Press Releases
ALAMEDA FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE MARIE GILMORE FOR MAYOR
Firefighters Praise Gilmore’s Ability to Lead
June 30, 2010
FOR RELEASE.
Contact: Marie Gilmore, Candidate, 510-325-3850
(Alameda, CA) Alameda’s firefighters announced today that they have endorsed Marie Gilmore for Mayor, citing her leadership abilities and commitment to solving problems. Gilmore, an attorney, has served on the Alameda City Council since 2003, when she became the first African American woman to serve on the council.
“Alameda needs a thoughtful leader who bring our city back together to find positive solutions to the challenges we face,” Alameda Firefighters President Dominick Weaver said.
“We’ve been working with Marie for years. She is smart, focused and interested in results, not political games. She’s in this race for the right reasons. She believes in making Alameda city government more efficient, but not at the expense of public safety. We trust that Marie Gilmore will build consensus at a time when Alameda needs it most.”
“I am honored to have the support of Alameda’s Firefighters,” said Marie Gilmore. “The momentum that their endorsement gives this campaign can’t be underestimated. I look forward to knocking on doors side by side with the men and women who save lives and protect property in our city.”
Gilmore has held leadership positions in Alameda for over 15 years. Before joining the City Council in 2003, she served as President of the Planning Board and Chair of the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Marie first moved to the Bay Area to earn a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University. Marie met her husband, Rod, while they were attending Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. They moved to Alameda in the 1980s to raise their children, Anthony & Nicole. Marie practiced law for several years before devoting her time to her family and community. Rod is a business attorney and a football sportscaster for ESPN.
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ALAMEDA COUNCIL MEMBER GILMORE SAYS 4TH OF JULY PARADE SHOULD CONTINUE TRADITION OF FREE SPEECH
June 30, 2010
FOR RELEASE.
Contact: Marie Gilmore, Candidate, 510-325-3850
(Alameda, CA) Alameda City Council Member Marie Gilmore today release the following statement regarding the annual City of Alameda 4th of July Parade:
“Like every Alameda resident, I enjoy and cherish our 4th of July Parade. It is a nationally-recognized event that celebrates our community and our nation’s independence. One of the cornerstones of that independence is free speech, which our 4th of July Parade has historically embraced.
“That tradition has been soured because of the Parade Committee’s denial of a city council and mayoral candidates’ applications to join in the parade.
“The denials are based on an opinion by the City Attorney that the committee may do so without violating these candidates’ First Amendment rights. The committee is not “required” to deny the applications. The opinion simply says that it has the authority.
“The net result is that the mayor and council members, like me, may enjoy riding in the parade, but candidates who simply want to interact with their neighbors about the democratic process that this holiday celebrates may not.
“The legal reasoning is beside the point. The fact is that no one associated with City Hall will be arrested, fined or otherwise punished by simply allowing these folks to participate in the parade. At best, this decision demonstrates an unnecessary over-abundance of caution.
“Alameda has a tradition of deep community involvement and open communication between neighbors unseen in most Bay Area communities. Over the years our residents have demonstrated that they embrace and celebrate candidates that make the sacrifice to run for local office and the civil battle of ideas that lead to policies that improve our quality of life.
“In the past, our 4th of July Parade has included individuals and organizations with both political and religious missions. That does not mean that the City of Alameda endorses or shares any of the views expressed. Rather, the city has traditionally embraced their right to free speech and rejected any need to censor their ideas from our residents.
“There is a simple solution to this matter. The Parade Committee can simply reverse its decision and allow the two candidates to participate. As one member of the city council, I will be sincerely disappointed if it does not.
“In the absence of that action, I encourage these candidates to attend the parade in a non-disruptive manner and exercise their rights to celebrate the 4th of July with their neighbors and discuss the political issues facing the city with those who choose to listen.
“Nevertheless, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and I hope to see you at the parade.”
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Councilmember Marie Gilmore’s Statement on Alameda’s Measure B
January 21, 2010
FOR RELEASE.
Contact: Marie Gilmore, Candidate, 510-325-3850
(Alameda, CA) Councilmember Marie Gilmore issued the following statement on Alameda’s Measure B:
As someone who strongly supports the community-developed vision for the redevelopment of the former naval base that is the basis of the land-use plan in Measure B, it has been a difficult and complicated decision for me on whether to endorse or oppose Measure B. I have reluctantly decided to oppose Measure B.
