Mayoral Candidate Q&A: Bill Clarkson

San Ramon Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. Click here for more election news.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

I believe San Ramon is in need of fresh leadership. There needs to be a new perspective at city hall that welcomes challenging questions about policy issues and city processes.

I believe that I will bring to the Mayoral position leadership that is experienced, proven, and collaborative.

The most divisive issue in San Ramon’s history which continues to be divisive is land use planning and preservation of important open space. I’m running for Mayor because I believe that that the City must engage in an open and inclusive discussion that is not constrained by deadlines about how it will grow and sustain our local economy, meet our needs for jobs and housing and preserve the open spaces that add so much to our quality of life. I’m running for Mayor because I believe that if we can find common ground on this issue, we will be able to find a way to address other important public policy issues in a more thoughtful and civil manner than is the case today.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

Changing the process of how decisions and policies are made;

• I believe that policy decisions need to be driven by the values, desires, and needs of the citizens 
• I believe that decisions and policies must be inclusive and transparent
• I believe that communication needs to be improved, with far more listening to citizens
• I believe that diverse points-of-view should be welcomed and valued

Listed below are other goals I will strive to accomplish;

• Form a Citizen’s Task Force to review the proposed ‘downtown’ project and to provide regular progress reports, including a dedicated web page to keep all residents informed.
• Respect the decision that the citizens and voters have communicated regarding the future of the Tassajara Valley
• Insist that the city hold Town Hall meetings every 3 months.  Staff and elected officials will be there to listen to the residents and learn what is on people’s minds
• Change the City Council Agenda to make Public Comment the first agenda item and not the last item
• Reconstitute the Open Space Committee to include greater representation of citizens of our community
• Make the beautification of the Iron Horse Trail a priority, seeking a partnership with the Parks District to provide more drinking fountains, seating areas, shade and trash cans
• Hold informal monthly mayor breakfasts, lunches and evening gathering to give residents the opportunity to share what is on their mind

What sets you apart from the other candidate? 

Leadership and experience.

Over the last 33 years I created a thriving business from scratch, took leadership roles in the Chamber of Commerce including Chairman of the Board, served three times as the San Ramon Valley School Board President, founded a new Rotary Club and served as its Charter President, and I am a San Ramon Parks and Community Services Commissioner. In each of these very successful organizations I took a leadership role.

Where do you work and what is your job title? 

I am a small business owner and real estate broker, and started my company in San Ramon in 1979, and it has operated successfully since then.

Age and birthplace?

I am 59, was born in Oakland, a fourth generation Californian.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

• San Jose State University, Bachelors Degree, Liberal Arts, 1976
• San Jose State University, Masters in Business Administration 1978

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

• I was elected to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Board of Education three times. I served as the School Board President three times (2002, 2006 and 2009).
• Appointed to the San Ramon Parks & Community Services Commission (2010 to present)
• Appointed to the San Ramon Charter City Commission, 1998
• Appointed to the San Ramon Housing Advisory Committee, 1993 to 1995

Have you run before for an elected public office?

Yes, see above.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?

Less than the agreed upon limit of $43K, less than $1,000 personal.

Have you ever served in the military?

Yes, US Air Force, 1970 to 1976.

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

No.

How long have you lived in San Ramon?

Thirty-three years.

What's your favorite thing about San Ramon? 

It is the friendly people, great schools, wonderful parks, safe streets, cultural diversity and dynamic business environment to just mention a few!

What is the biggest problem in San Ramon? 

San Ramon is a great and thriving community. However, it can be even better. One of the problems facing San Ramon is the absence of a downtown. San Ramon doesn’t have a “place” that residents call the heart and soul of the city. One of the first things I plan to do is form a Citizen’s Task Force to review the proposed ‘downtown’ project and to provide regular progress reports, including a dedicated web page to keep all residents informed.

Contact information

Phone number is 925-200-5380 and email bill@billclarkson.comwww.billclarksonformayor.com.