Rajan, Simmons Take Out Council Papers

Two Walnut Creek City Council incumbents took out papers for their candidacies from City Clerk Suzie Martinez Monday on the first day they were available.

They are Mayor Pro Tem Kish Rajan and Mayor Bob Simmons, The third incumbent whose seat is available this year, Gary Skrel, said last week he was undecided about running for a fourth four-year term.

The nomination period, after which a candidate must hand in a minimum of 20 valid signatures, extends to Aug. 10 (and then Aug. 15 if an incumbent fails to file by Aug. 10).

For more about races in the area,

A council member is paid $650 a month, which multiplies out to $7,800 a year. Council members in 2009 in the pit of the recession agreed to take 10 percent less, and that arrangement remains in effect. They also receive a $100 monthly automobile allowance, a $40 a month stipend for computer system and $15 per month for an additional phone line. There is also an agreement to take 10 percent less on the latter two stipends.