Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Russell Watts, today endorsed Danville Mayor Candace Andersen in her race for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 2. Also running for the open seat is Tomi Van de Brooke who is backed by County Democrats and unions.
Andersen is also supported by Gayle Uilkema, the outgoing Supervisor for District 2, who said of Andersen, “Experience matters. District 2 is best served by someone who has City Council experience and has served on County boards and commissions… Candace has the experience, education and training to analyze complex matters.” Andersen has also been endorsed by the District Attorney, the current and two former Sheriffs, in addition to the Danville City Council and many elected and appointed officials and community leaders.
“Mayor Andersen is the perfect choice for County Supervisor of District 2. She has a proven record of leading a well run town. Danville has no unfunded pension obligations or other unfunded retirement costs, and is fiscally sound. We need that same type of leadership in Contra Costa County,” said Watts.
Watts was elected Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector in June 2010. The county Treasurer holds a key position of public trust in the financial affairs of local government. Acting as the bank for the county, school districts, fire districts, water districts and other units of local government, the treasurer’s office collects, disburses, invests, and accounts for the funds of each of these entities.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of our county Treasurer. Mr. Watts and his department demonstrate solid fiscal responsibility and technological innovation in their management of our County resources,” said Andersen.
Mayor Andersen has also received the endorsement of outgoing District 2 Supervisor Gayle Uilkema and Contra Costa’s top Law Enforcement; Sheriff David Livingston, District Attorney Mark Peterson, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Deputy District Attorneys Association. She has the support of over 75 appointed and elected officials (currently serving or retired), as well. A complete list of endorsements can be found at www.LeadContraCosta.com.
Bill Gram-Reefer is Editor & Publisher of Halfway To Concord, founded in 2004. Halfway To Concord is the leading online source for community-driven political news, events, and opinion for Contra Costa County and the San Francisco East Bay.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Candace is the better of the three evils
Why? Do you mean the 3 evils as Gayle, Tommie and Candace, or the three witches in Macbeth? All three have their own accomplishments and POV. Why is Candace better for District 2?
I will NEVER vote for ANY candidate for federal, state, county, city, or other public office who is endorsed by a thuggish gang of public parasites (a.k.a. public employee union) regardless of the party affiliation of the candidate.
What about the Deputy Sheriff and DA workers Associations?
NO! Public employee unions have ruined the state.
Don’t believe everything you read. I am not accepting money from County employees unions like PEUL 1, AFSME, SEIU. I am a fiscal conservative with a record that proves it on the Contra Costa Community College District. I am the only pro choice woman in the race. And yikes, I was a republican until 6 years ago.
Tomi Van de Brooke
So the Democrats endorse a Democrat and the Republicans endorse a Republican. What a shocking revelation of the political spectrum.
Any endorsement list that begins like this is suspect.
Congressman George Miller
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (Ret.)
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
State Senator Mark DeSaulnier
State Senator Don Perata (Ret.)
State Assembly Member Susan A. Bonilla
State Assembly Member Joan Buchanan
State Assembly Member Nancy Skinner
Not to mention the brain trust of Cheslog, Bowlby, and Weintraub (twice!)
Tomi, your Project Labor Agreement votes a “fiscal conservative” do not make. Your fawning after questionable democrat electeds who have helped drown the nation, California and the County in debt betrays an obsequious willingness to go along to get along, not to mention knocking some furniture over to be first in line to be the CCSBA rep. Maybe to schmooze with labor in advance of a countywide race perhaps? OR to dutifully wave goodbye to taxpayer dollars launching themselves out the window. All to say this is NOT the leadership Contra Costa needs.
And please stop with the “I’m almost a republican” Frankly I don’t care, It’s been 6 years. But it sure doesn’t make you seem open minded, just more willing to do what it takes to get elected. And the “I’m not backed by unions” looking for payoffs is laughable when we all know unions, allied PACs, phone banks and leafletters will be out in full force, cause they want to win this one now so they can concentrate on the top of the ballot in November. And to honk the prochoice horn…really?