October 27, 2004

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Palo Alto Online

Twelve compete for two seats on EPA council

by Erin Purcell

With violence again rising in East Palo Alto, appointing a new police chief may be the most important immediate issue facing the City Council after the Nov. 2 election.

Many residents cite the importance of an effective police department able to rein in street crime, which in turn would aid all aspects of the city and its continuing development.

The election will also be held in the shadow of Vice Mayor David Woods' recent sentencing to more than a month of jail time, prompting what many candidates call an increased need for leadership.

That need has attracted a crowded field. Three candidates are vying for a two-year seat on the council and nine are competing for a four-year seat. From incumbents to well-known critics of the city's government to relative newcomers, each believes they possess the necessary characteristics to lead East Palo Alto.

Two-year candidates

A 25-year resident, Ruben Abrica worked for the city's incorporation and served on the first City Council. He helped initiate East Palo Alto's rent stabilization law - which he hopes to extend - and has served on the school board. He also played a major role in the city's incorporation.

"I believe the biggest issue is human resources," said Abrica, 55. "The city right now has to enter a period in which its services address the needs of youth, the needs of seniors, the needs of children."

Abrica is focusing his campaign on human services, addressing such issues as restructuring police service for improved safety and community relations, and the protection and maintenance of rental housing.

A key component of Abrica's platform involves the improvement and promotion of positive relations among residents.

Abrica has been endorsed by the San Mateo County Democratic Party, the San Mateo County Labor Council, and the Service Employees International Union, local 715.

George A. Hardy Jr., a 44 year old native of East Palo Alto, said employment and education are two of the biggest issues facing the community.

With this is mind, Hardy said he tries to employ local residents in his own general engineering business.

"With better education comes employment," he said.

Dennis Scherzer, 52, an outspoken critic of the council, bases his platform on neighborhood preservation.

If elected, he plans to introduce a "Save our Homes and Churches Initiative" that would require zoning changes be submitted to voters for approval.

"We need to place the decision-making process for changes in the residential neighborhoods in the hands of the residents," said Scherzer, who has run for City Council previously.

Scherzer, served as the general manager of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District and has been a longtime board member of the district. He has also participated in various citizen groups that have tried to rid the city of drug dealers.

"I'm running to help everyone get a better picture of what's going on," he said.

Four-year candidates

An eight-year incumbent of the council, Duane Bay points to his record of bringing development to the city and working to increase the community's prosperity.

Currently the longest serving member of the council, Bay, 52, also counts the construction and approval of 260 affordable homes among his successes.

"Security is the toughest issue," said Bay, a 29-year resident of East Palo Alto. He has been endorsed by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Assemblyman Joe Simitian and the Democratic Party of San Mateo.

A well-known critic of the council, A. Peter Evans, is also seeking office. He said East Palo Alto is facing a myriad of challenges, with public safety the focal point.

"All the issues that were facing us when the city first became incorporated are still relevant because they haven't been resolved," said Evans, 65.

A 40-year resident of the community, Evans has run for City Council before and has served on the sanitary district board.

Incumbent Patricia Foster views youth as a key component to the city's future health. Forty-eight percent of the East Palo Alto population is under the age of 25, and 61 percent of the community's youths are dropping out of school, she said.

"Increasing youth services is our long-term guarantee for a safer community," said Foster, 63. "We need to be forward thinking. With my experience I can contribute to the advancement of the city."

Foster has lived in the community for 26 years and is the executive director of the East Palo Alto Girls Club. She has been endorsed by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Assemblyman Joe Simitian, African-American leaders, and Building Trades of San Mateo County.

A council candidate four years ago, Everardo Luna, 30, has served on the San Mateo County Sheriff Department's gang task force unit and the Human Resources Commission board. With this experience, Luna said he has the knowledge to address public safety.

"We need to start holding the top chain of command accountable, and we need to raise the bar for police so we can get better officers," said Luna, a 17-year resident of East Palo Alto.

He also would like to see the council address issues of affordable housing, youth activities, community preservation, and senior care.

"I feel there needs to be better integrity, leadership and accountability in the city council."

Luna, has been endorsed by Teamsters Local 278, Silicon Valley Realtors Association, the president and vice president of the Ravenswood School district board and the San Mateo County School Board.

Louis Moorer, 62, said East Palo Alto currently faces many challenges, including limited resources and a lack of leadership and human services.

A 42-year resident, Moorer said living and raising his family in East Palo Alto has given him strong roots in the community and enabled him to clearly see its potential.

His platform is based on creating stronger leadership and also plans to address issues of youth and senior services, traffic safety, and responsible financial practices.

Mayor Donna Rutherford, 53, has served on the City Council since 2000. Prior to her current tenure, the 36-year resident spent much time working in summer preschool and teen programs. She also served on the Ravenswood school board for 12 years.

Rutherford identified crime as the most pressing issue facing East Palo Alto.

"It's important that our city provide a safety net for youths, seniors, and residents in particular."

She also plans to address issues of public education, health care support and job training for youth if re-elected.

Court Skinner, 64, said he has worked, taught and tutored at various local organizations. "We've got to make this community, with all its cultural diversity, a place people want to come," said Skinner, a 15-year resident.

"Security is the No.-1 issue," Skinner said, "We continue to work on the symptoms and we need to get to the root.

Skinner plans to address the issue by increasing community policing and awareness.

David Tschang, 72, has also lived in the community for 15 years. His platform focuses on job creation and land use.

"The important thing is we can't rely on special interests to create our jobs," Tschang said. "We must focus on the vision that we own the city."

The self-proclaimed "Robin Hood candidate" said he also wants to place an emphasis on the support of mom and pop businesses.

"Our objective should be to create jobs ourselves and to use our land to do business," he said.

Candidate Stacy L. Smith did not return the Weekly's calls for an interview.

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