New Council Challenger Takes Out Papers

Investment banker Jeff Pickett has taken out nomination papers for a potential run for City Council.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Pickett said he was not 100 percent sure he would run. He works for an investment bank that specializes in public finance, including bonds, and he intends to meet with a legal team soon to ask about the possible conflicts of interest.

Incumbents Bob Simmons and Kish Rajan have announced they are running again. Also up is the seat of incumbent Gary Skrel, who is undecided on running again. Challenger Barry Grove has said he will run for council.

"I like the city of Walnut Creek — I believe in it," said Pickett, 37, who lives with his wife Jennifer and their four children on Miramonte Road. "I believe in a lot of good things it has done. I grew up in the area. There are a lot of good things we can do going forward. I believe in growth. I believe in what the city has done the past several decades — with growth but also family oriented."

The nomination period began July 16 and ends at 5:00 pm on Friday, Aug. 10. However, if one of the incumbent officeholders does not file by the Aug. 10 deadline, the nomination period for that vacancy will be extended (for any qualified person, other than the incumbent) until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 15.