Candidate Questions and Answers - 2024

We are sharing the candidate questions and answers in the order they were received by Clayton Watch.

Important note: Because Holly Tillman notified us that she would not participate in our Candidate Questionnaire, we are providing you with her answers that were submitted to the Clayton Pioneer in 2020 when she ran for city council.

I think we can all agree that Holly's 2020 quotes in the Clayton Pioneer shed light on her true character. Perhaps this clarifies why she was hesitant to respond to our recent email invitation, and why her new website looks and sounds like a completely different person.

We hope you find this information helpful.

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Rich Enea, Sr - Candidate Questionnaire

Rich Enea, Sr

Question 1. In your opinion, why is Clayton so divided, and if elected what would you do to bring the community back together? Please explain:

Clayton is divided because many people feel they are not being listened to by the City Leaders. Planning Commission and City Council meetings need to be conducted properly and the City Manager and City Attorney also play a role in the meetings. In the past two years that I have been a member of the planning commission, we have had professional meetings.

Question 2: It has been said, that the last several city councils have not been good stewards for the city. Why do you think this happened? Please explain:

With the constant change in City Managers, council members seem to want someone who will do what they want and not consider other views. This had led to bad feelings among the members. I would do my best to stop this and get all members to work together.

Question 3. In your opinion, is the city going broke? Yes No. In your opinion, why were the city finances so messed up, and do you support a sale tax and/or a parcel tax? Please explain:

The city is not going broke at this time. In three or four years, we will have to see where we are with finances. We currently have about 7.5 million dollars in reserve. The state requires 40% be kept in reserve. This leaves about 3 million dollars left in reserves. This year, starting July 1, 2024, we used under $ 200,000.00 to balance the budget. This means we still have years to work on the budget. The current citizen appointed finance committee is going line by line to see what we don’t need in the budget and make recommendations.

Question 4. Clayton’s landscaping on the medians, roadways, and the community park has been in decline for several years. What would you do to correct this problem? Please explain:

The city has a small landscaping crew. A paid consultant told the city council that a Superintendent was needed to take charge of the few employees. This action of course took away the working supervisor. The lesson learned is consultants seem to follow a template of what they think is right, instead of really looking into the city’s workings

Question 5. What does the phrase "affordable housing"actually mean to you? Is it "below-market-rate housing?" If so, in your opinion does the supply depend on taxpayer subsidy? Please explain:

This is what affordable housing means to me. Say a developer builds 20 houses and two of them have to be affordable by the state law. The houses are all built the same, but people who make less money and can’t qualify for a loan are helped by the government. It is a taxpayer subsidy because we pay taxes to the state and federal government, and they use some of that money to assist people to get affordable housing.

To read Rich's candidate statement, click here.

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Maria Shulman - Candidate Questionnaire

Maria Shulman

Question 1. In your opinion, why is Clayton so divided, and if elected what would you do to bring the community back together? Please explain:

Community divisions can emerge from various factors in a small city like Clayton, often indicative of underlying social, economic, and political issues. Recent survey findings reveal residents' significant lack of trust in their city council. Many residents express concerns regarding high-density housing projects being proposed near their homes, feeling misled about the potential impacts of these developments. A pertinent example is the Olivia on Marsh Creek project, which was inaccurately presented as a senior housing initiative, and the accompanying parking study was found to be misleading. The prior council's decision to permit the developer to present this information deceptively has further fueled discontent.

If elected to the city council, my priority would be to advocate for the interests of the citizens over those of developers. I would commit to maintaining transparency and honesty with my constituents, even in challenging situations dictated by state regulations. Additionally, I would work diligently to eliminate underhanded political practices that have happened in the past by a few of our council members. I would strive to promote a respectful dialogue before making any future decisions.

Question 2. It has been said, that the last several city councils have not been good stewards for the city. Why do you think this happened? Please explain:

The recent city councils have faced challenges in effectively managing the city's resources, influenced by various factors that include specific choices and overarching governance issues. Some council members seem more inclined to increase taxes and expenditures rather than invest time to understand our actual income and expenses fully. As our former interim city manager noted, the budget was in disarray upon his arrival. However, through collaboration with several council members, we have clarified our financial situation, including our income, expenses, reserve accounts, and investments. Unfortunately, some council members have not prioritized their fiduciary duties, opting to shift the burden of uncertainty onto taxpayers without a comprehensive grasp of our financial realities.

In conclusion, the belief that recent city councils have not effectively managed Clayton may stem from a mix of factors, such as short-sighted decision-making, financial limitations, political hurdles, external influences, insufficient leadership, and inadequate community involvement. To enhance stewardship, future councils must prioritize long-term strategies, fiscal prudence, transparent governance, and meaningful community engagement to ensure that their decisions reflect the city’s needs and values. Ultimately, while raising taxes may be necessary to stabilize the city’s finances, it should be viewed as a last resort after exploring all other avenues.

Question 3. In your opinion, is the city going broke? Yes No. In your opinion, why were the city finances so messed up, and do you support a sale tax and/or a parcel tax? Please explain:

Considering Clayton's financial situation, I am confident that we are not on the brink of bankruptcy; however, it is essential to implement measures to avert potential budget deficits in the future. Our financial challenges stem from the mismanagement experienced at City Hall under our previous two city managers. While many small cities nationwide encounter financial hurdles for various reasons, I believe the city council must refrain from passing any financial burdens onto the community until they have conducted thorough planning and clearly understand their financial position. For example, relying excessively on temporary solutions, such as utilizing reserves without addressing the root causes, can exacerbate existing issues. Additionally, allowing the budget to remain unreconciled for 18 months and discovering a $50,000 fraud in an account is a situation that could lead to significant problems. At this juncture, I do not endorse a sales or parcel tax, and I support allowing the council and the Citizen Financial Sustainability Committee to fulfill their responsibilities. With reserves exceeding $7 million, we have ample opportunity to organize our finances and strategize for the future, which will be my top priority if I am elected.

Question 4. Clayton’s landscaping on the medians, roadways, and the community park has been in decline for several years. What would you do to correct this problem? Please explain:

A comprehensive strategy is essential to effectively tackle the decline in landscaping across Clayton’s medians, roadways, and community parks. Evaluating the current conditions thoroughly and directing staff efforts towards a well-structured plan is essential. They are identifying specific challenges, including plant varieties, maintenance requirements, and areas needing urgent care. Engaging residents and stakeholders to gather feedback and insights on concerns and priorities will enhance the planning process. This strategy should encompass selecting appropriate plant species, maintaining timelines, and any necessary infrastructure upgrades, all while adhering to budget constraints. Given the surplus of over $300,000 from the previous year, it is clear that strategic planning for the future is vital. With effective leadership, the Trails and Landscaping Committee can better understand our financial resources, enabling them to recommend and prioritize essential repairs and enhancements. One potential initiative could involve residents in the improvement efforts through volunteer days, workshops on garden maintenance, or "adopt-a-park" programs. Such activities can distribute the workload and cultivate a sense of community ownership. Ultimately, I propose that we consider outsourcing our landscaping needs, similar to the practices of Concord and neighboring cities, by partnering with a qualified landscape maintenance company. Maintaining a well-kept city is crucial for enhancing the community's image and fostering a sense of pride among residents.

Question 5. What does the phrase "affordable housing"actually mean to you? Is it "below-market-rate housing?" If so, in your opinion does the supply depend on taxpayer subsidy? Please explain:

The term "affordable housing" denotes residences that are attainable for individuals and families earning below the area's median income, who might otherwise face challenges in securing appropriate housing within their financial capabilities. Conversely, "below-market-rate housing" is generally subsidized or regulated to ensure its pricing is lower than the standard market rates, making it accessible to those with limited incomes. The availability of affordable housing frequently relies on some subsidy or financial assistance, which may be sourced from taxpayers. Such subsidies can manifest in various ways, including direct government financial support for constructing or renovating affordable housing units, allowing them to be offered at reduced rental or purchase prices. Furthermore, developers may provide tax credits as an encouragement to construct or upgrade housing.

