PleasantonVoters.com Candidate Endorsements
October 5, 2022
The PleasantonVoters election committee is pleased to announce its local candidate endorsements for the November 2022 election. We interviewed all mayoral and city council candidates live via Zoom and reviewed available candidate website information and voting records (if applicable.) We respect all candidates for their commitment to the process and for their courage to run for office.
INCUMBENT
Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown is running uncontested, yet we are endorsing her for her many achievements over the first two very arduous years of her mayoral term---during the pandemic. Mayor Brown and the City Council guided the city and small businesses through the challenges of the pandemic, addressing upcoming infrastructure issues such as safe drinking water and supporting slow and smart growth policies to meet state mandates. Mayor Brown also led the effort to appoint a new City Manager, and the arrival of Gerry Beaudin in May has ushered in an exciting new era of opportunity for the future of Pleasanton
DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE
Pleasanton Voters also endorses City Councilmember and former Vice-Mayor Julie Testa for election in the newly created District 3. Testa, a 30-year Pleasanton resident, is committed to securing the high quality of life for Pleasanton residents. She has spent decades tackling issues that benefit Pleasanton residents, either in the schools, on the Human Services Commission, or through working with non-profits that support mental health and affordable housing options. At the same time, she continues to challenge unrealistic state housing mandates that won't solve the affordable housing needs. In her first term on the City Council she spearheaded a pilot program to provide Pleasanton police with mental health professionals that support non-emergency calls.
DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE
Pleasanton Voters also endorses Jeff Nibert for Pleasanton City Council in District 1. Nibert serves as a member of the Pleasanton Planning Commission and is well acquainted with the current opportunities and challenges facing the city in terms of development and infrastructure. He is committed to putting resident interests over special interests and will focus on maintaining the unique character of Pleasanton and its diverse community. Nibert brings 35 years of experience as a Pleasanton resident and community volunteer to the position. As a retired corporate engineer, his expertise will also be valuable as the council assesses some large budget infrastructure projects related to water, sewer, and roads in the coming years.