I say “reluctantly” because, like many Alamedans, I am eager to move forward on developing the former naval base. It is the only base from that particular round of closures that has failed to make any progress on the development front. Community members have provided input over the many years since the base closed and this input is the basis of the land-use plan in Measure B, which has the potential to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that would be an asset for Alameda.
However, I have been concerned from the time this measure was submitted about fiscal aspects of the initiative and the process for implementing this plan. Specifically, I have always been concerned about approving this initiative prior to negotiating a Disposition and Development Agreement. Because the City is in an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with SunCal, I believed it was my duty to permit the negotiation process to proceed. While I had significant concerns about Measure B, I was optimistic that these concerns could be addressed through ongoing negotiations.
That negotiation process has proceeded substantially since the submission of the measure, and with the election less than two weeks away, I feel it is now appropriate to state my opposition to Measure B. My concerns regarding the fiscal terms and process have not been adequately resolved through the negotiations as I had hoped. During the holidays, I had the opportunity to review all the recent information regarding Measure B, including the City Attorney’s recent legal opinion regarding amendments to the Development Agreement. It became clear to me that Measure B had to be considered as written without regard to any post-election modifications or negotiations. As a result, the financial concerns are still present and there is no guarantee when, or if, the financial risk to the City will be alleviated. That was a significant factor for me.
Like many Alamedans, I am frustrated with the failure to develop Alameda Point in the 14 years since the base was closed. Alameda Point in its current condition is not sustainable. Asbestos and lead-filled buildings present dangerous fire hazards—such as the FISC Hospital fire, which cost the city $2 Million. Items such as broken water valves cost the city hundreds of thousands in repair costs each year that cannot be passed on to tenants. Although the Navy owns the land, the City is responsible for its maintenance and security. Revenues from leases do not cover the ever-rising costs of maintaining Alameda Point.
I believe it is necessary to have a negotiated Disposition and Development Agreement in order to be assured that the community plan is implemented in a manner that is in the best interests of the city, fiscally and otherwise. Measure B does not afford this assurance. I assure you, this is a decision I have made with great deliberation and thoughtfulness. I also assure you that whether Measure B passes or fails, I will work diligently towards the redevelopment the former base. It is imperative that we move forward to fulfill the community vision for Alameda Point.
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Councilmember Marie Gilmore Announces Candidacy for Alameda Mayor
November 16, 2009
FOR RELEASE.
Contact: Marie Gilmore, Candidate, 510-325-3850
Doug Linney, Campaign Consultant, The Next Generation, 510-444-4710 ext. 309, dlinney@nextgeneration.org
(Alameda, CA) Councilmember Marie Gilmore has announced her candidacy for Alameda Mayor. The mayoral election is November 2, 2010.
“I am announcing my candidacy early as I want to involve as many members of the community as possible from the very start,” said Gilmore. “As a community we face many challenges – and opportunities – and I am excited to work with my fellow citizens to help Alameda move in the right direction.”
Gilmore will base her campaign on the following issues:
* Addressing fiscal sustainability issues
* Supporting business development and local shopping and dining opportunities
* Moving forward with the development of Alameda Point in a way that is achievable, sustainable and benefits the whole city
* Fostering partnerships that benefit Alameda youth
* Supporting the needs of seniors
Gilmore believes Alameda has a “uniquely wonderful quality of life that must be balanced with the often-competing interests and viewpoints within our community. The current difficult economy adds to that challenge.”
“I promise to offer the kind of thoughtful leadership that can be counted on to address these challenges – and get the job done,” she said.
During her six-year service as a member of the Council, Gilmore worked to restore and open the historic Alameda Theatre, bring a brand new public library to town, attract new local businesses, renovate Alameda Towne Centre, enhance Park and Webster Streets, begin construction of the Stargell Avenue extension, hire a world-class management team to improve the level of service of the Alameda Golf Complex, and continue development of Harbor Bay Business Park to provide small business opportunities.
“As mayor, I will continue to work for community improvements while maintaining the culture and character that make Alameda so special,” said Gilmore.
Gilmore has served on the Alameda City Council since 2003. Before joining the Council, she served eight years on the Planning Board, three as President, as well as three years on the Recreation Commission. Gilmore has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.