Senator Steve Glazer for State Treasurer

For Immediate Release
May 12, 2015

BART Admits Unlawful Campaigning Against Glazer and Says Union Didn’t Tell The Truth About Activities

Orinda, CA— In a statement late Monday evening, BART Board President Thomas Blalock acknowledged that BART personnel illegally engaged in campaign activities on behalf of Senate candidate Susan Bonilla in the May 19^th State Senate special election.

“BART claims they were fooled by union leaders in approving these ‘meetings’,” said Orinda Mayor and Senate candidate Steve Glazer.  “But they ignored the fact that many of these gatherings occurred in open work areas with election posters and flyers and under the watchful eye of management.”

The Glazer for Senate campaign released photos of BART workers engaged in rally-type events and advocating for the election of Bonilla. There was also a photo of workers in a classroom listening to union leaders while a video featuring Bonilla was being shown on BART-owned audio-visual equipment. Union leaders featured in numerous pictures included BART Chapter President John Arantes and BART Concord Chapter President Dan Jameyson.

Glazer said:

“I appreciate BART’s swift investigation and confirmation that there is widespread illegal campaign activities throughout BART workplace facilities. While I had photographic evidence at three locations, I believe these activities are even more widespread.”

“BART claims that they were fooled by the union and approved ‘meetings’ during break time. BART fails to acknowledge that many of these so-called meetings took place in open areas with campaign posters and flyers and under the watchful eye of management.”

“BART implies that only future campaign activities will be subject to disciplinary action, ignoring the fact that professional union organizers made false statements about the purpose of these ‘meetings’ at numerous places and times.”

“I reiterate my call that a full inquiry needs to be conducted by an independent party to ensure the fairness of the review. Given my criticism of management’s role in these activities, the BART Board of Directors should insist that the investigator be in a position to hold both union members and managers accountable.”

“I know there is resentment by BART unions and management for my criticism of their involvement in the eight days of strikes in 2013. These actions by the union and management resulted in exorbitant pay raises in an agency that claims that it has no money for train, station and technology upgrades. But that is no excuse for allowing this illegal conduct at numerous BART facilities and a cursory investigation.”

In press interviews, Union President Pete Castelli claims that if any campaign activity occurred, it was the result of spontaneous individual conduct. He ignored the obvious fact that Union organizer Dan Jameyson was in every ‘spontaneous’ campaign picture even though he is not on work assignment at any of the three work areas or various work shifts. BART’s preliminary findings dispute this.

“If union leaders show this type of disdain for following the rules and being truthful, it is not a surprise that the collective bargaining process broke down and eight days of debilitating strikes occurred,” Glazer added.

Glazer is Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State Universities. He is competing in a special Senate runoff election that ends on May 19^th. He was the top vote getter in the primary, leading his second place finisher by more than 10,000 votes. The Senate District includes most of central and eastern Contra Costa County as well as the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin in Alameda County.

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For Immediate Release
May 11, 2015 

During BART Maintenance Meltdowns, BART Union Uses BART work sites to Rally Against Glazer

BART Headquarters, Oakland, CA—Condemning the illegal electioneering on public property by the BART unions and management, State Senate candidate Steve Glazer called for swift crackdown on the use of BART facilities for campaign activities. In a letter to BART Board Chair Thomas Blalock, Glazer said:

“During the same week that BART experienced major breakdowns, inconveniencing thousands of Bay Area commuters, BART workers were holding illegal Susan Bonilla for Senate rallies at BART facilities throughout the Bay Area. Some of these activities occurred openly with management personnel nearby."

“This is an outrageous abuse of public property for campaign activities."

“I know there is resentment by BART unions and management for my criticism of their involvement in the eight days of strikes in 2013. These actions by the union and management resulted in exorbitant pay raises in an agency that claims that it has no money for train, station and technology upgrades. But that is no excuse for allowing this illegal conduct at numerous BART facilities."

“I am calling on the BART Board of Directors to initiate an immediate investigation into these violations. This inquiry needs to be conducted by an independent party to ensure the fairness of the review. The BART Board should also take steps now to prevent these abuses from happening again.”

