City Council Race 2010: Getting to Know the Candidates

Here's a first chance to acquaint yourself with the three City Council candidates, based on information they have provided to voters and a few initial questions asked by Patch.

By Martha Ross — Patch — August 12, 2010

As the three-way race for two seats on the Walnut Creek's City Council  begins, here is background the candidates have provided about themselves for voters.

Included in this background are their official candidate statements, which are attached. The candidates also answered some initial questions asked by Walnut Creek Patch about running for City Council and what job for the city they see as their top priority if they are elected. 

There are about 12 more weeks in the race, and we'll have opportunities to get to know them and their ideas about running the city better as election day approaches. Walnut Creek Patch wants to know what questions you'd like to ask the candidates. Add a comment to this story, or click here to add your comments to a previous article soliciting questions. Or email me, Martha Ross, editor, Walnut Creek Patch at martha@patch.com.

Kristina Lawson

Age: 32
Place of birth: Santa Monica
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Santa Clara University of Law, University of Arizona
Public/Community Service: Walnut Creek Planning Commission
How long in Walnut Creek: Five years
Neighborhood: Rudgear Estates
Previous hometowns: Pleasant Hill and Santa Barbara
Significant Other? Husband, Matthew Lawson
Kids? Two: daughter 5: son 8 months
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with family, hiking in Walnut Creek Open Space
Campaign website: www.kristinalawson.org

What are your general thoughts about running?

I am honored to be a candidate for Walnut Creek City Council, and to have the support of so many past and present community leaders.  I have always felt a strong duty to give back to the community, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the City's Planning Commission.  I look forward to continuing to serve Walnut Creek.

What do you think the city's No. 1 priority should be once the new council is seated and going into 2011?

As I see it, there are two immediate economic threats to Walnut Creek's "world class" way of life.  The first being the budgetary pressures we are facing, including the fact that the state continues to resolve its budget problems on the backs of local government.  And the second is the high level of competition among municipalities for jobs, for retailers, and for revenues.   Both require a high level of immediate and ongoing attention.

Cindy Silva

Age: 55
Place of birth: Santa Cruz
Occupation: Business owner, marketing, communications consulting
Education: B.A. journalism, University of Southern California

Public/Community Service:  Currently Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem and City Council member;  Chair (2010) and Member (2008-present), TRANSPAC (Central County Regional Transportation Planning Committee); Director, East Bay Division, League of California Cities (2010); Member, Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee, League of California Cities (2010); Member, Community Services Committee, League of California Cities (2009); Alternate, East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (2007-present); Planning Commissioner (2004-2006); East Bay Women's Conference Committee (2008-present); Graduate, Leadership Contra Costa (2006); Graduate, Walnut Creek Citizens Institute (2005); Walnut Festival Service Club Food Booth Chair (1991-1994); Siofok Sister City Soccer Team Visit Committee (2004); Las Lomas PTSA, President (2003-2005) and other offices (2001-2003); California State PTA Continuing Service Award Recipient (2005); Acalanes Union High School District Measure A Oversight Committee (2005-present); Acalanes Union High School District Revenue Committee (2002); Las Lomas Student Carpool Parking Committee (2004-2005); Las Lomas WASC Accreditation Committee (2004-2005); Walnut Creek Education Foundation, Director (2001); Co-chair, Measure C (2001); Communications Chair, Measure B (2002); Rossmoor Chair, Measure A (2005); One City, One Book Steering Committee (2006-present); Co-Chair, Yes! A New Walnut Creek Library Committee (2005); Walnut Creek Library Advisory Team (2005-2006); Measure Q Campaign Committee (2002); Fountain for Youth Foundation, Scholarship Chair (2006-present); Walnut Creek Swim Conference, President, Meet Director, Board Member (2001-2004); Walnut Creek Soccer Club, Fields Director, Game Scheduler, House Tournament Director, Board Member (1999-2004); Mother Advisor, Concord Rainbow Girls (1992-1994)

How long in Walnut Creek: 26
Neighborhood: Castle Hill/Parkmead
Previous hometowns: Chicago, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz
Significant Other? Husband, Tom Silva
Kids? Daughter, 23 years old
Campaign website: www.cindysilva.org

What are your general thoughts about running?

It has been an honor to serve as a City Councilmember the past four years. I believe my proven, innovative leadership abilities have improved the quality of life in Walnut Creek. We opened our beautiful new library both on time and significantly under budget. We've preserved additional open space. We've made downtown parking improvements. And we've significantly enhanced our outreach efforts across the community.

As I look forward to the next four years, there's still much more to do. I believe Walnut Creek needs proven leaders who have demonstrated their ability to reach out and work with the community. With the help of our community, we can address our challenges and achieve solutions that preserve our quality of life in a fiscally prudent manner.

I'm honored to already have the endorsement of all four of my council colleagues, of seven former mayors, and of more than 150 community members from all neighborhoods and all interests."

What do you think the city's No. 1 priority should be once the new council is seated and going into 2011?

If re-elected, I will continue to apply my energy and experience to strengthening the local economy and ensuring the City's fiscal health while fostering and expanding the community partnerships  and outreach that allow us to both sustain our basic services and provide the arts, recreation and cultural programs that make our community outstanding.

Justin Wedel

Age: 31
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: B.A., California State University East Bay
How long in Walnut Creek: More than five years
Neighborhood: Woodlands
Previous hometowns: Alamo and Danville
Significant Other? Wife, Melissa Wedel
Kids? Daughter, 8 months
Hobbies: Reading
Campaign website: www.justinwedel.org

What are your general thoughts about running?

As someone from outside of the current City Council administration, I look forward to bringing a different perspective to the race and specifically addressing the concerns of all Walnut Creek neighborhoods.

What do you think the city's No. 1 priority should be once the new council is seated and going into 2011?

In these tough economic times, the first priority of the new City Council should be to reassess our capital allocation and to ensure that fully funding vital community services is our highest priority.  It is time to take action to protect our long-term financial health.

For ongoing, updated information from the City of Walnut Creek about the City Council and Treasurer's race, go to the 2010 elections page on the city's website.