Redwood City Council: Two newcomers join Ira
By: Katie Worth
Examiner Staff Writer
November 4, 2009
REDWOOD CITY — The three open spots on Redwood City’s seven-person council will be filled by incumbent Jeff Ira and newcomers Jeff Gee and John Seybert.
Voters had five candidates to choose between, including Ira, who has served on the council since 2005. Councilmembers Diane Howard and Jim Hartnett were termed out, leaving open seats for two of the four challengers.
In that field were three current planning commissioners: Gee, Seybert and Janet Borgens. Also on the ballot was probation officer Cherlene Wright, who serves on the city’s Housing and Human Concerns Committee.
The council faces significant development concerns, including whether to approve a controversial development plan for the 1,433-acre Cargill salt ponds, invigorating the city’s downtown, the impact of the planned California high-speed rail and a proposal to build a new jail in Redwood City.
The council will also have to balance the city’s budget in the face of shrinking revenue.
