The Daily Democrat endorses Art Pimentel, Alfredo Lopez and Martie Dote to serve on the Woodland City Council.

It was only after lengthy debate that The Democrat decided to endorse Art Pimentel, Alfredo Lopez and Martie Dote for election to the Woodland City Council on June 3.

It was not an easy decision, due to the sincerity of all six candidates, coupled with the experience of four who currently hold, or have held, public office.

Nonetheless, The Democrat decided on Pimentel, Lopez and Dote for a variety of reasons.

Pimentel, despite his youth, has been serving on the council since 2002 and is gaining experience on the Yolo County Transportation District board as well as the Solano Air Quality Management District board.

We feel both transportation and air quality will be critical areas for this community over the next several years.

We have questions about Pimentel's approach toward community growth rates and development in that we're not sure how fast, or what type of development he wants. But believe he can learn more by working closely with incoming Mayor Skip Davies coupled with the prior experience of Martie Dote, who served on the council from 2000 to 2004, and has lots of planning experience as well as background serving on local business panels.

We support Lopez because we think he will bring a "fresh approach" to the council. We think Lopez has a lot to learn, but have been impressed by his willingness to accept new ideas and listen to others.

We support Dote for some of the reasons outlined previously. But it was a difficult decision because we endorsed her in the 2000 campaign and did not endorse her re-election in 2004. However, on analysis we believe she has the background to provide greater institutional depth and stability to the council.
This race for the Woodland City Council is perhaps more unique than most. There is not the contentiousness seen in some other races, notably the city of Davis. In Woodland, when things are going well, there are few people who seek to serve on the City Council. When things are going badly, potential candidates come out of the woodwork.

It's telling that despite citywide cutbacks, continuing financial pressures brought on by declining housing sales and retail sales taxes, as well as the fluctuations in local agriculture, overall, Woodland is doing well.

Sure, there are disputes about business development and other matters within the city and how city administration is handling these matters. But these are regional in scope, or are being addressed. Remember, City Manager Mark Deven - who is already winning high praise within both city government and the community as a whole - is relatively new to the community.

To those candidates we have endorsed and those we have not: We advise whoever is elected to listen first before speaking, think before acting and make sure they have all the facts before voting.

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http://www.dailydemocrat.com/opinion/ci_9358950