Election Preview: Who and What’s on the Ballot This November?

Satisfied with the way the city’s running? Unhappy with a specific city issue? Come November, voters will have a chance to take action through the voting booth.

The candidacy filing period closed Friday, Aug. 12., and though there aren’t dozens of challengers in the races, there is some new blood.

In addition to the city council race and the two school board races, the city council approved placing the measures on the ballot. 

The city's current $37 business license tax would increase to $59 over a three year span, and the transient occupancy tax (or hotel tax) would increase from 10 to 12 percent. Both taxes are projected to bring in $1.5 million in revenue to help close the city’s $2.6 million deficit that will increase to $4 million in coming years. But in this weak economy, some residents are hesitant to approve raising any taxes.

A charter amendment regarding the sale and purchasing of property is also on the ballot. Before purchasing property worth more than $2,000, the city must post a notice of this information.

Before selling property, the city must publish notice two weeks before the sale and can offer it to any bidder for no less than 90 percent of the assessed value. Additional conditions are:

• City real property of $250 may be sold without public notice
• City personal property of $5,000 may be sold without notice for any reasonable amount
• City real property of $75,000 may be authorized by 5/7 of the city council by resolution
• City real property of more than $75,000 may be authorized only by ordinance adopted by 5/7 of the city council; this is subject to provisions in the city’s charter

Note: Incumbents denoted by (I)

Redwood City City Council

Vote for 4, view candidate statements below:

1. Ian Bain (I)
2. Paul G. McCarthy
3. Barbara Pierce (I)
4. Alicia Aguirre (I)
5. Rosanne Foust (I)

Redwood City School District

Vote for 3:

1. Alisa Greene MacAvoy (I)
2. Shelly Masur (I)
3. Dennis P. McBride (I)
4. Lea Cuniberti-Duran

Sequoia Union High School District

Vote for 3

1. Larry James Moody
2. Carrie B. Du Bois
3. Allen Weiner
4. Lorraine Rumley (I)
5. Olivia G. Martinez (I)

Belmont Redwood Shores School District (2 year)

Vote for 1

Charles “Chuck” Velshcow, appointed incumbent

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Vote for 2

Robert L. Tashjian

Daniel Duane Kaul (I)

Alicia Aguirre

Occupation: Vice Mayor/College Professor

Education and Qualifications:

Through serving Redwood City as Vice Mayor, educating students locally as a College Professor for 23 years, and volunteering in our community, I understand the key issues facing our city. I’m seeking reelection to continue working hard to protect and enhance our neighborhoods, carefully manage growth, protect the environment, maintain fiscal stability, and improve local schools.

I’m passionate about our city and serving you and your neighbors at City Hall. I‘m very mindful of the responsibility I have to be an advocate for neighborhoods on the City Council. I have worked to create a community where everyone can afford to live, work and raise a family. I also build consensus and create common sense solutions to issues involving land use, transportation, economic development, and protecting core neighborhood services such as public safety, recreation, and senior services.

I want keep Redwood City moving in the right direction and ensure a vibrant future by encouraging new business to locate here, create jobs, and improve our local economy.

My husband and I raised our sons in Redwood City and we have a deep commitment to the place we call home.

Please visit www.aliciaaguirre.com

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th.

Ian Bain

Occupation: Incumbent

Age: 44

For the last eight years, I’ve worked hard to help the average citizen – those who needed a streetlight installed, a tree trimmed, or a sidewalk repaired. I am asking for another term on the City Council to continue this work.

I've made tough decisions that helped guide the City through challenging financial times, and balanced the budget while preserving essential services. I’ve led disaster preparedness efforts, secured stop signs for dangerous intersections, and worked to create a new dog park in Redwood City.

In my next term, I will focus on:

• Fiscal Sustainability – Keeping our economy strong, and balancing the budget now and into the future

• Community Safety – Controlling crime, improving traffic safety and reducing flooding in Friendly Acres and other neighborhoods

• Energy Efficiency – Achieving financial savings by decreasing our city’s use of electricity and gasoline

• Major Corridors – Raising standards and improving the appearance of Middlefield and Woodside Road

I want the best for our community -- a clean, safe city, with a strong economy, good parks and libraries. With your support I will continue to work to make this happen.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

www.ianbain.com

Rosanne Foust

Age: 47

Occupation: Councilmember/Businesswoman

It has been an honor to serve Redwood City residents for the past eight years on the City Council.

My commitment to you is to maintain and improve our quality of life. One trip to our growing downtown illustrates the opportunities we’ve created together. It’s great to see our community gather at Courthouse Square, enjoy branch libraries, and stay healthy at our parks and playing fields. New technology companies are creating jobs and call us “Software City”.

I am proud to serve you on council committees that ensure fiscal stability, alignment of resources and key city infrastructure. In addition I represent the City on regional bodies that include the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority and Bay Area Council Economic Institute. l am focused on investing your tax dollars responsibly, reducing traffic congestion, financing Bay restoration projects, and strengthening our economy.

With my business background, I understand how to balance budgets, attract new businesses, create jobs, and ensure financial responsibility at City Hall. We must continue to do more with less but we have a bright future.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th so that we can continue working together.

Rosanne Foust

www.rosannefoust.com

Barbara Pierce

Age: 62

Occupation: Council Member / Community Volunteer

Education and Qualifications: B.A, M.A. Psychology

As a former Mayor and Councilmember for twelve years, I am proud to have played a leadership role in making Redwood City a more vibrant community.

My focus has been on preparing Redwood City for the future: actively engaging community members to shape Downtown and the General Plan; striving for environmental sustainability by championing efforts in water conservation, use of recycled water and energy efficiency; and promoting a lively downtown through Courthouse Square, cinema complex, restaurants, businesses and exciting cultural events.

Investments in libraries, parks and fire stations have improved Redwood City. Despite tough economic times, essential services to residents have been preserved. We’ve secured a balanced budget through good fiscal management and working with employees. Tax dollars are being stretched through partnerships and working with residents to create solutions.

As a 34 year resident, wife, and mother, I’ll continue working for first-rate schools, safe neighborhoods, efficient transportation, affordable housing, cultural experiences, and a rich quality of life for all residents.

We continue to face complex challenges. My approach is to work with people to create thoughtful, effective solutions to whatever the future brings. I look forward to working with you and would appreciate your vote.

Barbara Pierce

barbarapierce.org

Paul G. McCarthy

Age: 44

Occupation: California Highway Patrol Sergeant

Has not submitted a candidate statement yet