I met Cory Smegal back in 2009 when we had young children and were co-presidents of our respective elementary school parent clubs. Since those early days of working together, I’ve watched as Cory has consistently taken on new and increasingly significant roles to support our students and the school district.In addition, now I’m privileged to call her my friend.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to work closely with Cory last year when I was president of PHS Parents’ Club. Cory was always a supportive and active School Board member, even before the world was turned upside down by the pandemic.
One of the things I respect most about Cory is that she always anchors her positions and efforts on what’s best for our students. And over the past four years she has also led the charge for our district to advocate for children across the state. In this way, she works for ways that Piedmont can take a leadership role in ensuring quality education for all.
The attributes that make Cory a great friend also make her a great community leader. She listens, is responsive, and works hard. She’s thoughtful, balanced and diligently researches her positions before she reaches conclusions or acts upon them.
And Cory is pragmatic, with a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility. More than anything, Cory cares deeply for our town and its children.
Please join me in re-electing Cory Smegal for School Board.
Laura Katter
YES -Pool proponents have stated Piedmont needs a working, non-leaking municipal pool, and it is timely and cost-effective to issue the bonds to allow the designing and building of two enlarged pools and Aquatic Facilities. Pools were costing the City $1,000 per day prior to the closure by Alameda County COVID-19 mandate. Proponents note the new pool facility will be used by the schools, swim teams, Recreation Department, and the general public. The added operating costs of the Facility are projected to be covered by an increase in community-at-large usage.
NO – City records show tens of millions of dollars in outstanding City financial obligations, and opponents state the City should first fund current obligations and needed Police and Fire facilities before a yet-to-be-designed expensive multi-pool Aquatic Facility. A lack of prioritization of City needs, increased congestion next to schools, higher taxes, poor economic timing, environmental impacts, financial money-pit, mis-management, oversized costs, and Covid -19 are noted as negatives.
Official Measure UU – Pool Construction Bonds information
*The “City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure UU” is provided by Piedmont’s contract City Attorney.
Measure UU is found near the end of Piedmont voters ballots.
This forum will be on YouTube. The City of Piedmont is legally not allowed to use public resources for political purposes. Prior to the forum, the Piedmont League of Women Voters endorsed Measure UU.
Join the League of Women Voters of Piedmont for a virtual Election Forum featuring proponents and opponents of City of Piedmont Ballot Measure UU. Measure UU authorizes the city to issue bonds to reconstruct the Piedmont Community Pool. Each side will be given two minutes to present an opening statement, followed by a question and answer session where each side will have one minute to answer each question. Submit your questions concerning Measure UU now or during the event.
You may submit questions during the livestream by using the YouTube comments or anytime prior to or during the event by completing the anonymous form below or sending an email to lwvpiedmont@gmail.com.
For more information about Measure UU, review LWVP Pros & Cons.
The 35% tax increase will be levied as a percentage of the property sales price adding thousands of dollars to the cost of selling a property in Piedmont. With a low bar for passage (one vote plus 50%), if approved by a simple majority of Piedmont voters, TT will become effective on all property sales in Piedmont on July 1, 2021. Read official details below.
TT Proponents rely on the handful of California cities such as Oakland and Berkeley that have created “stepped” graduated transfer taxes based on the sales price range in their cities, and then compare the highest tax rates for the highest priced properties with Piedmont’s flat rate. Berkeley’s median house value is 1/2 of Piedmont’s and Oakland’s median house value is 1/3 of Piedmont’s, so their steps do not fit the Piedmont range. (See Alameda County median values here).
TT Opponents claim TT is the highest California “flat” transfer tax because more than 90% of California cities have flat rates under $2 per $1000 compared to Measure TT’s proposed flat rate of $17.50 per $1000 . (See California city Transfer Tax rates here .) Note: Alameda County adds an additional amount to the transfer tax.
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Proponents state the money will be used by the City of Piedmont for essential services, and the tax is comparable to some other cities. “The proposed tax increase will provide necessary funds for maintaining and improving city facilities, streets, sidewalks, and parks.” Proponents claim that opponents are wrong to state that Piedmont would have the highest Transfer Tax.
Opponents state Piedmont will have the highest “flat” Transfer Tax rate in California and will take away homeowner profits. “Voters must demand accountability measures before passing such a high homeowner tax.” Also, Piedmonters just approved a City parcel tax for municipal purposes, and Measure TT does not identify specific uses.
*The “City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure TT” is provided by Piedmont’s contract City Attorney.
I have watched Conna in action in many volunteer situations. She listens, she is curious, she asks questions, she seeks many opinions. She understands there is a process and is not afraid to speak up and advocate for what she feels is right. She really knows how to build bridges and seeks the higher ground. She is a problem solver. She is the right woman for the job and future of Piedmont.
Vote for Conna McCarthy for City Council.
Sincerely, Valerie Corvin
Conna’s commitment to our community is obvious – through her participation on school parent boards, chairing of fundraising activities, service as Recreation Commissioner and spearheading of city campaigns.
Conna thrives on creative problem solving and seeks out diverse opinions in order to find solutions. Her community interests range from school sports and civic programs to city beatification and the arts. And, I must add, her love for the Piedmont community is clearly evident in her vast purple and white wardrobe!
Most inspiring, however, is the way Conna has prioritized service to others and instilled this value in her family. Whether serving our country, our community or vulnerable segments of the population, Conna, Peter and their children have all made career and volunteer choices that contribute to the greater good.
Conna has integrity, a collaborative spirit and loves our community. I have seen this commitment and witnessed her tireless efforts serving Piedmont over the past 25 years.
Please join me and the entire Meyersieck family and vote for Conna McCarthy for City Council!
Lindsey Meyersieck
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Each year, the City of Piedmont Planning Commission hosts a Design Awards program to recognize design projects completed in the past year.
Typically, awards are presented at a ceremony in March to celebrate projects that exemplify outstanding design excellence. Due to public health and safety concerns, the 2020 Design Awards Gala was unfortunately cancelled. However, the Piedmont Department of Planning & Building is pleased to announce a Design Awards presentation to celebrate these outstanding projects at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
Excellent Landscape & Outdoor Living Area Design – 17 Sotelo Avenue
Excellent Rear Deck & Outdoor Living Area Design – 65 Crocker Avenue
Excellent Upper Level Addition – 69 Oakmont Avenue
Excellent Comprehensive Stylistic Transformation – 74 Sea View Avenue
Outstanding Design for Ageing in Place – 147 Requa Road
Excellent Garage w/ Upper Level Accessory Dwelling Unit Design – 67 Sylvan Way
Outstanding Design for an Accessory Dwelling Unit within the Existing Building Envelope – 1056 Park Lane
The City of Piedmont will host a Design Awards Presentation on Monday, October 12, 2020 beginning at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Planning Commission Zoom meeting.
Anyone interested in celebrating excellence in architectural design is welcome to join. For more information about the Design Awards, please contact Assistant Planner Steven Lizzarago at 510-420-3094 or at slizzarago@piedmont.ca.gov.
Design Awards 2020 Design Awards Planning Commission Press Release
Conna has the vision, experience, prodigious energy and intelligence to guide Piedmont through these challenging times. She has a deep understanding of the issues facing our town and a remarkable gift of listening to all points of view with respect. Her almost thirty years of outstanding service to our schools and city make Conna a most qualified candidate.
Please join me in supporting Conna McCarthy for City Council.
Valerie Matzger, Former Piedmont Mayor
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