Dear Editor:
With the race for the June primaries almost upon us, and six different candidates running for County Supervisor in District 3, what’s a poor voter to do? I am fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting most of these candidates, and without question, Diane Burgis is, by far, the most qualified and absolute best candidate for this position.
Diane is the only candidate with broad regional experience – she is currently a Trustee on the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board which manages a budget in excess of two hundred million dollars, servicing almost three million people, and overseeing its own fire department and police force. This is an entirely different level of responsibility and decision-making than that of a local city council member – with just local city issues to address. No other candidate has this breadth of experience and understanding of the complex scope of issues and decisions required to address an entire County.
Diane is a Force of Nature.
As the Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW), she has taken this non-profit from a small organization to a major force in our County and Delta today. FOMCW is involved in a multitude of projects, from creek and trail cleanup (using thousands of volunteers) to large-scale restorations projects, of which Diane has had a major role. Her work has been recognized and honored by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, whose Women’s Hall of Fame has awarded her the Women Improving the Environment distinction award this year.
Diane is a Consensus-Builder.
Diane brings people together to solve problems constructively and effectively. Diane builds cooperative coalitions among people and constituents, to craft lasting broad-based solutions for issues and problems. Diane has the endorsement of over sixty leaders throughout the County and State, including all of the current Trustees of the EBRPD.
Contrast that with candidate Doug Hardcastle, who touts his 12 years of experience on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, yet not one of the ISD Directors, current or previously-serving, has stepped up to endorse him! What does that tell you about the difference between Diane’s leadership skills, and that of Mr. Hardcastle?
And, contrast that with Candidate Monica Wilson, who has been serving on the Antioch City Council, and not one of her other council members have stepped up to endorse her. What does that tell you about Ms. Wilson’s leadership abilities? When the people you have worked the longest with refuse to support your candidacy – that speaks volumes!
We need a proven leader, with the experience and skills to effectively represent District 3 on the Board of Supervisors. Join me in voting for Diane Burgis – the only candidate fully qualified and able to step into this position, and lead from strength and experience.
Susan Morgan
Director, Ironhouse Sanitary District
Oakley
12 comments
I was voting for Ms Burgis but have cast my vote for Steve Barr. He is much more in tune with the county problems, budget etc.
Hi Julio,
I have not yet cast a vote yet, I do so on election day. I am leaning towards Burgis but Barr is my fall back vote depending on what comes out the final few weeks until June 7.
What makes you think Barr is better on County problems and the budget. Brentwood owes the State 19 million dollars from what I understand. He also has not been able to fix the fire issue and supports taking money and giving it to the fire district. I’d like to gain more perspective before voting day.
I sent an hour talking to Mr. Barr a couple of weeks ago one on one. He has actually read the county budget and is well versed on its ins and outs. A plus. Brentwood owes the state 14 mil still to be settled for the discontinued redevelopment money. Antioch owes 20 for the same reason. Oakley owes nothing because they didn’t have a redevelopment agency back then. I am not going to hang him with the fire district problems as SO many people have been involved and screwed it up royally everyone is to blame including the voters. I don’t live in Brentwood by the way. I do believe he has more experience than Burgis and I was going to vote for her.
@Julio,
Just to clarify, the City of Oakley has a redevelopment agency which is composed of its mayor and city council. Oakley has no debt because they paid it down.
Thanks, very different info out there. I like yours. Were they a city at the time Brown cut the redevelopment stuff out?
Julio, it sounds like you have already voted but you may want to consider this if Steve Barr somehow makes the run off. He isn’t the guy you think he is.
Why do you think Mary Peipho endorsed Diane Burgis over Steve Barr? It isn’t because he understands budgets, he is not only hypocritical, he doesn’t have a shred or regional experience nor the budgetary experience that Ms. Burgis does. Peipho has been doing the job for over a decade, who better than to know what it takes to do the job? After all, the city of Brentwood doesn’t hold a candle in comparison to the East Bay Reg. Park district when it comes to budgets. EBRP’s budget is much closer to the county’s budget…….Brentwood doesn’t even come close.