To read Maria's candidate statement, click here.

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Jim Diaz - Candidate Questionnaire

Jim Diaz

Question 1. In your opinion, why is Clayton so divided, and if elected what would you do to bring the community back together? Please explain:

Clayton is divided due to several issues that are a direct result of misinformation in the public arena:

- Clayton’s Financials: Previous City Managers portrayed Clayton’s Financial situation as very poor. That is untrue.  As Mayor, I supported and voted for the appointment of three Credentialed candidates to serve on the Citizens Financial Sustainability Committee. Now is the time to allow the newly formed Citizen Financial Sustainability the time they need to do their due diligence. Then, we can discuss the state of Clayton’s financials.

- Further, there were unsubstantiated claims that our Police Department profiled individuals and that Clayton is a “Sun-Down Town.”

- We need to convene an outreach effort to openly discuss these erroneous claims and resolve the misunderstandings thoroughly and completely. Then, hopefully, we can move forward in unity.

Question 2. It has been said, that the last several city councils have not been good stewards for the city. Why do you think this happened? Please explain:

While all Council Members care about Clayton, there have been some that seemed to lose focus and, instead of working for the good of the City, tried to use their position to punish their colleagues, or have tried to use City resources to investigate their colleagues, all of which does not benefit Clayton as a whole.  In fact, most Council Members work together to create a positive and cohesive working relationship.  For example: Reviewing and Passing the City’s Budget.

Question 3. In your opinion, is the city going broke? Yes No. In your opinion, why were the city finances so messed up, and do you support a sale tax and/or a parcel tax? Please explain:

Clayton is not going broke. Our City Financial situation is very sound. The City Council, along with the Budget & Audit Committee and the Citizen Financial Sustainability Committee need to continue working together to develop the best solution for our Community.

Question 4. Clayton’s landscaping on the medians, roadways, and the community park has been in decline for several years. What would you do to correct this problem? Please explain:

Our recent Interim City Manager has rebuilt the city staffing structure, upgraded job responsibilities, and created a clear path forward, “Positioning Clayton for Success.” The City Landscape Maintenance was/is a top priority and focused on addressing the issues of concern. My position is to let the City Maintenance  Team continue to address these issues.

Question 5. What does the phrase "affordable housing"actually mean to you? Is it "below-market-rate housing?" If so, in your opinion does the supply depend on taxpayer subsidy? Please explain:

“Affordable Housing:” First, we must be consistent and comply with California State law and it’s definition: Affordable Housing for lower-income households as “not more than 30% of gross household income variations (Health & Safety Code Section 50052.5). Second, Clayton is still in the process of seeking State approval of our Housing Element. In Clayton’s proposed Housing Element, we plan to meet and comply with the State mandates. Third, once Clayton’s Housing Element is approved, it will be up to the Developers to build projects that not only comply with State mandates, but also balance the wishes of the Community.

To read Jim's candidate statement, click here.

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Holly Tillman - Candidate Questionnaire

Empty Chair

Once again, Holly Tillman has chosen to step back from this part of the political scene. Looking at her past comments in the Clayton Pioneer and her website from four years ago shows a different side of Holly Tillman and raises some red flags about her credibility.

If you want to dig deeper into her character, check out her responses to questions from the Clayton Pioneer back in 2020.

The Clayton community needs to think about whether her past controversial remarks have just disappeared or if they were never really supported by facts to begin with. Click here to see her track record over the past 3 1/2 years.

In 2020, Holly made a bunch of controversial claims in her campaign materials that have hurt Clayton's reputation both locally and throughout California, such as:

1. Clayton is a city struggling with racism.

2. The Clayton police engage in profiling.

3. Residents feel unsafe when they’re out at night.

4. Clayton is a Sundown town.

It makes you wonder if her previous shocking claims have just faded away or if they were never backed by any evidence at all.

This might explain why she’s hesitant to participate in our community Candidate Questionnaire and why her new website shows a very different version of herself.

To read Holly's candidate statement, you might want to give her a call.