I am writing in support of Charles Stone for re-election to the Belmont City Council. My family and I have lived in Belmont for 20 years and have known Stone for more than 10 of those years. I believe what we need from our public officials is someone with deep empathy for our city, derived from many years of community involvement, a passion to work tirelessly to see and listen to opinions inside and outside of our city, and the relationships and vision to influence both. To that end, I can think of no better exemplar of this than Stone.
When his children were younger, Stone was a tireless volunteer for School Force, the foundation that supports the Belmont Redwood-Shores School Elementary District. Elected to the City Council in 2013, he, along with members of current and past councils, was instrumental in helping to stabilize our city’s finances, chart a path for repairs of our long ignored infrastructure, and revitalize neglected and underutilized parts of the city. He’s fostered relationships with neighboring cities and state level leadership. As the current chair of the San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors, he is able to help shape and influence solutions to one of our region’s most vexing issue, transportation and traffic. In my opinion, he’s done all of this with a level of transparency and commitment to inclusion unrivaled in recent memories. Please join me in re-electing Charles Stone to the Belmont City Council.
Huan Phan
Belmont
The letter writer is the president of the Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District board.
I meant to say I could not agree more with Mr. Phan. Charles has done an excellent job moving Belmont forward, and deserves to be re-elected along with Warren LIeberman and Julia Mates.
Mr Phan - perhaps a freudian slip but you had it right the first time. Mr. stone does not deserve our vote. he is just bucking for the next step. Stepping Stone Charles.
In my experience, Charles Stone and his fellow council members have been much less transparent and inclusive than councils prior to them. This council has done everything possible to limit transparency and ignore and suppress the views of those who disagree with them. In contrast, Deniz Bolbol has fought hard for free speech rights, and promises to be a voice for all residents, including those who have been shut out by this council. Vote for Deniz so that all sides of important issues are heard and discussed.
I agree. Charles was the one who proclaimed, 'Public hearings are a delay and waste of time,' meaning let him call the shots and citizens need to pipe down so he can do so. Deniz Bolbol is the only common sense candidate who will restore balance to a very aggressive, over-development agenda but the current 3 incumbents.
I believe the actual quote: “When I hear public meetings I hear delays, and I don’t Ike delays.” Same sentiment! Regardless, it clearly illustrates his disdain for public input that might oppose his views.
She will work to create more transparency. For example, for our infrastructure spending, Bolbol has suggested that there be a report showing the sources of funding including Measure I proceeds with a trend analysis over the last five years, for example, to ensure that we continue to prioritize street repair. Do we have such a report currently?
And she fosters inclusiveness by representing all residents whereas this Council only listens to those who agree with them and thus creating divisiveness in the community.
I have visited Stones FB page,it seems he is for higher taxes, he endorses some people I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them and I'm pretty sure he's for building high rises all over the place, just like all the others on the peninsula. He may be a nice guy but I would say every city should not re-elect any incumbents unless you want higher taxes more traffic and 15 story buildings all over the place
I would like to applaud all candidates, challengers and incumbents, for their efforts to want to lead efforts for Belmont. I recognize that all candidates I believe want help.
I do think however that our current council needs balance and not 'group thinking,' which concerns me. Deniz Bolbol introduces a necessary factor to balance out what appears to be a lop-sided seesaw of leadership operating in lockstep with a single-vision to expand development throughout Belmont. All residents need to have their voices and concerns listened to, and not let the incumbent 3 blast out uber development, simply because it brings more revenues into the coffers of our small hamlet. Belmont residents who have single family homes do not intend to sell them, so we can all move next to the train tracks and appease the single group of renters who want everybody to ride bikes or walk to work. This is impossible for the disabled, for the elderly, for the wheelchair bound, for parents with children and for most of the working population whose jobs are not conveniently located next to the train tracks.
I want to see common sense growth introduced to Belmont but not at the expense of safety. This idea of 'yeah, we'll worry about sidewalks later' is basically introducing a recipe for disaster. Collateral damage in the form of injured or killed citizens, who were merely pedestrians is not good leadership, simply to appease 2 small groups developers/real estate industry and renters.
