Clayton, Calif. — Chief Financial Officer Debora Allen announced Wednesday morning that she is seeking election to the San Francisco BART Director, District 1 position in the 2016 general election.
“Over the last decade, the BART experience has deteriorated with increased crime, system delays, labor strikes, equipment malfunctions, fake security cameras, high fares, budget shortfalls and overall public dissatisfaction,” Allen said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay!”
Allen’s campaign platform is focused on five primary objectives:
- DEMAND accountability from management for the financial stability, affordability, and cost effectiveness of BART.
- REBUILD the old infrastructure to provide a renewed, sustainable, and durable transportation system for future generations.
- REPLACE obsolete, broken equipment with clean, innovative, modern replacements, and maintain them.
- INTEGRATE the current system with our numerous other Bay Area transit systems to create greater accessibility and efficiency in our lives.
- PROVIDE a better BART experience to the customer, the rider, and the workers.
Numerous prominent East Bay leaders have joined in supporting Allen’s campaign.
Senator Steve Glazer: “Debora Allen will bring an important voice and fiscally responsible vote into the BART boardroom. She’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s a problem solver. She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”
Assemblywoman Catharine Baker: “Debora Allen brings a refreshing new energy and approach to getting BART’s fiscal house in order. She will be a champion for the transit rider and taxpayer!”
President of Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Vice Mayor of Clayton Julie Pierce: “Our BART system is incredibly important to the residents of Contra Costa County. I am confident that Debora Allen will be strong leadership on the Board of Directors and a loud voice for transparency and financial accountability to the stakeholders as we rebuild BART into a world class transportation system of which we can all be proud.”
Contra Costa County Supervisor Candice Andersen: “Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction.”
Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson: “I trust Debora Allen to protect the taxpayers’ investment in BART, for the riders, the workers, and for the future of Bay Area living.”
Former CA State Assemblywoman (1996-2002) Lynne Leach: “Debora Allen is a talented, trusted and experienced businesswoman. Her background of working to stem the ever increasing growth of public pension costs prepares her well to serve on the BART Board.”
Also endorsing Allen are: Mayor of Pittsburg Ben Johnson, Mayor of Clayton Howard Geller, Pittsburg City Council Member Sal Evola, Pittsburg City Council Member Ben Johnson, Contra Costa Community College District Member Vicki Gordon, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board Member and Past President Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Michael McGill, Attorney and Pension Board Trustee Scott Gordon, Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Member Steve Mick, Former Mayor of Clayton Pete Laurence, former Walnut Creek School Board Member Dan Walden, and retired BART employee Robert Leach.
“I am an independent, thoughtful, outsider, willing to take on the challenges of the troubled BART system,” Allen said. “I have spent over 25 years in a career in various financial management and board level positions. I now want to use that experience and knowledge to help the BART stakeholders, the riders, the taxpayers, and the BART employees.”
BART District 1 includes the Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette BART stations and the cities of Martinez, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, San Ramon, and Clayton
3 comments
Except for Glazer. all the names I recognize are Republicans…That’s not encouraging.
Since Reps usually favor Management and Dems favor labor how can you not be encouraged? Guess you missed the memo on who is F’ing up Bart?
Republican, because not everyone can be on welfare! Especially BART workers.
I’m excited for you, Deb!! BART needs your vast budgetary skills on the board.
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