Matt Morrison
This is a quick write-up of my recommendations for Pleasanton offices. The are based on my knowledge of the candidates
Matt Morrison is a Democrat. He is an environmentalist. He stands against development in the Pleasanton area. Developers don’t like him. Developers, including James Tong and the Lim family, have an undue level of influence in the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee (ACDCC) , mostly through campaign manager and Executive Committee member Angela Ramirez-Holmes. So, in one of those ironies of politics, Matt Morrison was unable to get the Democratic endorsement because he is too environmentally conscious, too anti-development, too anti-making a few people rich.
Those are exactly the reasons why I support him. He is fighting the good fight against very wealthy, very powerful interests who are willing to sell out the people of Pleasanton for money. He has no money, he is unlikely to win the race, but I can only hope that the citizens of Pleasanton, of all political inclinations, will vote for him.
Olivia Sanwong
Olivia Sanwong serves with me in the ACDCC. She had no problems getting the Democratic endorsement, and she does deserve it. She is intelligent, well educated, committed to Pleasanton, and will bring to the City the perspective of a young professional.
I’ve spoken with Olivia about civil liberties issues, and she is concerned about the overreached of surveillance technologies used against private citizens. As this becomes a larger issue, I think her perspective will be useful in the Council.
Mark Miller
The Pleasanton School Board is in disarray. Parents are not being heard, at least once, not even allowed to speak. Changes are made without adequate consultation with the community. District staff has been leaving in droves. Parents are not happy. A change is needed.
Mark Miller is a dad. Two of his kids have graduated from Pleasanton schools. One is still in middle school. He is a smart guy, an IT professional, with an extensive history of being involved with youth. The Pleasanton School Board needs change, Miller has stepped up to the plate and has my endorsement.