November 2014 recommendations

This is my summary of recommendations for the November 2014 election. This post will is evolving, and I'll update it as I research and decide my positions, and I'll probably take some of the races on or off the list. 

Most importantly: YES YES YES on Alameda County Measure BB: Crucial Transit Improvements

The whole list goes roughly from the bottom of your ballot to the top (races in italics are the ones I haven't settled on yet -- but I plan to!). If there's a race missing that you want more info on, post a comment!!

Berkeley Council: D-1 Maio, D-7 Barry, D-8 Alvarez Cohen #1 + Droste #2

For Berkeley elected officials, I'm simply going to quote my friend Nathan Landau, whose opinion I share on most things Berkeley. I also added campaign website links for each of the candidates we like:

Oakland: Yes on the Measures; Schaaf (#1) & Quan (#2) for Mayor, Guillen-Dist 4, Roberts-Auditor

I don't get to vote in Oakland, but I wish I did. There's a lot of important issues in play here. Since I don't get to vote, I haven't done quite as much research as one the races I do vote in. With those caveats, here's one big post with all my thoughts on Oakland races:

EBMUD Ward 3: Marguerite Young

The environmentalists I know are pulling out the stops to get Marguerite Young elected to Ward 3 of the East Bay Municipal Utilities District, trying to unseat a 20-year incumbent. I don't get to vote in this district, but some of you do!

BART District 4: Robert Raburn

I am a big fan of Robert Raburn. I was delighted when he ran for and won this seat in 2010 (unseating an incumbent!), and I am delighted to get to vote for him again.

AC Transit At-Large Seat: maybe Dollene Jones, maybe write-in you!

There's no good candidate in this race.

Assembly D-15: Thurmond vs. Echols

Tony Thurmond and Elizabeth Echols appear to agree on just about everything, except which of them should represent District 15 in the Assembly. You'll have to read to the end to see how I come down.