Oro Loma

Former Council Member Uses “N” word; Cutter writes him off, Cox does not

Former Council Member Uses “N” word; Cutter writes him off, Cox does not Community, People, Politics No Responses »

Jan 052015

Laython “Judge” Landis

Update 2: Campaign finance reports show that Pauline Cutter returned Judge Landis’ contribution. Deborah Cox did not. Landis died in November 2015.

Update: Deborah Cox has given in to public pressure, this afternoon she spoke with Brian Copeland and said she’d return the contribution.

San Leandro has a long and tortuous history of racial segregation and discrimination. The city was almost exclusively white well into the 1990s and stories of police cars guarding the border with Oakland still linger in the memory of many African Americans. Writer and comedian Brian Copeland, who moved to San Leandro as a young child, turned his experiences growing up here into a powerful one-man show, which became the longest running solo play in San Francisco. The book based on his play, Not a Genuine Black Man: Or, How I Claimed My Piece of Ground in the Lily-White Suburbs, has earned 5 stars on Amazon.com.

While San Leandro has changed greatly since then, and we are now one of the most diverse cities in California, too many of the long-term residents who remain have kept their racist and xenophobic attitudes which they express unchallenged. It was thus not in the least surprising to hear that Laython “Judge” Landis, a former San Leandro City Council and current director of the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board, made an outright racist remark during a board meeting (which he later repeated thrice during a TV interview). What was surprising is that someone actually called him on it and tried to hold him accountable for it.

Lands is well known in town for his racist and sexist commentaries; he once described President Obama as “just a monkey with ears” and has made indecent propositions to local female politicians. But he has been an elected official for over four decades, his name carries weight with the older and white San Leandro population and he can be generous with his financial contributions. This means that politicos keep inviting him to their events, using their names and taking his checks.

In the last election alone, Landis gave a $1,000 contribution to now Mayor Pauline Cutter and a $2,000 contribution to now Councilmember Deborah Cox. On his radio show and on Facebook, Brian Copeland called on Cutter and Cox to return such contributions. Cutter committed to doing so and has already taken Laython Landis off the list of the endorsers for her Mayoral run. Deborah Cox has not personally addressed Copeland’s request, but the response of Angela Ramirez-Holmes‘s, Cox’ campaign manager, response is telling: “I have no idea why giving him the money back is helpful. I don’t understand this call to action.”

San Leandro deserves better.

Recommendation: Vote for Dan Walters for Oro Loma Sanitary District

Recommendation: Vote for Dan Walters for Oro Loma Sanitary District Politics No Responses »

Nov 012014

danwalters

Five candidates, including two incumbents, are running for three seats in the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board. This covers part of San Leandro, but not the part where I live. I thought about not making any recommendations in this race because the issues are pretty complex.

On the one hand, Oro Loma seems to be doing quite well. The Board gets re-elected time and time again. On the other hand, all the members are older white men. One of the incumbents running, Howard Kerr, is a very conservative 91-years-old. Among the non-incumbents there is another middle-age white man, Dan Walters, an older white woman, former Mayor Shelia Young, and a Nigerian American accountant who is also running for School Board. Either of the last two would bring some diversity to the Board. But is diversity what one needs in a sanitary district board? Or is it technical knowledge and familiarity with the work? And if it’s the latter, should Kerr’s political ideas come into play?

Originally, I decided to not make any recommendations on this race. I don’t have to vote, so I don’t really have to make up my mind. But then I realized I wasn’t being entirely fair. Because if I did have to vote, even if I didn’t know who my second and third votes would go, my first one would be for Dan Walters.

Dan Walters is pretty cool guy. He is a chemical engineer, but also a policy wonk. His political philosophy has a strong conservative/libertarian bent, and yet he is profoundly concerned with social issues. He is very involved in Boy Scouts, for example. Though we don’t share many political views or personality traits, I have a lot of respect for Dan. He is intelligent – the type of person who “gets” what you are talking about -, he has a very logical mind, he is honest, he tries to be a good person. He is willing to look at problems and issues from different perspectives. He is willing to listen. And he loves garbage. As a young kid, he toured a water treatment plan and has since been in love with waste management engineering. He is not running out of any political ambition, he thinks he will have fun being in this particular board. And I think he will.

Moreover, he has actually been following the issues, he knows all about technical and policy requirements. Truth be told, I had to stop him from going into detail.

In any case, he is really the right guy for this particular job. If you can, vote for him.

