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Published August 20, 2008
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Meet the Candidates, Moraga
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| By Sophie Braccini |
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The only incumbent seeking re-election in Moraga is Mike Metcalf. Current Mayor Lynda Deschambault and Council Member Rochelle Bird have decided not to run. Deschambault will pursue other political activities, and Bird cites family priorities. “We have been discussing this as a family over the past year,” explains Bird. “I love Moraga and have enjoyed serving the community. But my family needs to be the top priority. Being the kind of mother my daughter deserves will take precedent.” Bird also underscored her concerns, “It is critical for the voters to understand the issues in Moraga and choose sound leaders. This is an important election. Decisions made will affect our town’s future viability.” There will six candidates for three seats on the November ballot.
Howard Harpham
Harpham is a 13 year resident of Moraga, President of the Kiwanis Club, past President of the Park and Recreation Foundation and President of the Paseo Moraga Homeowners Association. He graduated from UC Berkeley and the U.C. Hastings College of Law. He was the Assistant Public Defender in Alameda County for 32 years. Harpham is married with 4 children and 7 grand-children. After retirement he engaged in community service, “I worked hard to preserve the things that make Moraga unique,” says Harpham. “Now is the time we must concentrate on planning for our future by judiciously balancing the need for careful, well thought-out growth,” he adds, “I will make sure that our Town financially sustains its infrastructure and services while maintaining our beautiful natural environment.” Harpham’s website is www.HowardHarpham.com.
Janice Kolbe
Kolbe and her family have lived in Moraga for almost ten years, the children attended Campolindo and her daughter is currently at Saint Mary’s College. Kolbe holds a Master's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas and a B.S in Elementary Education. She has worked as a Human Resources Manager for since 1997. She is currently employed by Hendrick Automotive Group and PSC Automotive Group. “I have served on the Moraga Country Club Board for six years, as President for the past two,” says Kolbe, “there, I proved myself an effective leader and team player…there are critical issues that affect our quality of life and fiscal stability, she continues, “we need leaders who will make our schools, police and roads priorities; who have proven they can listen and work with others to solve problems representing all of Moraga.”
Brad Kvederis
Kvederis has lived in Moraga since 1999, and prior to that in Orinda from 1982-99. He works in marketing, and was previously a newspaper reporter. He graduated from St. Mary's College in 2003 and holds two Bachelor's Degrees (English and Politics). He’s engaged, with new daughter, Julia (born 6/1/08). He is a member of America Mensa. Kvederis loves the way Moraga is, and opposes any major development without the voters' approval. “If elected, I would change the Town's General Plan to permanently ban tract housing,” says Kvederis. “I would place a moratorium on all major developments unless they were approved in a general election.” His web site is www.savemoraga.com.
Karen Mendoca
Mendoca has been living in Moraga for 17 years with her husband of 25 years. “This is a terrific place to be,” says the Berkeley PhD, “after early retirement from Cal State, I wanted to serve the community.” At Cal she served as Vice-President of Student affairs, most of her career being devoted to administration and counseling. Since her early retirement at age 51, she has served in the Parks and Recreation committee as vice-chair and in the Beautification Committee. “I was encouraged to run by people who thought I could make a difference,” says Mendoca. “A civil approach to problem solving is fundamental to effective interpersonal communication,” she adds. She believes that community involvement and participation are necessary to make the informed decisions. If elected, her priorities will include protecting open space, supporting the schools and police, balancing the budget and revitalizing local business.
Mike Metcalf
The incumbent, Metcalf and his family have lived in Moraga for 23 years. A retired engineering projects manager in the private sector, he has dedicated himself since 1999 to community service: six years as a Planning Commissioner, four years on the Town Council, as a member of Kiwanis, and as a USA Swimming official. “I understand what needs to be done and in which priority,” states Metcalf. “As Mayor in 2007 we had established momentum. We need to sharpen our focus and get back on track. The serious challenges the Town faces require serious leaders. I look forward with enthusiasm to continue serving Moraga as a Council Member.”
Dennis Wanken
Dennis Wanken has been a Moraga resident for 17 years. He holds a BA from the University of Baltimore and a Masters degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Saint Mary’s College. Both his children graduated from Miramonte High School. He has been a Program Director for Early Childhood facilities in Oakland and Danville for 25 years and is a Consultant for the I.R.S. He served on the Moraga School Board from 1997 to 2002. “Our town is at a cross road and the decisions we make now will have an impact for next 20 years,” believes Wanken. “Open space and owner’s property rights should not be competing and I do not favor extremism.” He adds, “I will focus on what people are more interested in: the quality of life, the schools and security.” |
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| Reach Sophie Braccini at: sophie@lamorindaweekly.com |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA