Why I'm Running | About Justin
Why I'm Running
Dear Friends,
I am running for City Council because I love this city and I am concerned about its future. I believe the City Council is broken and I am alarmed by the Council's lack of understanding of the issues facing each neighborhood.
The Council's focus has primarily been on our downtown area to the detriment of our individual neighborhoods. They are focused on the downtown area solely to generate more sales tax revenue to fund their large-scale pet projects. Their frivolous spending and inappropriate allocation of City funds in the face of the worst economic downturn since the 1930s has put the city in a defensive position, forcing a cut in the most basic services, including the Walnut Creek Police Department.
Our city has faced several contentious issues in the last few years, including the new library, the Neiman Marcus development, and the massive budget shortfalls to name a few. Like many residents, I am concerned that the Council has dismissed the questions and concerns of the community in favor of pushing their own agenda. Unfortunately, this has been caused by years of handpicked candidates that all think and act in the same manner, as evidenced by the fact that a majority of the City Council's decisions are 5 to 0 votes.
I believe it is the foremost responsibility of the Council to reach out to diverse community members to assess their needs. Listen, comprehend, reflect, then act: as your next Council member, that is what I will do.
My opponents will say I do not have the necessary experience to run for our council or that I have never been on a city commission. I say, look what our so-called experienced council members have provided - less police officers, massive budget issues, and a lack of trust from the community. Our city needs leadership by independent thinkers -- those who are not tied to the establishment, have not been corrupted by outside influences or downtown power players, and have business and financial acumen.
Our great, unique city deserves leadership that will grow the economy in a manner that benefits all neighborhoods, that will maintain a balanced budget while protecting our vital services, and that listens to and represents the various constituents within our community. It is time that our City Council has representation for the common citizen, who will fight for our neighborhoods, our schools, and our communities.
I would be honored to have your support. Join me and vote Justin Wedel for Walnut Creek City Council.
Yours truly,
Justin Wedel
About Justin
Justin Wedel is a businessman and an executive with a dynamic background in technology. A Northern California native, growing up in Danville and Alamo, he has primarily lived in Walnut Creek since 1997.
Working his way through college at California State, East Bay, where he graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration, he has experience working in both the public and private sectors.
He started his professional career at the City of Walnut Creek as a Computer Technician and went on to work at many of the premier technology companies throughout the Bay Area as an IT executive and department leader. He is also the founder of a technology startup based in Walnut Creek.
Justin and his wife, Melissa, live in the Woodlands, where they are raising their first child, Sophie.
