Special Districts and Superior Court

Summary on Special Districts & Superior Court
** BART, District 4: Robert Raburn (see writeup) **
AC Transit, At-Large: Joel Young (see writeup)
AC Transit, Ward 3: Elsa Ortiz
EBMUD Director, Ward 4: Andy Katz
Superior Court Judge Office #9: Victoria Kolakowski (see writeup)

BART Director, District 4: Robert Raburn
This race is so important to me, I wrote it up separately. Check out http://caelections.blogspot.com/2010/10/robert-raburn-for-bart-district-4.html. And please vote for Robert Raburn for the BART Board!

AC Transit Director, At-Large: Joel Young
Joel was appointed a couple years ago to fill the seat of Rebecca Kaplan, when she won election to the Oakland City Council. From my work on local transportation issues, I hear he's done a good job. His opponent apparently can't be bothered to submit a ballot statement, so I assume he'll win this seat easily.

AC Transit Director, Ward 3: Elsa Ortiz
Elsa Ortiz is the incumbent, first elected four years ago. All reports I've heard are that she has done a good job. She understands the serious financial crisis facing AC Transit, is willing to take a balanced look -- she's got a strong labor background but also knows labor will have to make some concessions to keep the agency afloat. She was endorsements from dozens of electeds (including many I like), the Sierra Club, and many individuals whose analyses I trust. The serious challenger is Nancy Skowbo, a long-time AC Transit employee. She has endorsements from the Greens, one AC Transit union, and four electeds.

EBMUD Director, Ward 4: Andy Katz
I know, I shouldn't spend time writing up an endorsement for someone running unopposed. But I like Andy. He's smart, he's involved, he's political in a good way (he's savvy, tries to figure out how to make change, knows the players but also knows the policy). And his day job is as a public health advocate.

Superior Court Judge, Office #9: Victoria Kolakowski
I like Victoria Kolakowski. I met her at a fundraiser and she seems like a thoughtful legal mind. I like her take on legal matters much more than her opponent, who comes from the prosecution side of the aisle. I see lots of people I trust in her list of endorsements. If you want to learn more, check her out at http://kolakowskiforjudge.com.