I hope that Belmont residents go online to read other local news about the nightmare commutes 5-10 miles away that are now taking close to 1 hour in and around Belmont and neighboring towns, keeping in mind that the metropolis being built near the San Carlos train station are not even rented out yet.
Charles Stone plans to solve the traffic congestion from high density development with more taxes. As member of the SamTrans Board, he’s asking taxpayers for a half-cent sales tax from Measure W to pay for projects addressing the traffic congestion from over development as well as other areas. How about curbing the high-density development as a way to manage the traffic congestion?
High-density housing (of which Belmont has almost zero) doesn't cause traffic -- it alleviates it. Traffic is caused by the 63% of San Mateo County workers who are forced to drive here from places like the East Bay because we've priced them out by not building homes for them.
@Jordan. So instead of traffic coming from outside SM county, we would still have traffic congestion when those folks move here because they will still own cars. Until we have a good mass transit system, people will continue to drive their cars.
While I do not live in Belmont, If I did I would want Council Members who are committed to serving their four year terms. I have been hearing rumors of a possible County Board of Supervisors run by Mr. Stone in 2020, which mean at least a year to a year and a half before would mean needing to focus on that campaign.
Mr. Phan, I commend your loyalty to your friend and I thank you for sharing your support. As a voter, I find your support troubling as the Charles Stones who you describe is not the elected official many in Belmont and beyond have experienced. Mr. Stone is known for his cavalier and dismissive attitude towards city residents, his attacks on anyone who does not agree with him or follow his lead. Case in point, his choice to attack the Civil Grand Jury's report on pensions and request for responses from Belmont. Democracy is about civil discourse and elected officials representing the will of their constituents. We all can agree to expect more from those who seek public office and your choice of who to support is very telling of you as a person. Mr. Phan, if you choose to run for re-election on the school board in 2 years time, please know that you've lost at least one vote. BTW, I voted for you when you ran for the school board.
Thank for the article. I’ve read it and my comments has nothing to do with endorsing Denis BolBol and more to do with Charles Stone’s temperment and disengenuous behavior as a council member. So Stone is Carol Groom’s annointed successor it seems. I hope others will think about running for County Supervisor and give Stone a run for his money.
Pretty funny how Charles in Charge raised the most money, spent the most money, campaigned the most actively and still came in last among the incumbents. Apparently, his luster has faded.
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(20) comments
Could not agree more.
I meant to say I could not agree more with Mr. Phan. Charles has done an excellent job moving Belmont forward, and deserves to be re-elected along with Warren LIeberman and Julia Mates.
Mr Phan - perhaps a freudian slip but you had it right the first time. Mr. stone does not deserve our vote. he is just bucking for the next step. Stepping Stone Charles.
Nope. No career politicians for Belmont.
In my experience, Charles Stone and his fellow council members have been much less transparent and inclusive than councils prior to them. This council has done everything possible to limit transparency and ignore and suppress the views of those who disagree with them. In contrast, Deniz Bolbol has fought hard for free speech rights, and promises to be a voice for all residents, including those who have been shut out by this council. Vote for Deniz so that all sides of important issues are heard and discussed.
are we talking about the same person? "tax
them to death charlie", hasn't the county
suffered enough already?, NO ON CHARLIE
I agree. Charles was the one who proclaimed, 'Public hearings are a delay and waste of time,' meaning let him call the shots and citizens need to pipe down so he can do so. Deniz Bolbol is the only common sense candidate who will restore balance to a very aggressive, over-development agenda but the current 3 incumbents.
I believe the actual quote: “When I hear public meetings I hear delays, and I don’t Ike delays.” Same sentiment!
Regardless, it clearly illustrates his disdain for public input that might oppose his views.
When it comes to working well and respectfully with others, follow through, transparency, and integrity, Bolbol is not the one.
When it comes to attention-seeking, unilateral control, underhanded maneuvers, and divisiveness, she's the one.
Choose well, Belmont.
Sounds like you have it the other way around.
Bolbol’s integrity is the reason I support her.
She will work to create more transparency. For example, for our infrastructure spending, Bolbol has suggested that there be a report showing the sources of funding including Measure I proceeds with a trend analysis over the last five years, for example, to ensure that we continue to prioritize street repair. Do we have such a report currently?
