The upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 8 will see four seats filled on the Escalon City Council dais. Three available terms are for four-years and that race has five candidates vying for the three seats. One two-year term is also open and four candidates are in the running to fill that post.
Seeking the four-year term are incumbents Ed Alves and Peter Krumeich, current councilmember and veterinarian/businessman Andrew Hagan, educator and business owner Malinda Walker and businessman Jeremy Engle. Seeking the two-year term are retired hazardous materials specialist Kurt Danziger, homemaker Sherry Hill, parent/project manager Shawn Strohman and community volunteer Elsa Sandoval.
The Times sent all the candidates the same questionnaire, seeking their responses on key issues in the city as well as why they are running for a council seat. Here are the responses from those in the race for the seats, with the four-year candidates listed first, followed by the two-year candidates. Responses are listed in alphabetical order.
FOUR-YEAR TERM
ED ALVES
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
I decided to run for city council because I love this town and want it to remain a Community. We need individuals who want our small town to remain small.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
Twenty-eight years on the city council, four years on the planning commission. Community activist working to bring about a better quality of life environment. I care about this community.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
The first and always is funding. We need to establish a constant cash flow. Cash flow will take care of almost all issues. The second is a plan for the future we all can live with.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
Communication is key to this issue, educating the public is the best way to have better communication. The public needs to understand what the council and can and can’t do.
Any other comments you would like to add?
The community of Escalon is a wonderful environment and is evolving into a stronger community day by day. There are those who would disagree but take a look at what we have, a great community that interacts very well. Low crime, great high school sports programs. Our Lion’s Club, the Chamber and other groups add great support to our community. Escalon doesn’t have everything everyone wants but we have what’s important, QUALITY OF LIFE.
JEREMY ENGLE
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
I love Escalon. I saw an opportunity to contribute to my community and decided to run. I have a strong desire to serve, and consider it to be my responsibility to share my time, talents, and treasures whenever and wherever I can.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I possess strong problem solving and negotiation skills. While I have compassion and empathy, I also have the ability to separate my feelings and opinions to make unbiased decisions.
In my professional life, I have successfully managed multimillion dollar budgets and projects, I have developed many improvement processes and procedures, created and managed leadership teams, and know how to be a team player.
I also understand that being a member of our city council does not give me authority or power over the people, it gives me the obligation to hear our people and assist in making the decisions that our residents want.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
In my opinion, number one is generating funds to provide the needs and wants of our citizens. I don’t believe that increasing fees and taxes is how we should pay for things. I do believe that it would better serve us to offer incentives for new or expanding businesses to come to town, and explore all forms of available grants to assist in making the improvements and upgrades that our town needs.
Number two would be housing. I do understand that there is a need for senior and family housing. While I am definitely in favor of our slow growth policy, we will need to continue to search for developments that would cater to both the wants and needs of our community.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
I think that we should have quarterly “Town Hall” meetings. This would provide our residents the opportunity to express their wants and concerns, and get updates on those items every few months. This would be a great way to have accountability and give the citizens more of a voice in what happens to our town.
Any other comments you would like to add?
Through this election process I have seen that we do not all agree on what we think Escalon wants or needs, and that we have several challenges ahead of us. I also saw that we are very passionate about our town and want what we feel is best for it. I am asking for your vote, and in return I can offer to do my best at listening, serving, and representing our great city of Escalon.
ANDREW HAGAN
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
I love Escalon how it is and the people who live here. I worry our government in general has stopped respecting our God given rights as described by our forefathers in the constitution and want to help prevent the spread of this ideology to our town.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I’m a private business owner who believes in listening more than speaking, and value basic common sense. Furthermore, I’m trained in how to research problems, which I do daily for a living, and don’t believe I am superior in any way to the many different walks of life who call Escalon home. I truly do understand multiple perspectives are the key to success when attempting to arrive at the best answer to a tough problem, and the ideal answer can come from anyone, not necessarily myself.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
One, the revenue needed to address the areas of various concerns in public service positions, recreation, senior services, etc.
Two, senior housing for attainable/fair market housing as outlined by the senior representative Ann Shaddix.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
This can be achieved by creating more revenue in a way which aligns with our core values, engaging in respectful civil discourse, being as transparent as the law allows and giving an honest answer to an honest question.
Any other comments you would like to add?
