Candidate for
Council Member; City of Concord

The City of Concord has exercised fiscal responsibility, enduring deep budget cuts in response to the economic recession. To help speed our recovery we must work in cooperation with our Chamber of Commerce and business community. We must also develop a plan to attract new investors and businesses into Concord. To make Concord a more business friendly place we can make the permit process more efficient and less costly. I've had the fortune of working in both the public and the private sector with large and small businesses. I was Chairman of the Board for the John Muir Health system, a billion dollar corporation with 6,000 employees. When the economy does begin to strengthen I want to be certain Concord has a plan in place to bring economic vitality to our community. Below I have listed some of my ideas for adding to our quality of life and improving Concord's future economy:

Small Premium Shopping Outlet Mall There is vacant property on Diamond Blvd. that could be an excellent location for a new premium shopping outlet center. The property is away from residential housing and has easy access to Interstate 680.

Retail/Restaurant Transit Village at Concord BART Station The BART station on Oakland Ave. between Clayton Rd. & Galindo St. is an excellent area for a vibrant transit village, which could be a destination stop with interesting retail shops and restaurants.

Enhance Family Activities at Todos Santos Park, Including an Outdoor Winter Ice-Skating Rink Concord, a city where "Families Come First," could offer residents more family-oriented activities, like a new outdoor winter ice skating rink for families at Todos Santos Park.

Affordable Senior Housing + A "Mini-Rossmoor" in Concord As our population begins to age, we need to begin planning affordable senior housing for our residents. A "Mini-Rossmoor" senior community at the Concord Naval Weapons Station is an idea we should consider.

I would be interested in your feedback on the ideas I have outlined. I would also appreciate hearing your ideas for ways we can bring vitality back to our great city. Please email me at RonaldLeone@comcast.net (link) or call me at home at 680-1776. Thank you.