Planning Commissioner Balch Vying For Council Seat

PLEASANTON, CA — Planning Commissioner Jack Balch has announced his candidacy for the Pleasanton City Council in the 2020 general election.

Balch said on his campaign website that he has lived in Pleasanton for 20 years and began his work with the city as a volunteer for the Parks & Recreation Commission. He went on to serve the Planning Commission in 2014.

Balch has served city groups including the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee, the Kottinger Place Task Force and the East Side Specific Plan Task Force. At his day job, he serves as chief financial officer for his family's Hayward-based commercial real estate and property management company.

"I want to continue giving back to this community that has given so much to me," he wrote on his website.

Balch is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, and holds a bachelor's in business administration for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

He said his credentials will be of use to the city as it looks to address the financial impacts of the new coronavirus pandemic.

Balch said he will be updating his website to include more information about voter issues.

Balch is the second planning commissioner to announce a council bid. Planning Commissioner Nancy Allen announced her campaign Sunday.