Revenue is best created through developing our business tax base via positive new business development and making it easier for businesses to call Escalon home. I don’t believe in residential growth unless absolutely necessary and an example of necessary would be senior housing.
PETER KRUMEICH
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
I want to continue my mission to invest in the future of Escalon and to see meaningful improvements in infrastructure, development, public safety and the quality of life of our community members.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I have served the last four years on the council and I believe my knowledge and personal skill set are ideally suited to lead this community.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
Senior housing and public safety.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
We need to work harder at being more proactive in meeting the needs of the community. We know what the needs and wants are, we just need to do better at coming together as a council to get the job done.
Any other comments you would like to add?
There are many positive things going on in Escalon right now and over the last four years I believe my goal to invest in our future is coming to fruition, but there is more work to be done and I ask for support to be re-elected in order to continue that mission.
MALINDA WALKER
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
Escalon is my home and, as I strive to be a great community member, I seek to contribute in the most valuable way possible given my talents and insights. I have a unique perspective to contribute to a city council and feel that it is my time to step up to advocate for our community’s changing needs. I hear the intention of our community members to seek to balance our traditional values with modern tools in an effort to secure our safety, our wholesome lifestyle, and our individual longevity.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I am an alum of Dent Elementary School, El Portal Middle School, Escalon High School, and CSU Stanislaus with a degree in Economics. I’ve also had the experience of being a parent of a student at EUSD and as an employee at EUSD. My occupational résumé also includes practice in real estate and mass appraisal, and also helping my family’s small business, as well as starting my own. I have been an active volunteer in our community, currently active in the Escalon Educational Foundation and the City of Escalon’s Recreation Commission.
This eclectic experience has given me a well-rounded perspective that allows me to see how our community entities have been interacting with each other lately and how we can improve on that important community aspect: transparent communication. We have gone away from the practice of collaboration between entities, and I feel like it is imperative to bring that back. Improving communication by defining and aligning goals, and creating a plan to achieve them, will help our community achieve the improvements that we have been seeking.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
Safety is our number one most pressing issue. Whether it’s speeding traffic through Highway 120, clear and quick emergency alert communication, first responders in need of competitive pay and modern equipment, or safe and modern lifestyle options (like recreation, parks, restaurants), our citizens deserve a safe and healthy place to work, live, grow, and play.
This election is one of the most pressing issues facing the city today, but on the bigger scale, I believe that has to do with a search for active leadership and a way forward. This election has gotten more attention and participation than in recent years past. As a community participant myself, this gives me a lot of hope for the future. Our citizens are looking for appropriate leadership, who listens to intention, and can help guide the community with an artful balance of keeping our wholesome, small-town values with the integration of modern tools, technologies, and facilities without putting undue burden on individuals.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
The most important step in creating a more responsive council to local residents is to actively listen. I hope to be a part of a council who leads with kindness, open-mindedness, and listens to the intention of our community members when making decisions.
As society’s technology continues to advance, our methods of community outreach and response will need to advance with it. I hope to build upon the live interactive city council broadcasts, hope to integrate more open town-hall meetings, and encourage an open dialogue. I also plan to move forward with creating a more user-friendly mobile website interface and other digital communication improvements.
Any other comments you would like to add?
The experience of this campaign has made me feel truly blessed to be a part of this community, and I am so grateful for the outpouring of support I have received. Together, we will do great things.
TWO YEAR TERM
KURT DANZIGER
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
There are several issues that we need to address at the council level, however the main reasons I decided to run for City Council have to do with my interest with the City’s infrastructure. They are 1) Bringing our portion of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District’s drinking water to Escalon and 2) Fulfilling some of the upgrades to our Waste Water Treatment Plant as outlined in the City paid for professional studies.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I have been a citizen participant in virtually all city council meetings since 2008. I listen, digest and have helped form various public policies there over the years. I have been a recent past, 10-year commissioner and Chairperson on the city Planning Commission. I was a driver for the City’s Meals On Wheels program for 7 years. I was the Escalon representative on the Measure K citizens’ advisory committee for several years.
I am a retired Hazardous Materials Specialist (20 years) with the City of Mountain View Fire Department. Prior to this I was an operations manager for McKesson Chemical Inc., Union City, CA and CP Inorganics Inc., Union City, CA.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
I would say that listening to my fellow citizens speak at recent council meetings it would be Traffic. Specifically, speeding dangers in our neighborhoods, exiting Almond Grove, Traffic Light at Brennan and 120, and Caltrans issues throughout the City.