Shelia Young Answers on What She Can Do for Oro Loma Sanitary District

Shelia Young Answers on What She Can Do for Oro Loma Sanitary District People, Politics 1 Response »

Oct 102014

Shelia Young

The Oro Loma Sanitary District includes parts of San Leandro – which parts, I’m not actually sure. They have contracted with Waste Management for garbage collection, so if you live in San Leandro and get your bill from WM, you are in the Oro Loma district. Oro Loma has an elected board of directors, and this year five candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for three seats. I have sent all candidates a 3-question questionnaire based on the fact that I assume others, like me, know very little about sanitary districts.

Here are the answers and candidate statement from Shelia Young. San Leandro’s Mayor Emeritus is vying to be the first woman ever elected to the Oro Loma Sanitary Board.

What does the Board of Directors of the Oro Loma Sanitary District do and why are you best suited for that position?

It’s important to note what OLSD governance is about, as well as know that a majority of the public agencies in California set policy only – and management implements. OLSD provides wastewater collection and treatment services, and residential and commercial solid waste and recycling services to its customers. And the District stresses on its website that it strives to “Provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost.” I have considerable background in public agency policy work for more than 25 years, as well as prior service as President and/or Chair or member of most of the environmental agencies in the Bay Area that help us reach our goals in recycling and reuse, including air quality concerns. My service areas are well documented in my campaign ballot statement.

What will be the most important issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, and how will you tackle them?

Working closely with the StopWaste organization, which is tackling some of the tougher issues around food waste recycling, and hazardous waste disposal in both the commercial and residential arenas. This task will bring us much closer to 100 percent of our goals for removing garbage and trash from our landfills. Since OLSD has a seat on that board, I would like to help the board members work with StopWaste but also outreach to the community to assist with those goals.

An important project the agency is working on is the Ecotone project which will seek to work cooperatively with other wastewater treatment plants to support habitat seepage levees; the OLDS project includes a treatment wetland and upland slope for polishing treated wastewater. I’m excited about working on anything that deals with adaptable strategies related to sea level rise, etc.

When the contract with Waste Management expires, will you consider contracting with California Waste Solutions or another company that does not have its transfer station in San Leandro?

There are several companies that provide waste management, including recycling and reuse and disposal. Since Waste Management Inc. was just recently given a new contract by OLSD, it’s not clear who or what will be available when that contract is completed. When the time comes, I am certain appropriate outreach will be done to make sure local work, local jobs and money stay local, especially including anything that affects the service area of OLSD. We are fortunate to have 2 transfer stations in San Leandro and know when, where and how our waste is managed.

Candidate Statement

Shelia Young
Occupation: Business/Environmental Consultant

My education and qualifications are:

In 2008 I was named Mayor Emeritus of the City of San Leandro after years of effective
public service. It is time for a new perspective on the Oro Loma Board, one that offers
innovative thinking focused on our future. I possess the knowledge, education and
experience to address our wastewater collection and treatment needs and to provide
innovative and cost-effective solid waste and recycling services. During my years as
mayor, I served as a member and also Chair of the East Bay Dischargers Authority,
a joint powers organization formed to collectively manage wastewater treatment and
disposal services for a population in Alameda County of 800,000. I also served as
President of both the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Source
Reduction and Recycling Board. These agencies are responsible for the environmental
choices and changes that make us so much more conscious of conservation and mindful
of waste reduction and recycling. I would be the first woman to serve on the Oro Loma
Board and have the proven tools to assist the District in decisions regarding our future. I
respectfully ask for your vote.

Shelia Young on Smart Voter

Oro Loma Incumbent Tim Becker Answers My Questions

Oro Loma Incumbent Tim Becker Answers My Questions People, Politics No Responses »

Oct 092014

Here are the answers and candidate statement from Timothy Becker, an incumbent who’s been on the board since 2007.

1) What does the Board of Directors of the Oro Loma Sanitary District do and why are you best suited for that position?

The formal answer to this question is on our website and in practice is the same with several other activities related to the various committees that are chaired by individual board members.

The Board of Directors makes all policy determinations through the enactment of ordinances and resolutions, and has final authority in the implementation of these policies. The Board determines how the District will obtain and spend funds, and reviews and approves the District’s Operating and Capital Budget. The Board also appoints the General Manager and Legal Counsel, as well as the members of the District’s five standing committees. As a part of its policy foundation, the Board and staff collaborate to establish a Ten-Year Vision for the District.

I feel I am best suited for this position because my education includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science degree in geology coupled with 28 years of environmental consulting related to wastewater, solid waste, and recycling. As I’m sure you know, the treatment plant relies on scientific principles for optimum operation and performance. My experience as a business owner and executive in the environmental industry also provide a valuable perspective when evaluating the risks, benefits, and drawbacks of new projects or partnerships.

