1) What is your name?
Olga Vidriales

2) A council member needs support from a majority of the council to pass resolutions and ordinances. How do you see yourself working with other council members and City staff?
I am very familiar with both the current City Council members and all the candidates – I see myself working well with all. At the Candidate Orientation sponsored by the City of Brentwood we had the opportunity to meet City of Brentwood Directors and department heads -that went very well and I foresee a good working relationship with all staff. My previous positions including President of the Rotary Club of Brentwood, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Secretary for Brentwood Neighborhood Committee as well as my years in bank branch management have afforded me excellent negotiating skills. The ability to work well with others to accomplish a common goal is crucial and I am confident of my abilities in this area.

3) How do you prepare for meetings regarding controversial topics?
The same way I will deal with all topics. Fully educating myself regarding the topic at hand.- education & communication is key. Listening to the concerns of our citizens is of the most importance to me. A City Council member is presented with information and facts on which to base her/his decision- however, I believe it is important to understand and listen to the concerns of all, to the pros and cons on every issue.

4) How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in Brentwood?
A City Council person is presented with information and facts on which to base their decision- I believe it is important to understand and listen to the concerns of all. A city council member needs to have his/her finger on the pulse of the community which can be accomplished through active participation and involvement in the community- something I’ve always taken part in.

5) Did you provide input during the PA-1 process? How do you feel about the potential inclusion of eBart in the project?
No, I did not. I do not have enough information or facts to discuss. I understand the importance of PA-1 and understood the benefits as presented by our City Manager at the City Council meeting. eBart, I believe, is decades out so I’m unsure how to plan around a project that may or may not occur and/or is decades out.

6) Do you believe the Urban Growth Boundaries in Brentwood should be expanded?
I believe we need to protect Brentwood: the quality of life our city offers and our agricultural heritage. I believe smart growth is necessary to protect both our quality of life and our agricultural heritage. I also believe we need to protect our boundaries from our sister cities!

7) The current city council recently denied a project for a Goodwill facility. Do you agree with that decision and why?
Yes. I believe that particular project did not specifically meet the zoning requirements for that location. I believe there is a more appropriate project for that location that will enhance that area/neighborhood.

8) The City staff recently recommended denial of a project to develop part of Shadow Lakes and Deer Ridge golf courses. Do you agree with that recommendation and why?
Yes. The project required rezoning for the area- I believe the current zoning is most appropriate. I believe the rezoning- the additions of the multi-story residential housing is not suited for the neighborhoods for several reasons including the added traffic congestion to the area.

9) ECCFPD is having troubles with response times and stations closing, potentially endangering the lives of Brentwood citizens needing emergency fire and medical assistance. Given that ECCFPD is a regional agency, what steps can the City of Brentwood take to resolve this situation, and what steps would you take as a member of the City Council?
We must better educate our Brentwood citizens so that they fully understand our city is severely under protected. Increased funding for our emergency services can be accomplished by reallocating existing funds and creating new revenue streams.

10) Do you have ideas for local improvements that you think have not been discussed or considered publicly?
I share the concerns of most in Brentwood- bringing hi paying jobs to Brentwood, public safety for our citizens, police and firefighters, improved roads & commutes.

11) Do you believe our city has firm financial footing? If so, what would you do to maintain that? If not, what would you do to improve the situation?
Yes as we have 30% funds in reserve. Maintaining our firm financial footing can be accomplished by holding our city planners accountable to this standard and prudent spending.

12) What do you love about living in Brentwood?
I love the quality of life in Brentwood. My husband Vince and I moved here from the Bay Area in 2003 and are proud to be original owners in Shadow Lakes. What a culture shock from our previous city – in Brentwood we found ourselves taking long walks in our neighborhood and meeting all our neighbors. I watch families with their children playing in our park across the street on hot summer nights! I love driving the streets of Brentwood and enjoying the clean, beautiful landscaping including the immaculate streets of Fairview AV, O’Hara AV, Shadow Lakes, Deer Ridge as well as our beautiful City Park and quaint Downtown Brentwood. I often boast about our 90+ beautiful parks to those in other cities. I enjoy the “Hometown Feel” of Brentwood and all the various events such as Starry Night Concerts in the Park, Hometown Halloween, Christmas Parade, Art Wine & Jazz Festival. Where else can you drive 10 minutes to enjoy a great concert with family and friends on a warm summer night in a wonderful park setting. Or sip hot chocolate while watching local school talent perform at our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event in City Park! I love taking my 2-year-old great-nephew Quinten and fury daughter Cha Cha on beautiful and safe walks in Shadow Lakes in the morning to a well-maintained park. I love, love, love the quality of life in Brentwood #BetterinBrentwood #Passion4Brentwood

1) What is your name?
Johnny Rodriguez

2) A council member needs support from a majority of the council to pass resolutions and ordinances. How do you see yourself working with other council members and City staff?
My experience as a member of the Brentwood Union School Board has helped me gain insights in town to work as a team on discussions of important issues. Skills required include being a good listener, respecting all opinions and carefully considering the input from the City’s professional and knowledgeable staff. I value being part of a larger team.

