John Fink Set to Run for Brentwood City Council this Fall

Brentwood Planning Commissioner John Fink became the first candidate to announce his intention to run for one of two Brentwood city council seats this fall.

Fink, a Realtor with Delta Ranch & Homes, decided to run because of what he sees coming down the line in Brentwood with many changes. He also says police and fire services are becoming a concern due to growth and development.

“We have new commitments coming from developments to a new police dispatch center to the responsibilities of a library. We need people who are going to be fiscally responsible going forward so we don’t lose that footing so we do not fall into that same trap some of our neighbors have,” said Fink.

Fink further highlighted that with two seats up this fall, there is a lot of experience which may be leaving and believes as a Realtor and planning commissioner, it’s helped him gain the experience needed to help Brentwood stay successful.

It’s unclear at this time if Brentwood Conucilmembers Erick Stonebarger and Gene Clare will run for re-election.

“We need someone who will be there and also has that history. I have that being on the planning commission, someone who was involved in the general plan update. That is the nuts and bolts,” said Fink. “When you have a good understanding and grasp of the general plan, that is something that will help you move forward and make good decisions.”

He further highlighted the general plan is the voice of the citizens of Brentwood and should be respected.

“That general plan did not come from consultants themselves or a city council. It was an involvement of the entire city which was phenomenal,” said Fink. “That gives me an advantage over possibility another candidate to continue to lead Brentwood down to the prosperity we have already had.”

Fink moved to Brentwood in 2002 and admits that on multiple occasions has been accused of loving the town he lives in too much.

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing loving Brentwood too much. We are a community of people who love where we live and want to be in a place where we feel safe. If someone thinks I love it too much, they can call me and ask why I feel that way. Then they will understand,” said Fink.

According to Fink, Brentwood has a sense of community like nowhere else referring to the farmers market, music in the park series, multiple community events, and a strong commitment to helping non-profits succeed.

“We have a variety of service groups that help keep this community going so why would anyone not want to live in Brentwood,” says Fink.

Part of what makes Brentwood great is the commitment to public safety and supporting its police department explained Fink.

“We have a reputation outside of Brentwood where people who may not have the best intentions do not come here and they know not to because our police do such a great job. This is not a place for people to commit crimes which is why you do not see problems like you do in other places,” says Fink. “That is a testament to our officers and how hard they work.”

Fink notes that things should further improve with the new dispatch center because Antioch is so overloaded with calls, their officers will have better communication, processes, and get information to officers fast.

Fink was quick to point out that he does have concerns when it comes to public safety on officer salary.

“I’ve heard that a number of officers cannot afford to live in Brentwood anymore and that is something we really need to look at because I want them to be invested in our community like we are because they are protecting us,” says Fink. “We need to look at why the number of officers that are living here has gone down and get that number back up.”

In terms of future growth, he says his real estate background will help Brentwood with smart planning in the future. Partly, because he knows the area and his job gives him the pulse on the community—such as why people are moving to Brentwood.

“I see development in various places and how are those focuses on real estate going to help further down the road because I see how development works. It’s a balancing act of a project with 160-homes and how is it going to mesh with neighboring neighborhoods. What are the trends with types of homes people want to live in. These are things that as we grow it becomes very important. My profession gives me an advantage because I am involved with the nuts and bolts of the community,” explained Fink.

Fink further pointed out that while smart development is important when mixing both commercial and residential, protecting the agricultural land is equality important.

“We have one the most unique areas you will ever find in the State of California,” says Fink. “We blend with agricultural so well and it’s a beneficial relationship. The agricultural brings people to Brentwood and in return Brentwood gets to promote its agricultural areas. The citizens have spoken that they want the agricultural land protected and I totally agree with it.”

Fink says there is more to do and hopefully they can work with the county to make it a reality.

Another issue Fink wants to tackle is bringing better jobs to Brentwood calling it “Brentwoods bugaboo” because no one can determine what types of jobs are best for the city. For example, he notes that Brentwood has one the highest amount of self-employed and home based businesses as anywhere and should find ways to help prop them up.

“There is no reason why we can’t be an incubator for home based businesses and promoting business here in Brentwood,” said Fink. “Jobs are very important to Brentwood and the city can do more to help.”

Although Fink has his own ideas, he believes his greatest asset is being able to listen to people and weigh all sides before making important decisions.

“One of the things that I believe is most important is that I listen. One of the things we see, especially in the planning commission when we have a hot button issue like the homeless shelter, a lot of people when information goes out, it’s like the game of telephone where things change than the actual narrative,” said Fink. “The only thing we were required to do was zone for the homeless shelter, but the thing was the community got up in arms that the city was going to build a homeless shelter. Now not everyone wants that in their backyard, but the thing that was great was that we had so many people that came and wanted to vent, and say hey we don’t want this, they wanted to be heard. I think that is one of the best qualities that I have is that I listen to what people have to say because all they want is an opportunity to have a voice. They want to get their frustration out and pay attention to their needs. A lot of people these days look at City Hall like an ivory tower and people do not pay attention to them.”

Fink says he will listen to people.

“I will listen to people and take their needs and want to a person who may actually get something done. At least this way they will feel like they are being heard. That is all people want. I don’t know why Politicians and people in higher places don’t pay attention to that anymore,” explained Fink. “As a community we are great at wanting to feel safe and wanting the community to be great and we just want to make sure the people leading this community know that.”

Fink says he will be releasing more information on his website which is expected to launch in the next few months, however, he did launch a Facebook page.

Editors Note: Interview conducted February 23, 2016