Transparency in all public matters and especially in the areas that have directly affected my decision to run.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
Vote for change in the upcoming election and not a group of 3 that already conspire to control the council.
Any other comments you would like to add?
Let’s vote to respect each other and our opinions. We can do that by knowing we are all Escalonians, we all matter, and we strive do our best for our community.
SHERRY HILL
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
Honestly, when I decided to run no one had yet to pull papers for the 2-year position. If not me then who? I came from a small town and like many fellow Escalonians moved here years ago for the small-town life. I am on the “older” side of life and have time to give back to our wonderful community. I have the time to read the packets and ask questions.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
Life experiences. I was a full-time homemaker. The scope of that job is vast, as any working mom, both at home and outside the home knows. It includes a lot of part time jobs like secretary, chauffeur, event coordinator, banker, teacher, researcher and crisis management. I learned to juggle, plan, have a budget and stick to it. As a part time teacher/tutor I know how to research and make the best, not always popular, decisions.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
Taking care of our first responders is a priority. It is no secret our Police Department is young and under paid. It would be beneficial to our community to retain mature, seasoned officers.
The second issue benefits the first. We need to fill our empty business buildings and attract new industry to Liberty Park. This will raise revenue which adds to our ability to maintain and upgrade city services, parks, etc., as well as bring in revenue to raise the wage of our police officers.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
Listen.
However, I would add I have sat in the chamber, as a resident in the audience, for the last 2 years. I would say that the best way for local residents to be heard is to either come or watch the city council, planning and recreation commissions each time they meet. Be aware of what your city leaders are doing. It has been wonderful to see more people becoming involved with these meetings in the last 6 months. I hope that continues.
Any other comments you would like to add?
I see the city council as guardians and overseers of our town. The city council is the first line of defense in protecting our way of life. They are the gatekeepers if you will for our community.
ELSA SANDOVAL
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
The way the Irwin Village Project came to the public’s attention over Superbowl weekend and Valentine Monday, specifically the lack of transparency and information concerning the project and its potential impact on our community got my attention. Since the Irwin event I started attending and/or watching online the city council meetings and felt it was time for a distinct perspective to be added to council to navigate the various legislation coming down from the state of California, (i.e., SB 35 & 10). City Council is made up of five members, there is a need for various perspectives and skills to create a well-rounded council better able to make decisions that affect our community.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I believe my background in community building, quality of life program development and administration, and work at the legislation level brings experience and out of the box thinking to help solve issues facing Escalon.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the city.
The first of the two biggest concerns I have in reality encompasses a variety of specific smaller factors which are part of the overall quality-of-life issues facing the city (i.e., senior housing, law enforcement, parks & recreation, infrastructure, business development). The second issue is producing the revenue to address those overall quality of life issues while holding on to our slow growth. There is a public consensus to keep Escalon a small community, and as someone who grew up in Escalon I wholeheartedly agree, so what is needed is making sure Escalon is a thriving and vibrant community while still being that small town we all love, and that will take out of the box thinking and experience.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
I would like to see more transparency of process and decision making and outreach into the community when big scale issues come up, surveys in the mail tend to be overlooked, and not everyone uses social media. It would be more effective to have townhall style meetings on a regular basis, or as needed, in addition to presentations to various community organizations that help with better outreach into the overall community, not just special interest groups.
Any other comments you would like to add?
When this election is done, it doesn’t matter who supported which candidate, we are all in this together. Escalon is a small town and in that sense we are all neighbors, and together we have to move forward for the betterment of our community and the future of our city.
SHAWN STROHMAN
Why did you decide to run for City Council?
I have been fortunate to call Escalon my Home for the last 18+ years. It is a wonderful place, where neighbors support neighbors and come together for community celebrations such as Park Fete, Christmas on Main, Farmers Markets, just to name a few. We have chosen to raise our family here. I have come to realize that true community is when there is no “me” and rather a “we”. We must all work together for our community and each other. I chose to run for City Council because, as a community, we need to get back to being a “WE”. With my 6 years of experience as a City of Escalon Planning Commissioner and regular attendance at City Council meetings for nearly 20 years, I felt a calling for me step up to the next level, City Council, and work with four other people to represent Escalon and all of its residents, while maintaining our slow-growth ordinance to keep the small town we love.
