Tracy Press

Eighteen people are in the running for five seats on Mountain House's first Community Services District board of directors.

This November, Mountain House residents will elect their first quintent of home-grown leaders, as a local board of directors will take over almost all day-to-day responsibilities from the county board of supervisors. Press file photo

Mountain House residents voted last year to create their own governing board with a large measure of independence from the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. On Nov. 4, the community will choose members of their community who will assume responsibilities similar to municipal council members in other cities.

"Mountain House is anxious for self-governance, and we’re anxious to accommodate them and make it happen," said Supervisor Leroy Ornellas, whose district includes Mountain House. "They will be doing everything a city council does, except land use."

The board of supervisors will still make land use decisions for the town.

The new candidates include: East Palo Alto Assistant City Manager M.L. Gordon; telecommunications business owner Timothy MacDonald; physician Andy Su; retired project manager Bernice Tingle; homemaker Venita Norman; professional services consultant Manny Penn; project manager Warren Fortes; attorney and compliance officer Cheryle Bernard-Shaw; pharmaceutical sales representative Aaron Lehikoinen Sr.; pastor and early interventionist Nichica Smith; and businessman-entrepreneur Eric Payne.

Su, 36, a four-year resident of Mountain House who moved from San Jose, said he would like to see less crime and more activities for people to do in the development. Most importantly, though, he wants to give the people of Mountain House what they want.

"I want to see what the residents of Mountain House want," Su said. "What they want is what I would like to see accomplished. That’s my job as a representative of the people."

Tingle, 62, a five-year Mountain House resident, spent 27 years as a project manager at Pacific Bell in the Bay Area and feels her experience managing large projects, problem solving, and in budgeting and finance will make her an ideal board member.

"I have the time, will and experience," she said. "And my objective is to ensure a balance between the master plan, balancing the budget and ensuring community priorities are met."

The master plan is a vision of what Mountain House is to one day become — a 45,000-resident city made up of 15,600 homes in 12 neighborhoods with two golf courses, three swimming pools and a high school. Presently, the unincorporated community has about 7,450 people.

MacDonald, 42, is one of the community’s newest locals, having just moved in December from Cupertino. He believes his experience in management and with people qualify him to make decisions on behalf of the community.

"I want to make sure there is an adequate amount of money in the budget for the schools and for police," he said. "I’d also like to see more stores built and bring football to Mountain House for the kids."

McDonald has set up an online forum that can be accessed at www.timmacdonald.org for people to express their concerns and voice their opinion on what they see as Mountain House’s most pressing issues.

Many of the candidates will begin campaigning in the upcoming weeks.

"I told the candidates, if elected it is your duty to educate yourself on the workings of your community — the maintenance of infrastructure, payroll, contracts," Ornellas said. "It is their duty to make their community prosper."

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written by Jim Lamb , August 16, 2008

More informationon:
http://wiki.mhvillages.com/~wi..._Directors

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written by fortheunderdog , August 16, 2008

I do not live in Mountain House but if I did my vote would go to Mike Klinkner.

I do not want to give away my identity, but I've known Mike for 13 yrs. Mike has the integrity, honesty, and the ability to think things through. During his time with Public Works in Union City, Mike showed his ability to get things done in a timely manner. Mike's probably one of the most down-to-Earth guys you could ever know.

Vote Mike Klinkner!

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written by mohlsson , August 17, 2008

It' nice to see that 2 project managers will be on board. Generally, the best characteristic of a Project Manager is his/her Communication skills. Check this article on becoming a project manager to see all the qualifications that make up a good Project Manager.

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written by Tracy RealNews , August 18, 2008

I don't know about this Mike fellow. Who is he? I never heard of him before? Why should we believe it second hand?

If he can get things done then why does another article say that some people think Mountain House is just "a bunch of houses"?

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written by Tracy RealNews , August 18, 2008

I wonder if candidates can post here, anonymously, supporting themeselves; even claiming to be from another city? That wouldn't look good for them either? Maybe we will hear from the real Mike? But how would we know if it was the real Mike, or just some imposter? I guess we will just have to vote for Jim Lamb and others we know and trust.

Thanks!

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written by Tracy RealNews , August 18, 2008

Also, I hope Mountain House residents are concerned about Union Pacific railroading Tracy since they will be shopping in Tracy, as I have read them discuss, on other blogs.

I noticed that some running against incumbents in Tracy that we haven't heard from, on here.


http://tracypress.com/content/view/15483/2279/


The silence.

Scary!

Hope Mountain House residents will stand in solidarity in opposition against Union Pacific, since it will somewhat affect them too!

Thanks!

