I Believe in Walnut Creek

By Bob Simmons

I believe in Walnut Creek and in the power of community and collaboration.

Walnut Creek citizens - its youngest, its most senior, and everyone in between - deserve safe and vibrant neighborhoods and business districts; premiere schools; a strong local economy and fiscal health; flourishing cultural, recreational, and social programs and amenities; modern infrastructure; protected natural resources and open spaces; and a bright future of endless possibilities marked by economical and environmental sustainability. I believe in the power of community and collaboration and am actively involved in the life around me.

When my sons were young, I coached youth baseball, soccer, and basketball teams and served on the Little League and Northgate Boosters boards. From 1998 to 2003, I initiated and chaired efforts to convert a rock and broken glass-strewn field of asphalt and weeks into a beautiful six-acre park, Castle Rock Sports Fields, where thousands of Walnut Creek young people now play soccer and baseball. While President of the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, I led community-based efforts resulting in a four-party partnership to acquire the signature piece of Acalanes Ridge, protecting it from development and expanding our open space.

Elected to City Council in 2008, I championed efforts to keep the Free Ride Trolley, even when faced with a budget shortfall, because the trolley is critical to a vibrant downtown, offering safe and convenient transportation for residents and visitors. In 2010, I became a Master Gardener and now work with other volunteer Master Gardeners teaching healthy gardening practices and growing crops at the Our Garden site in Shadelands Business Park. In 2011, we delivered 2000 pounds of food - all fresh produce - to the Monument Crisis Center.

During my term as Councilmember, the Walnut Creek City Council created an economic development program and approved a new position, that of Economic Development Manager, whose leadership is already showing dividends. He is putting people with similar goals and objectives together, giving them opportunities to talk - magic happens when people talk. The Walnut Creek Watershed Council is another example of the benefits of connecting people with people. I spearheaded the formation of the council, a partnership made up of diverse organizations with a common purpose: to protect our 150-square-mile Walnut Creek Watershed.

The new, scenic Creek Walk was a collaborative effort, constructed by many dedicated volunteer hands for the benefit of all. To encourage exercise and exploration of our beautiful city and extraordinary neighborhoods, I created Walnut Creek Walks - and I will tell you this: the conversation you have with your friend or colleague or family member is different when you put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk together.

A strong and desirable community encourages citizens to be a part of its fabric with a voice and a vote about what matters to them. When I go to the polls, I vote for somebody in whom I have the confidence that he or she is going to consider issues carefully, listen to all sides with an open mind, and make the best decision he or she can make. It may not always be the popular decision, but it is the best decision with the resources at hand.

This is my promise to you: As I have done these past four years on City Council, I will carefully review all materials and listen to all sides to make thoughtful and honest decisions, in collaboration with fellow City Council members.

We need to elect people who demonstrate insight, initiative, and leadership success to preserve Walnut Creek's special qualities and to build on its distinction as an exceptional place to live, work, and play. Walnut Creek's future is full of exciting and endless possibilities + I would like to continue working with you, as a City Council member, to help realize those possibilities.

I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 6. Please free to contact me at Bob@Simmons4WalnutCreek.org.

Please read more about my experience, accomplishments, and priorities throughout the website.

Thank you.