The photos below show maintenance personnel rallying for Senate candidate Susan Bonilla at facilities in Concord, Hayward and Richmond. These events were not just held in private rooms but were in open spaces in clear view of management. In one case, union leaders are showing television coverage of a recent Glazer/Bonilla debate using BART audiovisual equipment.

Glazer is Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State Universities. He is competing in a special Senate runoff election that ends on May 19^th. He was the top vote getter in the primary, leading his second place finisher by more than 10,000 votes. The 7th Senate District includes most of central and eastern Contra Costa County as well as the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin in Alameda County.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2015

Senate Candidate Steve Glazer Releases Ten Governing Principles
for Legislative Service

Orinda, CA -- Senate candidate, Mayor Steve Glazer, today, released his ten governing principles should he be elected in the California Senate special run-off election on May 19, 2015.

“Good government and thoughtful decision-making is rarely achieved without a solid blueprint,” Glazer said.  “By releasing these governing principles, voters will know exactly what they can expect from me in conducting their business in Sacramento.”

“You’ll see in these principles my priorities to support education and the environment, and to promote civility and bi-partisanship.” 

Glazer’s Ten Governing Principles are as follows:

1. Represent the people of our Senate district, not political parties or special interests. 

2. Maintain a balanced budget to allow government to help people, and people to have confidence in government.

3. Pursue bi-partisan decisions. They are always better and longer lasting.

4. Emphasize education as the gateway to opportunity and prosperity.

5. Work hard to set priorities and hold the line on taxes.

6. Incorporate environmental protection as a part of every decision.

7. Empower local decision-making rather than state mandates. It is more responsive and trustworthy.

8. Advance accountability and efficiency with every government program.

9. Promote civility and respect for all people and perspectives.

10. Conduct myself always with honesty and integrity.

“This framework of ten Governing Principles lays out the values I will use when I evaluate budget and policy initiatives,” said Glazer.

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads and is working to pass some of the strongest anti-tobacco laws in the State.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek. 

The Election will be held Tuesday, May 19. 

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For Immediate Release
April 7, 2015 

Steve Glazer secures endorsements from a majority

of Walnut Creek City Councilmembers

Walnut Creek, CA—Candidate for State Senate Steve Glazer announced today he has secured endorsements from a majority of the Walnut Creek City Council, including Mayor Bob Simmons and Councilmembers Cindy Silva and Rich Carlston.  Glazer has also been endorsed by several former Walnut Creek elected officials including Mayors Ed Skoog and Sue McNulty Rainey. 

 “Walnut Creek is an important cornerstone of Senate District 7 and it means a lot to me to have the endorsements of these community leaders,” said Glazer.

Walnut Creek Mayor Bob Simmons said of Glazer, “Steve brings a combination of independent judgment and knowledge that he will use to ably represent Walnut Creek in Sacramento."

"I'm voting for Steve Glazer because his Clean Government Pledge will change California's political culture for the better,” said former Mayor Sue McNulty Rainey. “His promise not to accept any lobbyist gifts will ensure that his loyalty is to the people, not special interests.”

Recently Glazer called on his opponent to join him in pledging to curb special interest powers by refusing to accept gifts, meals and drinks from groups influencing the lawmaking process; a ban on accepting campaign contributions during times when most laws are passed; and a commitment to publicly release secret candidate questionnaires.  To date, his opponent has not taken the pledge or made her answers on questionnaires available to the public.

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

The General Election will be held on May 19. 

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

For more information please visit www.GlazerForSenate.com. 

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For Immediate Release
April 2, 2015

Steve Glazer secures several endorsements from
current and former Livermore elected officials

Livermore, CA—Candidate for State Senate Steve Glazer announced today that he has secured endorsements from several current and former Livermore elected officials including Councilmembers Bob Woerner, Steven Spedowfski, former Mayor John Shirley and former Councilembers Jeff Williams and Doug Horner.

“I am honored to have the support of so many community leaders in Livermore,” said Glazer.  “These leaders are working hard to keep Livermore an outstanding place to live and raise a family and it means a great deal to me to have their endorsements.”

“Steve believes that elected officials and candidates should not make private promises to special interests.  He posts his positions on issues on his website for all to see.  This is an important fulfillment of his pledge for openness and transparency,” said former Livermore Councilmember Jeff Williams.  “Steve’s concern for the environment and demonstrated integrity are why I support his election to the State Senate.  Steve’s work with Trust for Public Land demonstrates his commitment to preserving open space and natural lands.”