Now should we talk about Brentwood’s out of control growth or save that for another day?
Barrs record continues to plummet beyond that. He is a man of little accomplishment unless you count him voting to give himself. 65 percent raise, and then bumping the Mayors pay as well. Real fiscal responsibility right?
This is why you should not vote early. Facts are just coming to the surface and both Barr and Hardcastle don’t want you knowing what they have and mostly haven’t done.
Opinion; I will not vote for anyone who accepts dirty money. Diane is supported by dirty money. Hardcastle is not in tune to represent east county. He is also a used vehicle salesman.
Hey unome, your rhetoric on this site is the same every post. We get it, you hate Burgis. You claim dirty money yet fail to say anything of substance. What exactly do you consider dirty money because EVERY candidate in this race has “dirty” money.
Doug Hardcastle has dirty money as well.
Joseph Garaventa – $1,675
Oakley Disposal Services – $1,675
Bryan Montgomery’s Wife
Oakley Police Chief Chris Thorsen
Is the garbage company not funding him for favors later? Use your damn head!
I do not hateDiane Burgis at all. I’m just not voting for her. She needs to stay put for at least one term before bailing out for a buck or two. Of course and the dirty money.
@Cameron,
Obviously you have no clue on a few local matters. Brentwood is financially sound. The Fire District was destroyed by Mary Piepho while giving herself two huge raises along with double dip perks. Diane has not been on EBRPD very long to be responsible for financial decision credit. But if you look at your tax roles you will find multiple bond tax charges if you want to credit her. So do not vote for Diane who has played musical chairs to the highest bidder. I’m voting Barr who is a solid family long time resident.
George, where are you getting your bad information? From Unome?
Cameron got it right, while you were able to get all of it wrong. I don’t know where you get off spreading erroneous information. I have been following all these issues including the ones you fabricated.
You might want to look closer before posting. Brentwood is not as financially sound as you make them out to be, in spite of them taking and manipulating tax line items such as their CFD which was developed for the fire department but diverted into police. That’s just for beginners. The only part Mary Piepho has played in the fire district is to consolidate it (good move) and build the reserve finances up into the millions befor handing it over to the much anticipated local control. Perhaps you can back up you false allegations and explain how you consider those positive actions as destroying the district? It’s simple, you can’t.
As far as the two raises it has been explained here many times. 1. By law the BOS must decide to grant themselves pay raises. In fact, by law and by a vote of the people it is the only way this is done. It’s unfortunate you don’t wish to understand the mechanism. It’s also unfortunate that you don’t know what the term double dip means although you enjoy tossing it out there hoping it gets legs. It doesn’t.
No Georgie Boy, the fact is that under Mary Piepho’s leadership on the board, the county has gone through an amazing financial recovery, structurally balanced 5 budgets in a row, paid down Retirement Liability by 2 BILLION dollars. That’s 2 Billion while we’re were suffering through the Great Recession.
You see George (Unome), I pay attention and cite facts. You on the other hand wallow in false accusations. Who do you think wins the debate?
Thanks for being such a fantastic fall guy. Keep serving up those softballs.
It’s greatly appreciated.
Vote Diane Burgis. She doesn’t need anyone to dupe the voters/readers. Her record and her votes reflect well for her. Don’t take my word, check for yourself.
Doug Scheer endorsed my campaign for Supervisor last October. He signed the line on the Volunteer/Contribution envelope, beneath the box – which he marked – next to “You may list me as a supporter:” and included a check for $300 to my campaign, which was reported having been written on 10/21/15. The envelope was postmarked 10/22/15.
As for Dr. Michael Painter’s and Chris Lauritzen’s endorsements of my campaign, they were both verbal and to me, in person, long before you sent your letter to the editor.
While, it’s not necessary to get an endorsement in writing from friends and colleagues I’ve worked with and trust, to clear up any confusion, I’ll be happy to get them in writing.
Feel free to see Doug Scheer’s signed endorsement posted on my campaign’s Facebook page.
This election is much more important than who is endorsing whom. The most important endorsement to me is from the voters on Election Day and that’s who I’m focused on.
Doug Hardcastle
Candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 3
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