|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Danville Town Council voted in Planning Commissioner Robert Storer, 52, as the new council member Tuesday morning to fill the position vacated by the death of Councilman Mike Shimansky. He was sworn in immediately for the seat, which expires November 2010.
“We interviewed 10 candidates over the last week,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, nominating Storer at the Special Meeting on Oct. 13. “They were absolutely outstanding people. It was a very difficult choice.”
Collectively the four council members knew eight of the candidates personally, he noted, because they are all involved in the community.
“It was such an impressive slate of candidates that maybe we should consider adding two more council members,” said Councilwoman Candace Andersen, who hastened to add that she was joking. She seconded the nomination.
Councilman Mike Doyle said this was the second time in his 18 years on the council that it had voted for a new member.
“It never ceases to amaze me the quality of people in this town,” Doyle said, adding that the applicants included entrepreneurs, business owners, teachers and retirees. “They all said they want to give something back to the community – it gives me goosebumps.”
Councilwoman Karen Stepper pointed out that three of the applicants were from the Planning Commission, which is a critical part of the town’s decision making. She also expressed sorrow at Shimansky’s absence.
“I can’t count the number of meetings each month that we miss Mike,” she said.
Mayor Arnerich said that Storer mentioned two things in his interview that the others did not: his concern that the town address teen issues; and the possibilities in developing the back section of Oak Hill Park.
The vote for Storer was unanimous, and Town Clerk Marie Sunseri administered the oath of office. Stoer’s wife Sandra was in the audience. They have two sons, Michael, 21, who is at Chico State; and Drew, 18, a senior at San Ramon Valley High.
Storer, who is president of Pellegrini Construction in San Leandro, ran in 2006 against Mike Shimansky for the council seat but was defeated.
“This is humbling and exciting,” Storer said during a break in the meeting. “I’m aware of the reason I’m here, that Mike Shimansky’s passing created this opportunity for me. But we shared our love for parks, veterans, seniors and especially the developmentally disabled.”
“I’m excited to be in this position and I’ll do the best job I can,” he added.
Storer, a property manager who was named to the Danville Planning Commission in 2000, has been recognized by the Town for building Willow Commons on Laurel Drive near downtown, an affordable housing apartment complex for seniors and disabled persons. He was also named Businessman of the Year by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
He has served on the Town’s Heritage Resource Commission and was the Town’s representative to the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. He also has served as a captain for the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services Dive Recovery Team.
-
Robert Storer is sworn onto the Danville Town Council by Town Clerk Marie Sunseri. Photo by Dolores Fox Ciardelli. -
The Danville Town Council meets in study session with (l-r) its new member Robert Storer, Councilwoman Candace Andersen, Mayor Newell Arnerich, Councilwoman Karen Stepper and Vice Mayor Mike Doyle. Photo by Dolores Fox Ciardelli. -
New Councilman Robert Storer gets down to business with Councilwoman Candace Andersen and Mayor Newell Arnerich. Photo by Dolores Fox Ciardelli.
Congratulations to Robert! As one of the ten applicants, I can report it was a thorough and fair process. I want to thank all of the people who encouraged me to run and others who supported me. I want to thank the four Council members for treating me well and hearing my ideas. God Bless all of you as our great town moves forward, in the spirit of a great man, friend and neighbor- Mike Shimansky!
Many of us are disappointed that the council did not pick an extremely well qualified candidate, Mark Curtis, for the position. We hope that Mr. Curtis remembers that even Michael Jordan initially was cut from his high school basketball team, and that Mr. Curtis consider running for an office in the future.(particularly an office determined by the popular vote of all the citizens, not by 4 council persons)
I have knowm Robert for many years I can not think of another person that come close to wearing the shoes that Mike wore. But I do know Robert will give his all and keep this Town ship on the same corse as Mike Shimansky would have liked. If you read this Robert Mike (back in early Aug.)promised to come Nov.7 to start Hats Off America’s Final run after 7 years
And you don’t think Danville operates like the D.C. Well, here’s a good example of “keep it in the family”…NO smart outsiders allowed. It’s easier to control the masses with loyal in house folks.
It doesn’t mean a thing that Storer was not elected previously. And the President of a large construction company sits on the planning commission…no different than D.C. operations…carry on folks, just another sad day in Danville
While I was pulling for Mark Curtis to fill the seat, I am glad to read that it was a fair process. I commend Mark for being the first person to congratulate Robert. Mark is a class act, as usual!
HURRAY! HURRAY! HURRAY! The Town Council selected a gentleman who brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position, but also honesty, thoughtfulness, intelligence and a sense of purpose.
Robert recognizes opportunities for this Town and acts on them. He participates in the process, studies the issues and listens to those with different perspectives. He takes positions on issues only after careful consideration and study.
I welcome his presence on that dais and know that he will further enhance the quality of life for all in Danville.