST There's been lots of talk about traffic problems for decades. There is no denying that there are traffic problems in Pleasant Hill. In my view, we can either approach this problem by isolating ourselve or by being part of a more comprehensive solution. "Traffic calming" devices such as speed bumps, barriers, etc., are all the rage now. But, I believe these measures are extreme and should only be used as a last resort. I believe we must be realistic about the lengths to which we will go to limit traffic. I support a limit on future development in traffic-impacted areas until proper analysis is conducted and reasonable mitigation measures can be instituted. I would continue to pursue the measures contemplated for traffic calming on both Pleasant Hill Road and Oak Park Boulevard (near the Middle School). I would look at strategic use of stop signs and signalization on other roads (particularly in areas, like Morello and parts of Gregory Gardens) where speeding is a significant issue, and would explore reconfiguring streets and corner areas. Before resorting to speed bumps, barriers and barricades, I would also deploy more crossing guards and police personnel near schools and other heavily impacted areas. I would work with other cities and the school district on a comprehensive, regional solution, with consideration of secondary impacts. Finally, I would insist on appropriate funding prioritization to achieve proper traffic circulation and control, and increased enforcement efforts. Once the downtown is complete and in light of the changing demographics of our city and our neighboring cities, I would support a comprehensive review of the Transportation Element in the Pleasant Hill General Plan. Pleasant Hill's General Plan calls for local and regional transportation planning, with consideration of secondary impacts. This means that development projects, capital improvement projects and other construction must be assessed in light of long-term impacts of these projects on area streets. I believe we must develop and stick with a coherent policy for transportation and traffic, and be willing to work cooperatively with neighboring cities, the county and others to find solutions to complex traffic problems. AIR TRAFFIC There is talk once again about expanding the airport safety zone and potentially allowing commercial air traffic to return to Buchanan Air Field. I am not inclined to support increased use of the airport. But, I do believe there is value in the current studies being undertaken by the Airport Land Use Commission. I believe we ought to listen to the airline companies and evaluate their proposals on their merits, rather than from a NIMBY stand-point. The issue is obviously sensitive. Pleasant Hill businesses and residents have a lot at stake. Fortunately, our current Supervisor has a good beat on Pleasant Hill's concerns, and that offers us a valuable opportunity -- again -- to work with the County in addressing this issue. FOOT TRAFFIC AND BIKE TRAFFIC I have long been a supporter of expanding trails, improving streets with sidewalks (particularly in areas where children walk to and from school), and adding bike lanes. With limited resources, we will again be called upon to collaborate with other agencies to keep adults and children moving safely through our streets. Further, Pleasant Hill's capital improvement plan needs to be re-evaluated and prioritized. Simply put, we need to plan the work and work our plan.