The candidates forum, sponsored by the Friends of Redwood City, was a departure from traditional structure. Rather than having all candidates sit behind a dais and field pre-determined questions from a moderator, the evening allowed citizens to travel among tables for personal queries.

The Friends of Redwood City is a grassroots movement formed from the ashes of the Measure Q campaign and revived the name of a 1982 citizens’ group that fought to preserve Bair Island. Only two candidates — Hilary Paulson and Adrian Brandt — are endorsed by the FRC. Both opposed the proposed Marina Shores development.

Only Councilwoman Alicia Aguirre, running unopposed to retain her current two-year seat, is assured of election. The three other positions are held by Jim Hartnett, Diane Howard and Mayor Jeff Ira.

Neither Aguirre nor Hartnett attended the forum although Hartnett did provide a letter explaining his absence. Hartnett stated he chose not to attend because the FRC did not conduct a neutral forum and had endorsed two candidates before even hosting its own forum. Hartnett stated in the letter he would rather speak directly to voters “unfiltered by any third party.”

Development remained a main topic last night, as multiple attendees queried the candidates on downtown density, affordable housing and a free shuttle service meant to get drivers off the road.

“The city should be as accessible as possible,” Ira said, referring to the need for a shuttle system.

Like the others, Ira said Redwood City must learn from the mistakes made by San Carlos when its shuttle system failed and provide a system that is financially feasible and easy to navigate.

Howard spearheads the shuttle committee currently soliciting input through doorknob surveys and hopes to bring the results back to the council by the end of the year.

While she favors downtown housing and revitalization, Howard is no fan of the eminent domain the city employed to gain land for its cinema and retail project.

“It’s difficult and ugly and no one seems happy with it,” she said, adding that she hopes it never happens again.

A few residents worried about downtown density — either that it will end up like Santana Row in San Jose or not provide enough open space for youth and family gatherings.

With gang violence escalating in Redwood City and the outlying unincorporated areas, a few wanted answers on how to keep the community safe. Overall, none of the candidates had a concrete answer though Paulson in particular said the current plan by Police Chief Carlos Bolanos is “not enough.” She suggested sending out warnings about gang activity much as the city recently did about an unsolved arson spree.

Brandt reminded people at his table that much gang activity falls outside city boundaries, in the area between Middlefield Road and Atherton, making it imperative the council work with county law enforcement.

All the candidates Wednesday night agreed the city has a finite number of resources, particularly water. The question remains how to best utilize the available recycled water and how future users could affect current residents. Ira estimated that until recycled water use kicks in, current users could see a 25 percent reduction in available water. Paulson pointed out that recycled water will be key to developing downtown.

“We need to make sure developments support their own existence,” she said.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.

Info box:

Future Redwood City Council candidate forums are scheduled for:

• The Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum is at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 29 at the Pacific Athletic Club, 200 Redwood Shores Parkway, Redwood Shores.

• The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County Candidates Forum is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.