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written by atomco , August 18, 2008

TRN, I think fortheunderdog is a Tracy resident. I've seen him / her post on her several times in the past. I believe them to be giving their legitimate opinion on the matter. As far as the Mococo Line goes, we're not happy about it over in MH either. I hope it never happens, but it's hard to say for now. Not much we can do to fight against it though other then let UP know we're not happy about it. Any ideas? UP is pretty much outside the scope of the law here since they have already got the line and don't need anyone's approval to reactivate it or use it. I don't think they really care too much for public relations either.

When is that Wal-Mart vote supposed to take place by the way? And when is that Winco suit supposed to be over? Anyone know?

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written by Jim Lamb , August 18, 2008

I'll vouch for Mike,
He's certainly not the sort to post anonymously.
He's a good guy worthy of consideration.

My name is Jim lamb, and I approved this message

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written by fortheunderdog , August 18, 2008

"written by Tracy RealNews , August 17, 2008
I don't know about this Mike fellow. Who is he? I never heard of him before? Why should we believe it second hand?

TRN, do you think you know EVERYBODY personally in the area? Sheesh, who do you think you are, Gladys Kravitz?

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written by fortheunderdog , August 18, 2008

"written by Tracy RealNews , August 17, 2008
I wonder if candidates can post here, anonymously, supporting themeselves; even claiming to be from another city? That wouldn't look good for them either? Maybe we will hear from the real Mike? But how would we know if it was the real Mike, or just some imposter? I guess we will just have to vote for Jim Lamb and others we know and trust."

Oh TRN, is this considered "second hand" information too?

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written by fortheunderdog , August 18, 2008

atomco,

You are correct, I am a Tracy resident and everything I've said about Mike Klinkner is true.

I'm glad you understand how UP has the right to start up Mococo at their descretion without having to notify cities. There are a few here in Tracy who have read the information I have posted and still can't grasp its meaning. I do not mind freight trains on the tracks occasionally but, as UP reports, up to 40 a day is a bit much. There is nothing anyone can do about it though since UP owns the tracks and the property around them. According to their information, it could take up to two years for them to make a decision whether to reopen the Mococo line. If that part is true, MH and Tracy should be careful what they do when it comes to long term plans or construction. Just be aware that Mococo does have the possiblity of starting up.

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written by Tracy RealNews , August 18, 2008

atomco,

Thanks! I am glad to hear that you are not happy with Union Pacific either. I am interested in ideas. I will sure be interested in putting information out there, as I can find that information.

I am already searching and learning a lot about this deal. Hoping to see groups start so spring up that will oppose Union Pacific. Otherwise I am concerned that all of our cities may get railroaded by Union Pacific?

I was discussing that topic here, and will discuss it more on other blogs too.

Thanks, I will just take Jim's word for it, as he has been pretty straightforward with me on here as I promote the idea of Tracy annexation of MH, which he opposes, but has been informative.

Also, in the past I was interested in purchasing a home at MH, at one time, and still may someday in the future. Perhaps for investment or for primary home in the future.

Best to you, Mike, and Jim in Mountain House! Hope to hear more about opposition to UP when that information comes out.

Thanks!

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written by Tracy RealNews , August 18, 2008

http://tracypress.com/content/view/15483/2279/

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written by amy , August 19, 2008

Can see many cities were "thrown off" by the news.

Since I am hoping the running candidates and city council members seeking re-elections in all cities attend these meetings to better inform themselves of the UP's agenda since they may inherit problems of running the city in the face of UP's plans at election time?

Voters, get your candidates to attend? That applies to all cities?
Good luck.

-amy

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written by fortheunderdog , August 20, 2008

I don't think city hall has been truthful about their knowing about Mococo. In my opinion, I believe Ives knew about its possible startup back in 2007, which was confirmed by a few railroad sites saying this. Also, city council notes back this up also. Those sites also said that Ives had instructed his staff to check into it. Unknown if anything was checked in to as there is no info on that aspect. One thing that is a known fact is Ives still went ahead and approved the construction of the transit station at Central Av/6th St with the information he had on Mococo. So with freight train service running up to 40 trips daily, with trains up to 2 miles long, any passenger train service at the transit station probably will not take place. BTW, Ives is also a member of the San Joaquin Rail Commission. Now wouldn't you think that this organization would have know of Union Pacific's desire to reopen Mococo? Now do you think that Ives knew about this way in advance?

Now why would anyone want this man Ives re-elected? Not me. There are a few who will say that I am a Garamendi supporter to which I will answer.........."I AM NOT". But I will not vote for a mayor who, to me, has done an injustice to this city. If, by chance, Garamendi is elected, she will be in a more neutral position than Ives because she hasn't made his kinds of mistakes. If later on it's discovered that she's as bad a city leader as Ives then we vote her out when her term is over or have her recalled if the offense warrants it. So you see, we the public will be in no worse position starting with Garamendi as we would be by re-electing Ives. Simple logic.