Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Pleasant Hill

DAVID DURANT HAS A POSITIVE AGENDA

I have a positive agenda for reasonable, common sense government, driven by fairness, propriety and respect for individuals. (See my website, at http://www.Durant4PH.com!) I believe that public officials have the privilege of serving for the benefit of (and with the consent of) all of the people they represent.

I ran for City Council in 1997 and again in 1999, because I thought the City Council could and should do more. We had vital neighborhoods, a strong small business community, good schools, and an atmosphere that was family friendly. I wanted to preserve what was working and enhance the benefits of our city for all of its residents. I thought the City government could do better more and do it in an atmosphere of openness, respect, cooperation and community. I believed that my independence and good consensus-building skills would be of value in serving the city. The public agreed and elected me to serve on the City Council in 1999. I have since served once as Mayor and twice as Redevelopment Agency Chair. I believe that I have brought big-picture thinking, and an approach that seeks solutions based on open disclosure, professional and respectful communication, and a common-sense agenda.

I have practiced law for fourteen years, first at a large law firm and, more recently, at a large retailer. I take my legal and ethical obligations seriously. During my career, I've negotiated hundreds of agreements. I've also regularly worked to protect fundamental rights and human dignity, through my legal work, my public service and my work with numerous non-profit agencies. I am deeply committed to public service and improving our world. To some, that may sound idealistic or corny. But, for me, it's a way of life I credit to both my mother and my father's mother.

Growing up, volunteerism was taught in word and deed. My mother was a political activist, among other things, who worked on many campaigns and had me handing out literature for things like political campaigns and community center creation when I was very young. My father's mother was a devoted volunteer for her church, "the needy" and others. Even in her later years, she went out of her way to help those "less fortunate" than she. Together, they taught me about fairness, equality, and the importance of giving back, of trying hard to leave the world a little bit better for you having been in it, of fighting for what's right.

When we moved to Pleasant Hill, my wife, Cindy, and I found the small, family-oriented city we were searching for: a city with a dynamic future, a sense of community, and exceptional schools and recreation facilities for our growing children.

I believe in continuing what one starts. I am an independent person with good consensus-building skills. I value reasonable progress, big-picture thinking, and solutions based on open disclosure, professional and respectful communication, and a common-sense agenda. I listen and learn. I do not, however, shrink from making tough, thoughtful and rational decisions.

I also believe that local government has a unique opportunity to improve lives. And, I want to continue helping to make our city and our county a better place to work, live, play and raise families.