Recently Glazer called on his opponent to join him in pledging to curb special interest powers by refusing to accept gifts, meals and drinks from groups influencing the lawmaking process; a ban on accepting campaign contributions during times when most laws are passed; and a commitment to publicly release secret candidate questionnaires.  To date, his opponent has not taken the pledge or made her answers on questionnaires available to the public.

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Sunol. 

The general will be held Tuesday, May 19.

For more information please visit www.GlazerForSenate.com.  

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For Immediate Release
April 1, 2015

FPPC Complaint Filed Against Group Hiding Union Donations
(This is No April Fool’s Joke)

Contra Costa County, CA -- State Senate candidate Steve Glazer today announced the filing of a formal Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) complaint against a special interest group for illegally hiding their major union donors on a campaign mailing to voters.

The so-called “Working Families Opposing Glazer for Senate” received hundreds of thousands of dollars from union committees, but failed to list on the mailer the names of the top two union donors who had contributed $50,000 or more.

“The disclosure rules are in effect to give voters full knowledge of the special interests who are funding these communications,” said Glazer. “These groups are sophisticated political players who circumvented disclosure laws for the sole purpose of misleading voters.”

This is the second time these union groups have maneuvered around the transparency mandates. In the primary election, these same unions funded a committee called the "Asian American Small Business PAC."  That group, financed by neither Asian Americans nor small businesses, sent out five separate mailers attacking Glazer. These activities were condemned as smear tactics by the Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Sacramento Bee.

Based on filings with the Secretary of State, the two largest funders of the mailing were the State Council of Service Employees ($185,000) and the California School Employees Association ($75,000).

“Special interest groups are fearful of my candidacy because I won’t do their bidding. They need to come out of the shadows and play by the rules. I have asked the Fair Political Practices Commission to hold them accountable,” Glazer concluded.

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“Taking these five clean government actions will make our lawmaking process have more integrity and be more transparent and honest. I will follow this Clean Government Pledge. I hope my opponent will do so as well.”

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system.

Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

The general election will be held Tuesday, May 19.

*1 Sacramento Bee, January 15, 2015: “Under the state constitution, lawmakers receive daily tax-free living expenses on top of their salaries, as long as they are not out of session for more than three consecutive days. While the state Senate and Assembly usually meet on a Monday-Thursday schedule, the extra day will allow legislators to collect their per diemallowances over the holiday. The per diem rate rose slightly in October to $168, according to the Assembly Rules Committee, from $163 in the 2013-14 fiscal year.” Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article6765402.html#storylink=cpy

Clean Government Pledge

Broad reform is needed to inject our lawmaking process with more integrity, transparency and honesty.

Today, special interests collude with candidates during an election on hidden promises in the form of secret candidate questionnaires.

These narrow interests shower elected officials with campaign contributions right before critical votes and provide them with gifts, including sports tickets, meals and drinks. Their campaign donations even go to support a lawmaker’s family.

Lawmakers supplement their state mandated salaries by arranging to be paid tax free Per Diem for working in the State Capitol on weekends and holidays when they are not even there. This is wrong!

We need to take important steps to limit the corrosive impact of special interest power and lawmaking abuse. I will follow this Clean Government Pledge. I hope my opponent will do so as well.

Clean Government Pledge

1. I will not accept any gift, including meals and beverages, from any special interest group who lobbies in the State Capitol.

2. I will publicly disclose every answer to any special interest questionnaire.

3. I will not pay family members from campaign contributions.

4. I will not accept any tax free Per Diem expense payments for work in the state Capitol on weekends and holidays.

*1 (July 15 – September 15 in first year of session and July 1 – August 30 in second year of legislative year)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2015

Lamorinda, CA-- Candidate for State Senate Steve Glazer announced today that he has secured endorsements from numerous elected officials in Lamorinda.

If elected to the State Senate, Glazer would be the first Lamorinda resident to serve in the Legislature in half a century. 