2) What will be the most important issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, and how will you tackle them?

As there are a number of issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, I will provide an example that is emerging and one that is continuing. The emerging issue comes from a concern within the wastewater community that the San Francisco Bay may be reaching a tipping point related to nutrient (primarily nitrogen) loadings. Up until now, the Bay has been resilient to higher loadings and associated phytoplankton (algae) blooms that have impacted estuaries around the country. New regulations are being considered that would require treatment plants to increase their treatment to a higher level. Currently, we are actively partnering with state regulators, environmental stakeholders, and the San Francisco Estuary Institute to perform a research and modeling effort to better understand the potential problem as well as appropriate solutions to emerging nutrient concerns.

Another example that is ongoing and will continue through time is our responsibility to keep our infrastructure up to date and in good operating order. One of many ways we accomplish that goal is through our capital improvement projects. We are committed to keep that program moving forward because a well planned approach maximizes the public’s existing investments and provides proper environmental protections.

3) When the contract with Waste Management expires, will you consider contracting with California Waste Solutions or another company that does not have its transfer station in San Leandro?

Because we have a long term contract in place, that issue is not expected to arise in the near future. However, at the time the contract is being considered for renewal or to have another company provide the services needed, all companies will be considered. As we evaluate potential future partners, we will seek to provide our rate payers with the best service, the least environmental impact, and highest value for the services provided.

Candidate Statement

Timothy P. Becker
Oro Loma Sanitary District
November 2014

I have served the Oro Loma Sanitary District as a Director since August 2007. As a result of the decisions of very capable and efficient District staff and other Board members, sewer rates remain the lowest of any other sewer district in the state of which we are aware. Additionally, all long term district bonds have been paid off leaving the district debt free. The District is solid financially and otherwise. I have been fortunate to be elected to the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Board of Directors giving Oro Loma meaningful influence at the state level. I have lived in the Fairview area of Oro Loma for over 28 years. I am a Vietnam era veteran, have a business degree from UT El Paso, a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Oregon, and 28 years of experience in the environmental services industry, including work related to wastewater, solid waste, and recycling. I feel my experience and education allow me to continue to be a positive influence for the District into the future. I would appreciate your vote. Feel free to contact me at 510.581.3597 or tbecker@oroloma.org

Tim Beck’s Smart Voter page

Howard Kerr, candidate for Oro Loma Sanitary District

Howard Kerr, candidate for Oro Loma Sanitary District Politics No Responses »

Oct 012014

Howard Kerr

Here are the answers and candidate statement from Howard Kerr, an incumbent who’s been on the board since 1986

– What does the Board of Directors of the Oro Loma Sanitary District do and why are you best suited for that position?

The Board sets POLICY. The General Manager implements Board’s policies. I am well suited for the Board because of my University education at UCLA School of Public Health Sanitation. My qualifications include years of experience as a state Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), supervising Code Enforcement Programs, including the numerous regulations on sewage, garbage and public health. I have also had extensive experience working directly with the public.

– What will be the most important issues facing the Board in the upcoming four years, and how will you tackle them?

The most important issues for the Board are to finish the current projects such as replacing of aging sewer, and to complete the Ecotone environmental project. Board members must be aware of ever-changing governmental regulations and the tremendous costs of compliance, and be able to predict new requirements years in advance.

Big issues clean up the bay and to determine practical re-use of recycled water.

– When the contract with Waste Management expires, will you consider contracting with California Waste Solutions or another company that does not have its transfer station in San Leandro?

Oro Loma has a multi-year garbage contract and this subject will not be an issue for the new Board in the next 4 years.

Candidate Statement

My education and qualifications are: Oro Loma Sanitary District is often referred to as a most efficient public agency for good reason. We made it that way. Oro Loma’s Board actually reduced sewer rates and created lower costs for mobile homes and apartments. Oro Loma’s sewer rates are the lowest in the County, and are less than sewer charges reported by 150 statewide agencies. Yet, Oro Loma Sanitary District is financially sound and completely debt free. Oro Loma has not accepted Federal Stimulus funds, nor State money that could be taken back by the State. Oro Loma employees, management and Board of Directors are proven to be committed toward successful development and maintenance of good, quality services at lowest costs to ratepayers. I was educated at U.C. Davis, U.C.L.A., Chico State College, Chabot College, and Chico College of Commerce. I am a Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the State Department of Public Health. I am a former San Leandro Vice Mayor and Councilmember, Past President of the Washington Manor Homeowners Association and Associated Homeowners of San Leandro. I have been active in community services in San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Ashland. Vote for me, Howard Kerr. 352-1000 or hwkerr@sbcglobal.net.