Eight candidates are competing for three open seats on the Santa Cruz City Council in an election that could well see a seismic shift toward the center for a body long dominated by progressives. Termed-out are the left-leaning Mike Rotkin and Cynthia Mathews; up for re-election is pragmatic incumbent Lynn Robinson.
Leading the field are Robinson, a neighborhood activist with a solid record on the council; transportation manager Dave Terrazas, a business-friendly moderate and skilled campaigner who came within 45 votes of unseating Tony Madrigal in 2008; and real estate agent Hilary Bryant, another business-friendly moderate notable for her forthright manner and energetic campaign. Running an innovative race (his yard signs convert to cloth totes) is Capitola housing and redevelopment manager David Foster, who touts economic and environmental sustainability. Retired firefighter Ron Pomerantz is also running from the left, as is grant writer Steve Pleich. Adding a little exoticism to the mix is the Republican-endorsement-packing insurance executive Kevin Moon. Executive assistant Gus Ceballos rounds out the field.
At least five of these candidates would make excellent public servants, but several stand out. Hilary Bryant is a smart straight shooter with a strong community orientation complementing a pro-business platform. Her common-sense approach and willingness to take a stand will make her an asset to the council. Lynn Robinson has proven herself a conscientious member of the council who deserves another term. David Foster’s mastery of the details of governance, coupled with progressive values and a dose of pragmatism (unlike many lefties, he supported a conference center at the Dream Inn site), make him a strong choice. Santa Cruz needs strong, focused, innovative leadership. Bryant, Robinson and Foster will provide that.
