Candidate for
Council Member; City of Pleasant Hill

DAVID DURANT HAS A POSITIVE AGENDA

I have a positive agenda for reasonable, common sense government, driven by fairness, civility 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.

We are privileged to have vital neighborhoods, a strong small business community, good schools, and an atmosphere that was family friendly. I want to preserve what is working and enhance the benefits of our city for all of its residents.

I make decisions with common sense, compassion, integrity, dignity, humor and courage. I focus on careful long-term planning that ensures our city's financial health and well-being. I listen to you. I always remember that you elected me to make tough, fair, intelligent choices, as well as to pursue responsible and equitable policies--especially those that protect neighborhoods, support our businesses, promote safety, enhance the environment, build our tax base, and improve city services.

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.

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, raise families and retire.

I focus on careful long-term planning that ensures our city's financial health and well-being.

I build bridges and make common sense decisions.

I prepare, listen, decide and act. In doing so, I don't play "politics." I build partnerships and pursue cooperation. For example, I've helped build a stronger partnership with both the Recreation and Park District and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. I have been a forceful advocate for improving school conditions and an improved Senior Center. I have pursued responsible and equitable policies that protect our neighborhoods, support our businesses, provide better flood protection, and promote safety. Going forward, I will continue to find areas of common ground and get results.

I have a solid record of fiscal responsibility and strong leadership.

I have made tough choices to streamline and improve city services while protecting our budget and your local tax dollars. I insisted on prudent reserves. I am committed to continuing to make City services more efficient and effective. I will be creative in seeking ways to keep our roads and sidewalks well-maintained. I will work to make our city government operations more "green." I will continue to seek enhanced police services. And, I will ensure that the City continues to live within its means.

I am effective in managing growth.

I've worked hard to facilitate an attractive and dynamic Crossroads Shopping Center. I've led the charge to ensure that our Downtown is thriving and that we have ample and attractive landscaping around town. At the same time, I've fought to preserve Pleasant Hill's residential character and to restrain over-zealous development. You can count on more of the same!