What do you feel are your qualifications for the post?
I am comfortable in leadership roles both in my professional and personal life and am a proven leader. Serving as a Project Executive/Senior Construction Manager for a local contracting/construction management firm, I have and continue to lead various construction project teams from their inception. This profession has given me the tools to have critical conversations and effective listening skills for both my fellow teammates and community members. These skills will easily translate to the role I will perform as a member of Escalon City Council.
As for my personal life, being a homeowner, husband and father, I know what it takes to be a valuable member of this community and want to continue to keep this City a great and safe place to raise a family. My community service experience here in Escalon includes the following: two-time and current Chair of the City of Escalon Planning Commission and member for the last six years. I am the Founder of Escalon Cub Scout Pack 263, and I am an active parent volunteer at Dent Elementary School.
Name the two most pressing issues facing the City.
It is my opinion that the number one issue that the City is facing is the ongoing contract stalemate with our Escalon Police Department. These men and women put their lives on the line for all of us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Some officers have resorted to living off credit cards. Better pay, along with more advanced trainings for our officers, leads to improved department morale, which will have a domino effect on retention rates and overall mental health.
Secondly, I believe the other pressing issue the City is facing is the lack of a cohesive and working relationship within City Hall, the residents, school board, and businesses surrounding our community. We must come together as ONE ESCALON. In the last few years, we have had three crisis situations where all residents were affected and yet, the only information that was shared at the time was through a private Facebook group. We need to get back to the type of communication from City Staff, the Police Chief, and the City Council, acting as a united front, to keep us all well-informed, with facts, to avoid speculation and misinformation. We must act as we and not I.
How can the council/city be more responsive to the needs of local residents?
Effective communication is key. Both the City Council and staff need to listen to our residents and share constant updates with the residents through various forms of communication.
Communication is a two-way street, and the residents need to get involved more as well. Here are some ways to encourage this for consideration, for example: development projects cannot rely solely by posting a development sign in the hopes that someone reads it or attends the next Planning Commission meeting. As soon as a Project is being discussed, it should be publicly announced that an application has been submitted for this certain project. That does two things.
First and foremost, it establishes transparency between City Staff and the residents. If the residents are well-informed, they will more likely be willing to become more involved in the processes needed for approval of said project. This same process should be established for the Recreation Commission. Our Recreation Commissioners put in the same time and efforts as the Planning Commissioners. For our seniors who have a difficult time attending City Council meetings, why can’t City Council hold a meeting at a special time once a quarter so that they can attend as well? For our working families, provide regular updates on the City of Escalon social media sites and not rely on the bi-monthly newsletter in the utility bills.
I believe that our city has lost its collective voice. If I am elected, I would like to establish various committees that would work together and report back to the Council at least quarterly. These committees may include a Citizens Oversight Committee (for our city), an Infrastructure Improvement Committee to provide input on the forthcoming infrastructure improvement projects and to assist staff in researching various infrastructure grants, and others that can be determined as our community sees the need.
Any other comments you would like to add?
I am proud to say that I have been endorsed by Current Mayor Pro-Tem and Former Mayor Robert Swift, Former Police Chief Walt Murken, and the Escalon Police Officers Association.
I recognize that this has been a particularly challenging election cycle for many of our residents. We need to get back to the basics that have made Escalon a wonderful place to live for so many, for many years. That’s why I chose to raise my family here. My faith has taught me that courage is standing up for what you believe in, even in the challenging times of adversity.
Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, my son, and my family and friends for believing in me and encouraging me to have the strength to truly go out and continue to make Escalon a great place to live and raise a family. I also want to thank all of our residents who allowed me to put up a yard sign in their yards or at their businesses and for those who have taken the time to listen to my campaign thus far. If any of our residents have any additional questions for me, I can be reached at strohman4escalon@gmail.com. I would appreciate your vote for me for the Short-Term (Two-Year) Seat on Election Day, November 8, 2022. My sincerest gratitude.
Escalon does not vote by districts in the city; it is an at-large election. The three candidates receiving the most votes in the five-way race for the four-year terms will win those seats; the top vote getter of the four candidates seeking the two-year term will win that seat.