And she fosters inclusiveness by representing all residents whereas this Council only listens to those who agree with them and thus creating divisiveness in the community.
I have visited Stones FB page,it seems he is for higher taxes, he endorses some people I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them and I'm pretty sure he's for building high rises all over the place, just like all the others on the peninsula. He may be a nice guy but I would say every city should not re-elect any incumbents unless you want higher taxes more traffic and 15 story buildings all over the place
I would like to applaud all candidates, challengers and incumbents, for their efforts to want to lead efforts for Belmont. I recognize that all candidates I believe want help.
I do think however that our current council needs balance and not 'group thinking,' which concerns me. Deniz Bolbol introduces a necessary factor to balance out what appears to be a lop-sided seesaw of leadership operating in lockstep with a single-vision to expand development throughout Belmont. All residents need to have their voices and concerns listened to, and not let the incumbent 3 blast out uber development, simply because it brings more revenues into the coffers of our small hamlet. Belmont residents who have single family homes do not intend to sell them, so we can all move next to the train tracks and appease the single group of renters who want everybody to ride bikes or walk to work. This is impossible for the disabled, for the elderly, for the wheelchair bound, for parents with children and for most of the working population whose jobs are not conveniently located next to the train tracks.
I want to see common sense growth introduced to Belmont but not at the expense of safety. This idea of 'yeah, we'll worry about sidewalks later' is basically introducing a recipe for disaster. Collateral damage in the form of injured or killed citizens, who were merely pedestrians is not good leadership, simply to appease 2 small groups developers/real estate industry and renters.
I hope that Belmont residents go online to read other local news about the nightmare commutes 5-10 miles away that are now taking close to 1 hour in and around Belmont and neighboring towns, keeping in mind that the metropolis being built near the San Carlos train station are not even rented out yet.
Charles Stone plans to solve the traffic congestion from high density development with more taxes. As member of the SamTrans Board, he’s asking taxpayers for a half-cent sales tax from Measure W to pay for projects addressing the traffic congestion from over development as well as other areas. How about curbing the high-density development as a way to manage the traffic congestion?
High-density housing (of which Belmont has almost zero) doesn't cause traffic -- it alleviates it. Traffic is caused by the 63% of San Mateo County workers who are forced to drive here from places like the East Bay because we've priced them out by not building homes for them.
@Jordan. So instead of traffic coming from outside SM county, we would still have traffic congestion when those folks move here because they will still own cars. Until we have a good mass transit system, people will continue to drive their cars.
While I do not live in Belmont, If I did I would want Council Members who are committed to serving their four year terms. I have been hearing rumors of a possible County Board of Supervisors run by Mr. Stone in 2020, which mean at least a year to a year and a half before would mean needing to focus on that campaign.
Mr. Phan, I commend your loyalty to your friend and I thank you for sharing your support. As a voter, I find your support troubling as the Charles Stones who you describe is not the elected official many in Belmont and beyond have experienced. Mr. Stone is known for his cavalier and dismissive attitude towards city residents, his attacks on anyone who does not agree with him or follow his lead. Case in point, his choice to attack the Civil Grand Jury's report on pensions and request for responses from Belmont. Democracy is about civil discourse and elected officials representing the will of their constituents. We all can agree to expect more from those who seek public office and your choice of who to support is very telling of you as a person. Mr. Phan, if you choose to run for re-election on the school board in 2 years time, please know that you've lost at least one vote. BTW, I voted for you when you ran for the school board.
Third Political Wheel...I hope you take the time to read this...http://scotscoop.com/op-ed-dont-let-rhetoric-trump-reason-in-belmont/.
Thank for the article. I’ve read it and my comments has nothing to do with endorsing Denis BolBol and more to do with Charles Stone’s temperment and disengenuous behavior as a council member. So Stone is Carol Groom’s annointed successor it seems. I hope others will think about running for County Supervisor and give Stone a run for his money.
Pretty funny how Charles in Charge raised the most money, spent the most money, campaigned the most actively and still came in last among the incumbents. Apparently, his luster has faded.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.