In announcing endorsements, Burgis injects partisan politics into race for District 3 County Supervisor

By Allen Payton

In a rare injection of partisan politics into a race for Contra Costa County Supervisor, Diane Burgis candidate for Supervisor in District 3, announced she has the support of elected officials, and then listed them as either Democrat or Republican, including those in non-partisan offices. County Supervisor is a non-partisan office, as are the offices of city council and school board, and candidates don’t run as members of a political party.

However, the press release from Burgis’ campaign reads as follows:

Community leaders, including Democrats, Republicans and Independents, joined together today to announce their unified support for Diane Burgis for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three.

The broad coalition of endorsers includes Democratic Congressmembers Jerry McNerney and Mark DeSaulnier, current Republican County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, Democratic state leaders Assemblymember Susan Bonilla, Superintendent Tom Torlakson and Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (ret.), Republican Mayor Kevin Romick of Oakley, Town of Discovery Bay Directors Kevin Graves (R) and Chris Steele (D), and Democratic Antioch City Councilmembers Tony Tiscareno and Mary Rocha.

This all comes on the heels of endorsements from District Attorney Mark Peterson and County Sheriff David Livingston, both Republicans, as well as the county’s deputy sheriffs and firefighters.

“Diane Burgis is a leader in our community who possesses the intelligence, integrity and compassion necessary to bridge gaps and represent the views of all East County residents,” said County Supervisor Mary Piepho, a Republican. “She’s approachable and knowledgeable, and supports investment in our transportation system, and our police and firefighters who work hard to make our communities safe.”

Diane currently serves as an East Bay Regional Parks District director and is the executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Previously, she served as an Oakley City councilmember and spent over ten years as a small business owner. She highlights four priorities for her candidacy: improving public safety, attracting economic development, ensuring fiscal accountability and preserving the delta for future generations.

“Diane has a strong history of fighting to protect our water, our delta and the environment,” said Congressman Jerry McNerney, a Democrat. “Her leadership as head of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed and as a board member for the East Bay Regional Parks District exemplifies the steady, bipartisan leadership our region needs.”

Burgis, the only Democrat on the ballot, has also earned the official endorsement of the California Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Young Democrats and East Contra Costa Democrats for Action. But that doesn’t mean she will only represent Democrats.

“I examine each issue closely, hear all sides and then come to the decision that works best for East County,” said Diane Burgis, candidate for Supervisor in District Three. “One size doesn’t fit all. Our district deserves a representative who has proven that they can work together with every member of the community. I’m honored to have earned the trust and confidence of our current Republican County Supervisor, Mary Piepho, as well as a long list of local Democrats, Republicans and Independents who put community before party.”

Voters can learn more about her and her platform at www.dianeburgis.com.

When asked about making local office partisan, Burgis did not respond. The election is November 8.


2 Comments to “In announcing endorsements, Burgis injects partisan politics into race for District 3 County Supervisor”

  1. Nancy Fernandez says:

    This kind of proves to me how little knowledge she really has. She spoke to a group I attended and she failed 50% of the questions asked and resorted to asking the host the answers to the questions. She seriously took a hit on votes at that meeting.

  2. Dave S says:

    I’m amazed at just how many voters are not aware of most local elected positions being nonpartisan. Which party someone belongs to is public record, but this press release is beyond the pale, and shows the ignorance of Diane Burgis in local elections.

    I’m voting for and supporting Steve Barr. He has many years in local politics, and I know to which party he’s currently registered. I’d change my support for him if he pulled any of the antics of Diane Burgis…

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