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The race for three seats on the Danville Town Council that are up for grabs in this November’s election is set to see voters select from four candidates, including newcomer Julia Gillette trying to become a fresh face on the town’s governing body.
Gillette, a real estate broker and former Central Valley administrator, was the second newcomer to join this year’s council race, filing nomination papers shortly after the first, Mark Belotz, announced his candidacy over the summer.Â
“If elected, my plan is to bring my real estate knowledge to the current state-approved housing plans,” Gillette said in her candidate statement. “If the State of California is serious about seeing housing production, they should focus less on mandates and stop punishing cities.”
Gillette emphasized in comments shared with DanvilleSanRamon that she was seeking to bring a fresh outlook to the council, which currently consists of four longtime members.
First-term Councilmember Dave Fong announced this summer that he would not be seeking reelection to the position, leaving at least one spot open for a new member to join the body. The two incumbents running in this year’s election, Newell Arnerich and Renee Morgan, joined the body in 1995 and 2012, respectively.
“I should mention that I am going against incumbents that historically never lose in Danville,” Gillette told DanvilleSanRamon. “But as a novice politician, I am ready to bring new perspectives to the city council.”
After studying political science as an undergraduate, then environmental policy and management in graduate school, Gillette went on to work with the Environmental Protection Agency on regulations and enforcement and then as a right-of-way manager for San Joaquin County’s Public Works department and the city of Modesto. She continues to work as a real estate broker and property manager.
“Being semi-retired I have plenty of time to fulfill my responsibilities to the city council,” Gillette said in her candidate statement.
In addition to her professional background, Gillette told DanvilleSanRamon that she is ready to bring some personal and volunteer experiences to the table if elected.
“I was married to (Mic Gillette)Â from Tower of Power before he passed in 2016,” Gillette told DanvilleSanRamon. “We had a program called Music in the Schools, which we came up with when schools were canceling music programs. That said, I have a musical and creative background and know very well how to think outside the box.”
In her free time, Gillette said in her candidate statement that she enjoys playing softball with the senior team Walnut Creek Creakers and competing in tennis at Crow Canyon Bay Club.
Gillette does not currently have an active campaign website.
