Three vie for two seats in newly divided East Bay district council election

With only three candidates running for office, including one running unopposed, it’s shaping up to be a quiet city council race for two seats this year in Oakley.

This will be the first time residents will cast their votes in district elections after having switched from at-large elections in 2021. Two of the seats are up for election in November.

By the filing deadline, only one candidate had qualified for District 4. The council could have appointed a new member, but instead agreed to hold an election, giving write-in candidates a chance to enter the race.

Shannon Shaw, a property manager for a senior community, was the only candidate to qualify for District 4, while Hugh Henderson and Rachelle “Shelly” Fitzgerald both qualified in the District 2 race. Shaw is the chairman of the Planning Commission and Henderson is a member.

Fitzgerald, 51, is running for public offce for the first time, having immersed herself in politics last year, opposing a new McDonald’s and Quick Quack car wash. She said she didn’t want to compromise children’s health and safety by desecrating the nearby school zone with junk food, traffic congestion and alcohol/tobacco outlets.

“Seeing how the city operates and working tirelessly to have our voices heard inspired me to be on the other side to actually hear the voices of the community, and in turn be a voice for the people,” said Fitzgerald, a registered nurse and married mother of one.

Fitzgerald said her top two priorities will be to advocate for safe, sustainable growth and to preserve and enrich Oakley’s outdoor spaces.

“I intend to accomplish these things by listening to what the residents of Oakley are needing, and working with local and regional partners to find creative solutions and ideas that adhere to the General Plan, and will benefit Oakley, not only today but also for the future,” she said.

Raised in Bethel Island, Henderson managed his family’s marina before beginning his 37-year public service career. He worked as a police officer and firefighter, including seven years as fire chief for East Contra Costa Fire Protection District before retiring in 2017. Since then he has worked as a sporting goods store general manager.

The father of one adult son, Henderson, 59, said his top two goals are to increase public safety and expand business opportunities within the city.

“Strengthening the police force to a minimum of 1 officer per 1,000 residents would provide the base level of staffing needed to protect and serve our community,” he said.

Henderson also wants to secure business opportunities that will provide an enhanced tax base.

“Expanding strategic business opportunities in Oakley is vital to our success as a community,” he said.

To that end, Henderson wants to work in conjunction with the city’s new economic development department to streamline the application process for business owners as well as focus on community engagement in shaping Oakley’s economic future.

Shaw, a 44-year-old mother of three and “proud police wife,” said her top priorities are public safety and “building a community where everyone is welcome to live, work and/or play in whatever capacity whether they be either a resident or visitor.”

“We need more people visiting our downtown area; this will keep and draw in more businesses that are desired by our community,” she said. “Continuing events like Friday Night Bites, Movies in the Park and festivals creates an environment everyone can enjoy.”

As for housing development, Shaw said the job of the City Council is “to find the best way to balance the requirements of the state law and the needs of the city and its residents.”

Henderson said the need for additional housing in Oakley is critical for long-term growth. He supports continued growth via the city’s strategic master plan.

Henderson also said the city should have a say in the future of nearby undeveloped Jersey Island in unincorporated Contra Costa County.

“Oakley does not want to find itself in a position of responding to the development of the area by other local and county entities,” he said. “Any growth on the island will directly impact the city of Oakley and its residents. We do not want to lose any say in the direction and future of Jersey Island.”

Fitzgerald said if the city considers annexation, she would want “to see strong plans in place to preserve the open space and recreational opportunities inherent in the area.”

“The unique location of Oakley, being both a land’s end and water-fronting city, comes with great responsibility to preserve the natural amenities while enhancing the area to best serve the residents that live here and visitors that will choose to explore our beautiful area,” she said.

As for development, Fitzgerald said the city has a lot of undeveloped land that has been previously approved for housing. That said, she doesn’t think there’s enough diversity in its new housing.

“There are expensive single-family homes and affordable income apartments,” she said. “Encouraging developers to offer a variety of housing options and mixed-use developments will go a long way to create a viable future.”

As for attracting businesses and jobs, Fitzgerald said she would focus on what services residents need, which in her District 2, is fresh foods.

“It is a food desert; the only thing worse would be to create a food swamp, by allowing unlimited fast food and/or convenience stores,” she said. “I would advocate for encouraging and offering incentives for someone to bring in a small neighborhood grocery or a market offering fresh wholesome food options to the families in the district.”

Fitzgerald also wants to partner with “reputable, fair employers” to recruit local living-wage jobs to the city.”

When asked what is Oakley’s greatest asset, all pointed to the city’s waterfront location.

“Enhanced promotion of our waterfront businesses and recreational opportunities across the Bay Area would help to highlight one of our greatest attributes,” Henderson said.

As far as what’s lacking, Shaw said safer roads, including East Cypress Road where traffic can easily become congested.

Both District 2 candidates said there’s a need for more transparency in government.

“Oakley has taken great strides to improve its outreach and transparency; however, continued efforts in these areas are critical to our long-term success as a community,” Henderson said.

Fitzgerald said by the time the public hears about an issue, it’s often too late.

“The city gives them the answer that ‘This is a done deal, it was decided months/years ago, so there is nothing to be said or done about that,’ ” Fitzgerald said. “I challenge that notion, and I encourage my fellow citizens to challenge that notion. Get involved, learn what is happening in your city and speak up for your today and your family’s tomorrow.”