Nomination Period for Pinole City Council Candidates Begins Monday

Monday will be the unofficial opening of the local 2012 election season, as the period for city council candidates to request papers to file for the Nov. 6 ballot will begin.

The terms of councilmen Peter Murray and Roy Swearingen expire this year. Currently, Murray is serving a one-year term as mayor.

One likely and liveley election issue will be the proposed extension of an 8 percent utility tax, which is due to expire at the end of 2012. The extension will be up for renewal by voters on the November ballot. The tax accounts for about 20 percent of city revenue. Failure of the tax would require significant cuts in police, fire and other services.

Other potentially lively issues for candidates include employee salaries and pensions, last year's decision to close the fire station on Pinole Valley Road.

The date for incumbents to file nomination papers, which include signatures from supporters who are registered to vote, is Aug. 9. If one or more incumbents do not file by the deadline, the nomination period would be extended to Aug. 15.

Potential candidates may make an appointment to receive filing papers by contacting City Clerk Patricia Athenour at (510) 724-8928.

In order to appear on the ballot, candidates must be a registered voter and a resident of Pinole.

See the Pinole City Clerk web page for more information on the council election or the attached document for details about the November 6 election.

The last day to register to vote in the November 6th election is October 22.  Voter Registration forms are available at Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear Street and may be returned by mail to the Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters.