Council Candidates Profiled

Thursday, August 19, 2004 By Marcus Tolero, Alameda Sun

This year’s Nov. 2 ballot will feature seven candidates who are running for a seat on the city council. Here are some of the candidates.

Doug de Haan

De Haan, 63, has been involved with the city for the past 14 years. During that time he’s chaired the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA), served on various subcommittees that include the fish and wildlife refuge and he was also an alternate to the late Vice Mayor Al DeWitt on the ARRA. He also chaired the city’s Base Retention Committee. Currently de Haan acts as chair of the Economic Development Commission and is involved in the economic development of Bridgeside and Park Street.

Although he’s had a hand in the improvement of the city, de Haan said there are still problems that need to be addressed such as the state of the former Naval Air Station and the financial situation of Alameda.

“There are some crises in Alameda. We (city) need to gain control of the Naval Air Station and get that going,” de Haan said. “We have to also make ends meet. There has to be an economic viability here.”

Noting that city council has been under public scrutiny lately because of housing and budget concerns, de Haan said he will try his best to be a productive member of the council. “I’m totally proactive and I will try to guide the council in the right direction and provide the city staff with day-to-day guidance,” de Haan said.

Betsy Elgar

Betsy Elgar considers herself to be an advocate of people’s rights. As a member of the National Association of Social Workers’ California Chapter, Elgar has supported many causes including consumer, homeless, renters and veterans’ rights.

“I’ve been involved in so many issues such as helping veterans and helping those who are in desperate need,” said the 43-year-old single parent who also volunteers for the American Red Cross. “Many of these people don’t deserve to be in the position that they are in.”

Being an advocate is especially important to Elgar because she, too, was also put into a position of need when she was evicted from her apartment in Alameda in 2002. “Based on my experience, I think I could do a lot for the council and bring about a sense of social justice,” Elgar said. “Whatever problems I see, I want to correct them.”

Elgar said that if she becomes a council member she would focus on creating more affordable housing in Alameda.

Ruben Tilos, Pat Bail and Vernice Boone were featured in the Alameda Sun Aug. 12. The remaining two candidates will be featured in an upcoming issue.

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Last modified: August 19, 2004

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