Candidate Statement and Positions

By Bob Simmons

We have accomplished much, and we have endless possibilities ahead of us.

During my term as Walnut Creek Mayor and City Council member, we purchased a state of the art regional safety radio system, authorized two more police officers, adopted an ordinance regulating alcohol-serving establishments, and continued funding for school crossing guards. Major crime in Walnut Creek dropped 16% from 2010 to 2011.

To advance economic recovery, we created an economic development program, preserved the Free Ride Trolley, improved downtown parking, sold a key downtown parcel for private development, approved projects that replaced long-standing eyesores in the northwest part of the City, initiated efforts to revitalize Shadelands Business Park, and welcomed several major retailers to Walnut Creek. Our downtown vacancy rate stands at less than 5%.

We worked to improve Walnut Creek's fiscal health by balancing the city budget, negotiating employee pension and health care reform, and increasing reserve levels. In addition, we are implementing recommendations proposed by the special citizens Blue Ribbon Task Force on Fiscal Health.

I was a leading voice when we acquired the signature piece of Acalanes Ridge, adopted the Bicycle Master and Climate Action plans, installed solar panels on City Hall, and began modernizing city fields, pools, and playgrounds. We upgraded the traffic signal system, switched to LED streetlights on major roads, built a new, scenic Creek Walk in Civic Park, and opened our world-class, LEED-certified Walnut Creek Library. And, to encourage exercise and exploration of our beautiful city and its extraordinary neighborhoods, I created Walnut Creek Walks + I hope you can join me on one of my walks, which occur on the second Saturday of the month through November 2012.

My priorities are to preserve the special character of our neighborhoods, business districts, natural resources, and open spaces; provide resources to ensure a safe community; promote a strong local economy; sustain the City's fiscal health; invest in Walnut Creek's infrastructure; strengthen our relationships with our schools; maintain existing levels of library services; enhance quality of life by supporting cultural, recreational, and social programs and amenities; and lead efforts to position Walnut Creek for a sustainable future, both economically and environmentally.

City Council leadership demands tough decisions be made + I am prepared to take on the challenges and I look forward to robust conversation and collaboration on any matter affecting Walnut Creek.

We need to elect people who demonstrate insight, initiative, and leadership success to preserve Walnut Creek's special qualities and to build on its distinction as an exceptional place to live, work, and play. Walnut Creek's future is full of exciting and endless possibilities + I would like to continue working with you, as a City Council member, to help realize those possibilities.

I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 6. Please free to contact me at Bob@Simmons4WalnutCreek.org.

Thank you.