Candidate Statement

By Ron Leone

Occupation: High School Principal, Concord Planning Commissioner, former Chairman of the Board John Muir and Mt. Diablo Hospitals and Former Teacher (1995 Teacher of the Year) with a Bachelor's Degree from San Francisco State University and a Master's Degree from St. Mary's College

While I believe what happens at the Naval Weapons Station is important, we cannot lose sight of our goal to improve the quality of life for current Concord residents. First, we need to keep our police at full strength so they can continue keeping our neighborhoods safe. This is my top priority. The Concord Police Association solidly supports my election.

Second, instead of grieving over economic losses, I believe we should be setting our sights on a bright new future, looking for opportunities to improve amenities for all our residents. For example, the old Fitzpatrick Chevrolet land abandoned on Diamond Boulevard has excellent freeway access and could be an ideal location for a small premium shopping outlet mall. I envision, in an improved economy, the neighborhood surrounding our downtown BART Station being transformed into a vibrant transit hub - with a variety of retail enterprises.

I'm 100% behind expanding community family activities, bringing a new winter outdoor ice-skating rink to Todos Santos Park. We need more affordable senior housing, and as your councilmember, I'll support planning our own "mini-Rossmoor" for our growing senior population.

My wife, Maria, and I have lived in Concord for 32 years, where we've raised our three children. If elected, I'll use my experience to begin planning a future decade of exciting new opportunities for Concord families. Email me at RonaldLeone@comcast.net or call me at my home 680-1776 if you have ideas to share. I would be honored to earn your support. Thank you.