3) How do you prepare for meetings regarding controversial topics?
Living and working in the City allows me to be knowledgeable on issues, and to have time to visit and meet with concerned residents about their questions and concerns, while also studying the background materials on the topics to be considered. I will do my homework and be ready to share what I have learned from each issue.

4) How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in Brentwood?
I will set up an ongoing outreach program where I can meet and discuss concerns, I will use the full range of social media options to keep in touch, and of course, I will be accessible by phone. This role also involves working with active and involved residents. I need inputs and thoughts from citizens to be effective, and that means creating a strong team between our residents and their elected officials.

5) Did you provide input during the PA-1 process? How do you feel about the potential inclusion of eBart in the project?
I did not attend the input meeting with the Consultant on the PA-1 process. I have followed it in the local news and discussing with individuals who did attend. I am very pleased that the council in their General Plan has designated the importance of this Priority Area economic center in Brentwood’s future planning.

6) Do you believe the Urban Growth Boundaries in Brentwood should be expanded?
The Urban Limit Line was originated to keep sprawling growth from occurring throughout Contra Corta. I believe that growth control needed to be established, however; when the County moved Brentwood’s Urban Limit Line East on the West side of town they also created, the already purchased, Heritage/Adams school traffic and safety mess. Brentwood has, with public input created a General Plan that includes some areas of future planning. I believe these planned areas in Brentwood’s Sphere of influence need to be carefully followed to create Smart Growth limited to these areas. I believe we need to continue to protect our downtown, our current residents and our Ag Core areas outside this plan.

7) The current city council recently denied a project for a Goodwill facility. Do you agree with that decision and why?
Yes, but I share with many the understanding that on an appropriate site, Goodwill can be beneficial. I will be interested in working on this effort if I can be of help.

8) The City staff recently recommended denial of a project to develop part of Shadow Lakes and Deer Ridge golf courses. Do you agree with that recommendation and why?
Yes, I support that decision. It is not the City Council’s job to bail out developers’ poor decisions. When residents buy a home they are also buying a trust that Brentwood’s current land use policies will remain in place. As an elected official it would be my job to protect our residents from changes that could put their financial dreams at risk.

9) ECCFPD is having troubles with response times and stations closing, potentially endangering the lives of Brentwood citizens needing emergency fire and medical assistance. Given that ECCFPD is a regional agency, what steps can the City of Brentwood take to resolve this situation, and what steps would you take as a member of the City Council?
A separate Special District, under an elected Board of five people, provides fire services for Brentwood. Some will suggest that Brentwood should look at bringing in some of their tax bases to support this special district. Brentwood has a well-defined financial plan and budget and to use it for non-city services could put at risk the services residents have come to depend upon. As Brentwood grew and planned for future growth, it developed a clear set of developer fees to help support the impact of the growth. As a separate governmental unit, the Fire District failed to do the similar planning and the results are the service shortages we see today. Today Brentwood suffers from this planning failure and I will work hard with the Fire District Board to help them lay out a plan to bring fire services levels up to those seen in systems provided by our City and School systems.

10) Do you have ideas for local improvements that you think have not been discussed or considered publicly?
Yes, One of my biggest hopes in running for the City Council is to develop a service center for the ever-increasing younger population. We have seen the wonderful success of our Senior Citizens Center and the programs they offer. A similar center focusing on youth would fill a real gap in our community. I would like to work to explore getting a YMCA facility or a Boys and Girls Club. I am sure there are lots of ideas and options in this area and with my twenty years of youth service work in Brentwood I would dedicate my time and energy to explore this.

11) Do you believe our city has firm financial footing? If so, what would you do to maintain that? If not, what would you do to improve the situation?
I am proud of the financial planning Brentwood has done over the past decades. With a General Fund budget of $59 million dollars, we are on firm ground. We have millions of dollars of infrastructure in place and that investment needs to be protected and maintained, I will watch it carefully.

