VIEWPOINTS: PAUL COOPER

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 12, 2008 | by Paul Cooper

Most of us are well aware that there will be important national, state and local elections this November. Many folks may not realize, however, just how many electoral contests will take place right here in Contra Costa County.

After a quick review, I discovered that there are 185 elected offices that require voter consent within the 72 cities, special districts and school agencies in our county.

In order for each of us to effectively retain a voice in selecting elected representatives whose decisions impact our lives, we must do our part by voting in November.

Competition for some elected offices is often stimulated when incumbents voluntarily vacate their seats. Reasons for such may vary, but many seats open up simply because incumbents choose to retire.

Last month, vacated council seats were announced in nearby Moraga and Walnut Creek. Other council vacancies within county cities may have been created if incumbents decided not to submit candidacy papers by the Aug. 8 filing date.

In my May column, I wrote that all three incumbent Pleasant Hill council members appeared likely to seek re-election. At the time, Suzanne Angeli, David Durant and John Hanecak all indicated intentions to continue in office.

A written statement at the time was perceived by some residents to have the look and feel of a political slate seeking to discourage challengers. Whatever the purpose, something happened along the way to the then-apparent solidarity of the trio.

Council incumbents Durant, Hanecak and current City Clerk Marty McInturf all filed candidacy papers and will seek re-election.

However, two incumbents unexpectedly decided not to seek re- election. The names of council incumbent Suzanne Angeli and City Treasurer Suzanne Salter will not appear on the ballot.

Their non-filing extended council and treasurer filing to Aug. 13. Meanwhile, council contenders Keith Hunt, Karen Mitchoff and Bruce Weissenberger filed papers. Newcomer Mark Celio also filed for city treasurer.

Some political gurus consider open seats particularly attractive to prospective but wavering candidates. The extended filing periods will allow other potential contenders to ponder and file for these offices only.

Residents of the small city usually don't get worked up about candidates until official filing periods close. This year, routines were side-tracked pending the two extended filing periods.

Unfortunately however, the content of this column couldn't wait for the delayed results. My planned commentary on city candidates had to be put on hold because the final array of candidates wasn't yet determined. In fact, it remained in flux right up to the publication date of this column, which is today.

So, it seems more appropriate to comment on what is known up to this point. Presently, council competition includes two incumbents and three new contenders. All -- plus new filers, if any -- will be seeking one of three council seats available.

Hunt is a former city police and code enforcement officer and serves on the city Education Commission. Mitchoff, a career county employee, has served on the city Planning Commission and is currently an elected member of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District board. Weissenberger is mostly recognized as a prior council candidate.

With a vacant seat available, each could be perceived to have a competitive edge over any unfamiliar candidates who might file. However, the process could unexpectedly become more competitive should any surprise candidates emerge from the extended filing period.

A "bombshell" candidate or two could unravel some preliminary plans. In any event, strategies may not begin to unfurl until the final ballot roster is studied and legitimate issues begin to emerge.

Meanwhile, three other community incumbents will also face voter confirmation in November. Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District board members Sherry Sterrett, Dennis Donaghu and Joe Hurd will be seeking election. Currently, Donaghu and Hurd serve as appointed members. Sterrett and Donaghu will run for four-year terms and Hurd for a two-year term.

Recently, a few sensitive agency management and governance matters received attention. Included were county grand jury employee pension concerns, Sprayground facility delayed opening costs, funding for a new Senior Center building and stable financial support for historic Rodgers Ranch preservation.

Will these, or others, become serious election issues? Time will tell.

As the district and city campaigns begin to unfold during the weeks ahead, I'll have more insights on candidates and developing issues. Stay tuned.

Paul Cooper is a Pleasant Hill resident, and former mayor and member of the Pleasant Hill City Council. He can be reached at columns@ bayareanewsgroup.com.