Two Groups Endorse City Council Candidates

Two organizations in Walnut Creek announced endorsements for the Nov. 6 City Council race.

In that race, four candidates vie for three seats. Between the two groups, all four candidates picked up an endorsement at the end of this week:

• The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau endorsed certified public accountant Loella Haskew, incumbent Bob Simmons (a retired lawyer) and information technology businessman Justin Wedel.
• The Walnut Creek Employee Association endorsed Simmons and deputy district attorney Barry Grove.

“The Chamber looked very closely at each of the candidates and determined that these three individuals are ideally suited for Walnut Creek City Council," said Chamber Chairman Angela De La Housaye, according to a chamber news release. "Given the difficult economic environment we face, it is critical that we elect proven leaders with demonstrated community involvement, a deep understanding of critical issues, and a true willingness to work together toward positive resolutions. These three candidates more than measure up.”

De La Housaye cited unique strengths of the endorsees. “Bob has experience as current Mayor and Councilmember; Loella was a member of the City’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Fiscal Health and is a certified public accountant; and Justin is a successful young businessman with a strong technology background. Both Loella and Justin are graduates of the Chamber’s Leadership Contra Costa.” Leadership Contra Costa is a program offering participants training and opportunities in networking, continuing education and volunteerism.

Walnut Creek Employee Association

The Walnut Creek Employee Association has more than 110 city employee members. Its executive board met with all four candidates.

“Simmons has shown great leadership and a realistic understanding of what it takes to run a city like Walnut Creek, while Grove has over 20 years of government experience and a willingness to work on the issues facing Walnut Creek with a straightforward no-nonsense approach," wrote WCEA President Shawn Delaney in a news release. "More importantly, it was clear to us that both recognize the complex issues facing Walnut Creek and have a willingness to work with the Association to find long-term solutions that protect the integrity, functionality and success of Walnut Creek …

“Simmons and Grove understand that Walnut Creek is a special place because it invests in its parks, the arts, infrastructure and the maintenance of its facilities. All of those features, supported by the city’s trained, certified and seasoned professionals, are what draw residents, shoppers, diners and tax revenue to Walnut Creek.”