12) What do you love about living in Brentwood?
I have been a lifelong resident of Brentwood. I attend the same schools many of our residents’ children attend. Like everyone else, I love the benefits Brentwood now provides and will work to make sure these will continue and grow. I also have the unique perspective of being a member of the Brentwood Union School District Board, and the honor of having been selected as Brentwood’s Citizen of the Year 2015. I will work hard to help shape our community with those who value safety and a choice of services. My wife is a local preschool Director, and with our two wonderful young boys, I want to make sure the wonderful community I grew up in. Is also a wonderful community for them and for all of our residents. That is why I have filed for this position and look forward to meeting and working with all of you.

1) What is your name?
John D Fink

2) A council member needs support from a majority of the council to pass resolutions and ordinances. How do you see yourself working with other council members and City staff?
As a Planning Commissioner for almost 9 years I have a very good working relationship with City staff. Councilwoman Karen Rarey has endorsed me for my campaign and Karen and I are friends and work very well together. I have worked with Councilwoman Claudette Staton when she was a Planning Commissioner and we had a good relationship and I hope that will continue on the Council.

3) How do you prepare for meetings regarding controversial topics? 
The most important way to prepare for a controversial item is to get input, input, input! I have meeting with folks that are involved with the project, and meeting with citizens who will be effected by the project and lastly with City staff to make sure all the input from the applicant and the citizens are consistent and does the project meet the needs of all involved and does it match up with the General Plan

4) How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in Brentwood?
Meet and talk with them, get their input, get their concerns out in the open. I am all about meeting someone face to face and getting the real story, getting the real information to so I can make decisions that reflect what the community wants, not what I think is best.

5) Did you provide input during the PA-1 process? How do you feel about the potential inclusion of eBart in the project?
I was the Planning Commissioner on the working group for PA-1. My comments and suggestions are already part of the overall plan. As far as the eBART, in the survey of citizens for PA-1 before we got started, 71% of the 1,000 or so people surveyed said they did not want it. I agree with those polled, but if BART wants to make its case, there are a number of items, public safety at the highest on the list, that would have to be addressed before I would reconsider.

6) Do you believe the Urban Growth Boundaries in Brentwood should be expanded? 
Yes, I do believe that a westward expansion to Deer Valley Rd. is in our future. BUT…the amount of community involvement is going to be of utmost importance. All the stakeholders…the City of Brentwood, the landowners, the East Bay Regional Park District, Save Mt Diablo…they will all have a seat at the table so we can craft a plan that meets all the needs and has the least impact on the environment.

7) The current city council recently denied a project for a Goodwill facility. Do you agree with that decision and why?
As the Chair of the Planning Commission I was responsible for the denial of the project. When it went to Council on appeal, the Council made the right decision to deny the appeal of the applicant.

8) The City staff recently recommended denial of a project to develop part of Shadow Lakes and Deer Ridge golf courses. Do you agree with that recommendation and why?
I agree with Staff’s decision on the project. I believe in the consistency of the General Plan and how well it has served our community for the last 20 years. The project was not consistent with the General Plan and therefore should have been denied.

9) ECCFPD is having troubles with response times and stations closing, potentially endangering the lives of Brentwood citizens needing emergency fire and medical assistance. Given that ECCFPD is a regional agency, what steps can the City of Brentwood take to resolve this situation, and what steps would you take as a member of the City Council?
To first answer this, I have received the endorsement of the Firefighters for the election and I am already working with Chief Helmick to make sure that we are getting the word out about his strategic plan that will be the catalyst to saving the district and getting better service. I believe we need to look at all options with more citizen input on a “benefit assessment”, but also at the same time do hard research on Brentwood creating its own fire department.

10) Do you have ideas for local improvements that you think have not been discussed or considered publicly?
Economic development is very important and PA-1 is going to be a driving force to bringing high-wage jobs to Brentwood. Also, we need to focus on our Agricultural Community and strive for the creation of an Ag Economic Zone that will allow the farmers to expand into Agro-Tourism.

11) Do you believe our city has firm financial footing? If so, what would you do to maintain that? If not, what would you do to improve the situation?
Currently we are on a firm financial footing, but we are carrying debt from the construction of the Civic Center and the unfunded liabilities of our staff’s benefits that we will need to address in the years ahead. Also, if we do not expand out urban limit line as suggested by the General Plan we could be at build out faster that we anticipated and we would need to make some hard decision on how we move forward with funding staff and City services.

12) What do you love about living in Brentwood?
I love Brentwood because it is one of the last places I know that has a real sense of “community”. People caring about other people, taking up the charge when issues facing our community don’t fit and the average citizen has a voice that is actually heard. That is what I love about living in Brentwood.