Glazer has been endorsed by the following:

• Town of Moraga Mayor Roger Wykle
• Town of Moraga Vice Mayor Michael Metcalf
• Moraga Town Councilmembers Dave Trotter, Teresa Onoda and Phil Arth
• Lafayette Vice Mayor Traci Reilly
• Lafayette City Councilmembers Mark Mitchell and Don Tatzin
• Orinda Councilmember Dean Orr
• Orinda School Board members Matt Moran and Julie Rossiter
• Acalanes School Board President Susie Epstein
• Lafayette School District Governing Board Member Jean Follmer

“I am proud to have the support of Lamorinda leaders who have worked hard to keep this area a great place to live and raise a family,” said Glazer. 

These Lamorinida elected officials join a growing list of almost fifty bi-partisan local and state leaders who have endorsed Glazer.  Former Lamorinda elected officials including Town of Moraga Mayor Ken Chew, Orinda Mayors Sue Severson and Alan Tabor, and Orinda School Board Member Patricia Rudebusch also endorsed Glazer.

"Steve Glazer is a strong advocate for efficiency and accountability in government, said Town of Moraga Mayor Roger Wykle.  “He is not afraid to take the necessary steps to ensure that public business is conducted at the highest standard for the least cost."

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his ten-year tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

"Steve has been a leader in improving education in California for many years and we can count on him to put the needs of students first in the State Senate,” said Acalanes School Board President Susie Epstein.

Glazer announced yesterday his campaign has raised a total of $213,000 to date for his Senate bid.

“My family and I love living Lamorinda and I am heartened by the support of so many of our neighbors,” said Glazer.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

The primary will be held Tuesday, March 17. 

For more information please visit www.GlazerForSenate.com. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2015

East Bay, CA—Candidate for State Senate Steve Glazer announced today that his campaign has raised $179,000 in twenty eight days from 230 donors.

Glazer has raised a total of $213,000 to date for his Senate bid.

“It means a great deal to me to have the support of so many donors,” said Glazer.  “Raising this much money in twenty eight days makes it clear that I have broad support for my District 7 Senate race.”

Glazer has received bi-partisan endorsements from almost fifty local elected officials including retired Contra Costa County Sheriff Dick Rainey, former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, retired State Controller Steve Westly, former state Treasurer Kathleen Brown and the Contra Costa Times. 

Former state Treasurer Kathleen Brown said of Glazer:  “Steve believes, as I do, that in order for government to deliver important services it must have its financial house in order.  Steve supports sensible pension reform so funds will be there for the newly hired teacher, police officer, firefighter and nurse when they retire. He supports strong accountability measures throughout all levels of government.” 

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek

The primary will be held Tuesday, March 17. 

For more information please visit www.GlazerForSenate.com. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2015

Steve Glazer secures endorsements from the Pleasanton Mayor and
the majority of the City Council

Pleasanton, CA—Candidate for State Senate Steve Glazer announced today that he has secured endorsements from four out of the five members of the Pleasanton City Council.  Mayor Jerry Thorne and Councilmembers Kathy Narum, Arne Olson and Jerry Pentin have all endorsed Glazer in his bid for State Senate District 7.

“I am honored to have the support of a majority of the elected officials in Pleasanton,” said Glazer.  “These leaders are working hard to keep Pleasanton an outstanding place to live and raise a family and it means a great deal to me to have their endorsements.”

"Steve Glazer believes there should be local control on local issues.  He and I share the creed that government closer to the people is most responsible and accountable.  He would make an outstanding state Senator,” said Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne.

Councilmember Kathy Narum said of Glazer, “Steve has the independence and experience to fight the powerful interests in Sacramento who want to steal our water, raise our taxes and usurp our local control. In this field of candidates, Steve is the clear choice."

Pleasanton boasts over 1,200 acres of parks and open space and has some of the top rated public schools in California. 

Recently Glazer called on his opponents to provide full transparency of their campaign promises by releasing their answers to special interest questionnaires on their websites. So far, none of his opponents have made their questionnaires public.

Pleasanton Councilmember Arne Olson said of Glazer, "I am supporting Steve because he has a proven record of taking important stands on issues most elected officials are afraid to touch; pension reform, making tough cuts to ensure a balanced budget and opposing that outrageous BART strike. He has strength of character. He is Independent.  I am confident Steve can work in a bi-partisan manner in Sacramento.”

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Sunol. 

The primary will be held Tuesday, March 17. 

For more information please visit www.GlazerForSenate.com. 

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