Candidate for
Council Member; City of Walnut Creek

My name is: Bob Simmons

My age is: 64

My occupation is: Mayor/Councilmember/Mediator

Education and Qualifications:

As Walnut Creek mayor and city council member, I truly enjoy serving our community. I am proud of my individual and the council's collective accomplishments regarding public safety, economic development, fiscal health, and quality of life.

During my term as mayor, we purchased a state of the art regional safety radio system, authorized two more police officers, adopted an alcohol ordinance for late-night establishments, and continued funding school crossing guards. Major crime in Walnut Creek dropped 16% in the last year.

We advanced economic recovery by creating an economic development program, preserving the Free Ride Trolley, improving downtown parking, selling a key downtown parcel for private development, promoting businesses that serve neighborhoods, and renewing efforts to revitalize Shadelands Business Park. Our downtown vacancy rate stands at less than 5%.

We balanced the city budget, implemented pension reform, and increased reserve levels. To further improve Walnut Creek's fiscal health, we are acting on suggestions proposed by a citizens task force.

I was a leading voice when we acquired a critical piece of Acalanes Ridge, adopted the Bicycle Master and Climate Action plans, installed solar panels on city hall, and began modernizing city fields, pools, and playgrounds. We upgraded the traffic signal system and switched to LED streetlights on major roads. And, to encourage exercise and exploration, I created Walnut Creek Walks.

My priorities are to protect the character of neighborhoods, business districts, and natural resources, while emphasizing public safety, encouraging economic development, improving fiscal health, enhancing quality of life, and leading efforts toward a sustainable future.

City Council leadership demands tough decisions be made - I am prepared to take on the challenges and I look forward to robust conversation and collaboration on any matter affecting Walnut Creek.

I ask for your vote so I can continue to work on behalf of Walnut Creek.

http://www.Simmons4WalnutCreek.org

Simmons4WC@gmail.com