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Three register for Sunnyvale City Council election in fall
Howe enters race, along with incumbents Fowler and Miller
By Gretchen Knaup
City council elections aren't until November, but the nomination process is well under way. With three seats opening and potentially five people running, the competition is fierce. As of July 30, three candidates have turned in their papers, officially entering them in the race.
The filing period is nearly a month long, ending on Aug. 10 at 5 p.m., giving potential candidates plenty of time to get their papers in.
According to Acting Deputy City Clerk Mary Ann Francen, John Howe, currently on the planning commission, was the first to turn in his papers on July 23. Two incumbents, Councilwoman Julia Miller and Vice Mayor Fred Fowler, turned their paperwork in July 30. Fowler is running for seat number 1, Miller for seat number 2 and Howe for number 3.
Francen said those interested in running for city council can do so by completing the paperwork. The process begins by picking up a basic nomination sheet from the city clerk's office. The potential candidate then needs to get a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 signatures from registered voters in order to qualify for a nomination.
Furthermore, there is a $1,200 billed statement fee, which can be waived by getting an additional 250 signatures. This is called an "in lieu petition" and is approved by the county registrar of voters, which all three of the candidates that have filed their papers have completed. It takes the office about three days to complete this process, making everything official. Howe's petition has already been accepted with Miller and Fowler's petition due to be decided upon by Aug. 2.
All of this paperwork must be turned in at the same time. There are no exceptions. "Everything is according to county and state laws," Francen said. "They tell us what they require, and we make sure the candidates follow through on it."
Also essential to the campaign process is the allocation of money. Everything must be recorded and accounted for according to the city clerk. "They have to report all contributions at all times. Every nickel has to be counted," Francen said.
Currently Howe, Miller and Fowler already have campaign statements available to the public at city hall. This is because they have already received contributions, so they have previous statements. The deadline for campaign statements is Sept. 27, yet statements must be continually updated, and, therefore, there is a second deadline of Oct. 25.
With the paperwork completed, these three candidates are free to officially begin their campaigns.
According to a press release sent out by Howe's campaign manager, Yolanda Brown, Howe serves on the planning commission, the Sunnyvale School District Measure A, Citizens Watchdog Committee, and has held several other civic appointments to Sunnyvale boards, commissions and study groups. Howe runs a real estate and tax business in Sunnyvale and serves on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
"I am running because Sunnyvale needs a leader who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the community," Howe said in his press release. "My record of civic involvement and accomplishments clearly shows I have taken the time to work with the citizens of Sunnyvale."
Julia Miller has served one four-year term as a council member for the city of Sunnyvale.
"I've accomplished all my campaign goals," Miller said in an interview. She said she has helped to open an additional portion of the San Francisco Bay Trail and to get an air monitoring station placed in Sunnyvale. Miller's work experience includes human resources and administration at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale. She also served as staff associate for the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Miller has served on the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, the United Way Board and the Democratic Activists for Women among others.
Fowler is also currently a council member, as well as vice mayor. Fowler said one thing he has tried to do during his term is help different stakeholders in the city realize they are part of a community.
"I have a dream that someday soon all of the stakeholders in Sunnyvale will become familiar with each other and the roles they can play, and will be astounded by the breathtaking opportunities that will open up as a result," Fowler said. "I long for that day, and will keep working hard to bring it closer," he added.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
