OPINION
LETTERS Continued from Page 10
first time, since I moved here in 1966, that our city election has become political. If the decision for your endorsement of Cheryl is, as you stated, because of her political connections, it places Pleasanton behind the desires of the party, rather than our community. Pleasanton has always been able to solve its own problems without the help of a political party. Jerry Thorne is non-political and he places his priorities on the community, not a political party. You are correct that Jerry’s leadership and vision for the community has well served Pleasanton. I find it ironic that you mention the support of the business community for Cheryl, when the Chamber of Commerce endorsed Jerry Thorne. Jerry’s passion and understanding of the community is exactly what we need. Joyce & Bob Shapiro
Thorne for mayor Dear Editor, Elect Jerry Thorne for Pleasanton mayor. Jerry Thorne, as a member of our Pleasanton City Council, has proved himself to be an effective, responsible leader and an independent thinker. He is a man of integrity, known for his “grassroots” efforts, who listens and works with us. His strong and experienced voice has helped bring more consensus and
cooperation to the City Council, resulting in decisions and actions that serve well Pleasanton’s people, businesses and government. Jerry is a trusted businessman, environmental engineer, family man and community leader. Jerry Thorne is well recognized for representing our Pleasanton City Council on numerous regional, state and national commissions and boards. In Pleasanton he led the fight for lighted, multi-use sports fields, for a teen center, for a youth club, and for civic arts facilities to be built on the Bernal Property. He has recognized the fast growing aging population in Pleasanton and is committed to continuing strong services to our Senior Center and to promoting programs that provide assistance to seniors, including improved transportation. Jerry Thorne will be an outstanding mayor of Pleasanton. We need his strong and thoughtful leadership. Let’s get Jerry elected again. Dave Melander
Vote for Pentin Dear Editor, As a 43-year resident of Pleasanton, I am pleased to give my support to Jerry Pentin for Pleasanton City Council. I met Jerry over 20 years ago when he and his family moved to Pleasanton. Over the years, I have worked with Jerry on a number of charitable and community projects. You can be assured that Jerry works hard to
fulfill the commitments that he makes. As a local business owner, he understands the need for cooperation between the city and the local business community. His work on the Callippe Golf Committee, the Parks and Rec board and with the City Planning Commission has shown his commitment to Pleasanton and has given him a great insight to the issues facing Pleasanton today. Please vote for Jerry Pentin. Jack Parker
Cook-Kallio for mayor Dear Editor, I am supporting Cheryl CookKallio for Mayor. Cheryl has superb communication skills and a clear understanding of how all levels of government work. She displays a willingness to make hard decisions based on what is best for the entire community. Quite simply, Cheryl will provide the strongest leadership for our community as we address critical future issues. Pleasanton is not an island. Whether we like it or not the future of Pleasanton will depend to a certain extent on the ability of our leaders to work well with our city neighbors, the county and the state. Only by working together will we be able to protect those values so important to us all while meeting our commitments and addressing common concerns. Cheryl enjoys the respect of local and regional leaders of business, unions and all levels of govern-
ment. That good relationship will be of tremendous value when we need to sit at the table with those leaders to discuss and solve mutual problems. Our children’s education and development is my highest concern. Cheryl has spent her career as an educator and understands the importance of close and supportive city/school relationships. I trust Cheryl to not only work well with the school district to achieve the highest level of city cooperation possible but to serve as an advocate for those city services and programs that contribute so significantly toward the development and health of our youth. Exercise your right to vote and vote for Cook-Kallio for mayor. Dolores Bengtson
Vote for Brown, Thorne Dear Editor, Please join me in voting for Karla Brown for City Council and Vice Mayor Jerry Thorne for mayor. Both are long-time residents that have circulated petitions that have helped keep Pleasanton a great place to live. Brown and Thorne have focused on getting to know Pleasanton residents the old fashioned way — petitions, walking neighborhoods, dropping fliers, being at the farmers market, etc. Karla, endorsed by the Sierra Club, was a proponent for a successful petition for ridge-top and hillside protection and has been
very involved in Pleasanton’s Transit-Oriented Development and East Side Specific Plan task forces. Jerry, very active in many civic activities prior to becoming a City Council member, circulated an initiative to build much needed sports facilities for Bernal Park. He also has supported families of troops serving overseas and has been active in welcoming military personnel back to Pleasanton. Contrast that to two of their challengers: One (Erlene Demarcus, a former consultant for developers) has received substantial campaign funding from a series of $1,000 contributions from out of town interests and developers, many of those who are responsible for uncontrolled growth and traffic congestion in Dublin and Fremont. Another (Cook-Kallio) has sought the endorsement from multiple unions, state officials, members of county boards and officials from other cities. If residents want Pleasanton to continue to have small-town charm rather than the uncontrolled growth of Dublin and Fremont, please join me in voting for representatives that will represent the residents of Pleasanton — Brown and Thorne. Anne Fox
What’s your opinion? Write a Letter to the Editor at Editor@PleasantonWeekly.com. Letters must be 250 words or less.
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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊOctober 19, 2012ÊU Page 11