Meet Carol Wahrer, Candidate For Livermore City Council

LIVERMORE, CA — Learn more about teacher and community activist Carol Wahrer, who’s running to represent Livermore’s City Council District 1.

1. Why are you running for Livermore City Council?

Livermore has been a great place for me to live, raise my daughter, teach and participate. We
can keep the small community feel of Livermore even as the town grows. We should be able to work and play together, and when we disagree it should be without personal attacks. We all
want our town to be a welcoming neighborhood. I enjoy walking downtown, and chatting with neighbors along the way. In conversations with citizens it is evident that residents do not feel their concerns are seriously or respectfully considered by the City Council. This was great motivation to represent the people of Livermore and in particular the residents of District 1. I want to listen to you and take that to the City Council.

2. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your constituents?

Livermore residents tend to rank things such as homelessness, safety, affordability, climate or
water issues as top priorities, depending on their own needs and situation. But the most
common concern I hear across the range of constituents is that they do not feel they have been respectfully listened to by their local government. They feel that Council operates out of their view or that Council members are openly disrespectful of their opinions.

3. How do you intend to address it?

As a City Council member I will listen to and acknowledge the voices of any residents who want to bring their concerns (or praise!). I can not make decisions that will please everyone, but I can be honest about the tradeoffs I consider, and acknowledge the weaknesses as well as strengths of actions that the City takes.

4. What should be done to solve the affordable housing crisis?

We need affordable homes. There is no simple solution to this crisis. We can however make
sure we do our part to provide a housing balance in Livermore, and make sure we are taking
advantage of all programs that help transition renters to buyers, assist first time buyers, and
support both owners and renters when they face temporary downturns or challenges.

5. What do you think the City can do to maintain water security?

Water is another problem that is much larger than Livermore. The City must make sure it is well-represented by regional water organizations that both get our fair share of water and effective conservation is happening statewide. Within Livermore we can encourage reductions in landscape watering (which is a large part of residential usage) as well as incentivize conversion to water saving appliances.

6. What can the City do to help its downtown and small businesses?

The City has many tools for helping. Downtown in particular is helped with the City’s
contribution to Livermore Downtown Inc, a non-profit whose main responsibility is activities to
support and feature downtown Livermore. Other non-profits support Livermore’s vibrant
culture and the City should support them and continue to make Livermore’s businesses
attractive to locals and visitors. In addition, Livermore needs to partner with other governments in the region to help bring in guests from outside, while encouraging regional residents to find their business, dining and entertainment destinations right here in the local area. Finally, the City should have an ongoing program of using, and encouraging others to use, our local businesses.

7. What is your idea of responsible development?

For responsible development we need a variety of homes and amenities of various sizes for all income levels. People needs change throughout their lives so we need to look at various ideas that will match their requirements. Clear planning should address open space, environmental concerns, schools, transportation and an active community.

9. If applicable, what is your political party?

City Council is a non-partisan office and for good reason. Residents from the far left to the far
right all want their streets safe, their taxes used wisely and their City to be a wonderful place to live.

10. How long have you lived in Livermore?

I have been a Livermore resident for 34 years.

11. Of which accomplishments are you most proud?

I am very proud of where I am right now. I have been blessed with a loving family, friends and
community. I love my job and all the children and families I have had the pleasure of teaching. I hope to continue on this path and give back more than I received in return.

12. Please provide links to your website or social media.

www.carolwahrer.com