Danville Town Council: Newell Arnerich Runs for Re-Election

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Civic participation provides the basis to interact in a public forum style of self-government. The Danville community has been guided by citizens volunteering on civic facilities committees, downtown task forces, general plan task force committees, Councilmembers, Parks Commission, Arts Commission, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Heritage Resource Commission and numerous non-profit community-based organizations. The process to guide and make changes has been supported by electing civic leaders; councilmembers, supervisors, regional parks representatives and water board representatives. Danville Councilmember/Six term Mayor Newell Arnerich is one of those who have helped make Danville a special place to live. He serves on a variety of local and statewide committees keeping Danville at forefront of engagement such as the East Bay Economic Development Alliance for Business, Statewide Commission on Transportation, Communication & Public Works Policy and Statewide Commission on Housing, Community & Economic Development. Newell is a selfless leader who dedicates his time to keeping Danville safe - the safest community in California.

Danville did not happen by accident – it was carefully planned. Shortly after Danville residents voted to incorporate in 1982, Danville set out on a course to preserve and protect open space. Today, over 43% of the Town’s land area is comprised of open space and park land. The Town’s first General Plan, adopted in 1987, forecast that the Town would reach build out by 2005, with a population of 43,000. Councilmember Arnerich has been a strong leader in the careful planning of Danville resulting in limited growth and fending off the State of California to maintain local control. Local resident and property owner, Jean Price, gives credit to Newell Arnerich, “The endless hours, expertise, dedication and heartfelt passion that Newell has contributed to making our town what it is, is truly priceless!”

Danville’s strong financial health has been guided by Newell’s “pay as you go” fiscal policies which have continued to keep Danville fiscally strong, with a significant reserve, at a time when other cities have faltered in multiple difficult economies. He has guided Danville with no debt, no post-retirement obligations, no unfunded liabilities and the most cost-effective community in the area. Newell is a selfless leader who dedicates his time to keeping Danville safe - the safest community in California.” Over the past years Newell has helped guide Danville through three economic down turns and re-built much of Old Town Danville, that had vacancy rates of nearly 40% in 1995 and lacked Town investment. Danville is financially one of the most cost-effective cities and the safest community in California, year over year.

Newell spends his free time in continuing education in ethics and leadership areas while learning that the best leaders are those who know how to listen and learn. He also teaches ethics to newly elected officials on behalf of the League of California Cities. He was appointed by the President of the CA League of Cities to serve on the statewide committees on Housing, Community & Economic Development, Transparency & Labor Relations and Communications, Transportation & Public Works Policy Committees. He is a board member of iGATE and a 25-year member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Newell received Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Architecture & Urban Design (University of California Berkeley) and taught undergraduate classes for 2 ½ years (University of California Berkeley). He is a Graduate of Leadership San Ramon Valley, League of California Cities Mayors and an instructor at Leadership San Ramon Valley for over 20 years.

He has written over 50 articles on governance, leadership and economic trends. He has guest lectured at Stanford University MBA International Classes, UC Berkeley College of Letters & Sciences and other institutions. He has received several Awards in recognition of his public service and activities in the area of leadership such as the Community Mentor Award from APAPA (Asian Pacific-Islander American Public Affairs), the Volunteer of the Year Award and Diablo Magazine's Threads of Hope Award recipient and Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year Award.

Newell received Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Architecture & Urban Design (University of California Berkeley) and taught undergraduate classes for 2 ½ years (University of California Berkeley). He is a Graduate of Leadership San Ramon Valley, League of California Cities Mayors and an instructor at Leadership San Ramon Valley for over 20 years. He is married to Janis Arnerich, 47 years, a 30-year teacher and Elementary School Principal in local school districts. Together, they have two grown children raised in Danville and they attended, Greenbrook Elementary School, Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School.

Danville is a special place that takes a constant oversight and vision to keep its small-town charm and outstanding quality of life. Danville started as a Township but had to incorporate in 1982 as the ‘City of Danville’ until a change shortly thereafter in the State Constitution to allow the word ‘City’ and ‘Town’ to be interchangeable. Thus, Danville quickly changed its name to the ‘Town of Danville’. The ‘Town of Danville’ name fits well as it really is who we are. Thank you to Newell Arnerich for his dedication to keeping Danville a special place to live. Kathy Waldo, a community volunteer said it best about Newell, “Thanks for all you do to make Danville a special place to live.” Let’s keep Danville safe and re-elect Newell Arnerich to the Danville Town Council. For more information and endorsements please visit Arnerich.org

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