Four vie for two seats on council this fall
The coming City Council election promises to be both interesting and lively with downtown development and land use issues taking center stage.
There are two seats up for grabs in November. Keith Haydon will not run for a third term. Councilman and Vice-mayor Dave Shuey will run for a fifth term. Joining him on the ballot are a current planning commissioner, a CPA and an attorney. This month we will introduce the candidates. In the October 12 issue, we will cover the major issues and their positions.
We asked each of the candidates for a brief introduction including their participation in civic organizations or activities and a short statement of why they are running for the city council.
Brian Buddell, 53, is a trial attorney a San Francisco firm. He lives in Oakhurst with his wife and two children; a student at MDES and a freshman at CVCHS. He has been a Clayton resident for three years. Buddell did not list any civic associations or volunteer participation in Clayton events.
“I am running to provide the people of Clayton with an ear and voice on the city council. I will increase transparency, two-way communication and, most of all, ensure that Clayton remains the safe, wonderful, small-town community that we all love and cherish.”
Also an attorney, Dave “Shoe” Shuey, 51, is a partner with an Oakland law firm. He grew up in the community, returning to Clayton in 1995 to raise his family. He and his wife, Shelley, have five children, three of them adopted—two from China and one from Ukraine. Currently, one is a student at DVMS and two are students at CVCHS. The family lives in the Bridlewood neighborhood.
Shuey is currently vice-mayor and has served on the city council for 16 years.
He has served on the Clayton Community Services Commission, was chair of the Downtown Grove Park Design Committee and was instrumental in the conversion of Clayton Valley High to a charter school. He serves on the Clayton Valley Little League Board and is the announcer for the annual Clayton Labor Day Derby and is an active member of the Clayton Business and Community Association.
“I have faithfully stewarded the city for 16 years through good and rough times, keeping a balanced budget and maintaining city services. I believe that solid, educated, rational, experienced and thoughtful leadership continues to be a must for a small town to keep its small-town character and vitality. I am dedicated to making sure city decisions are made with respect for the good of all citizens, not just a vocal minority. We are all neighbors and should treat each other as such.”
Jeff Wan, 41, is a CPA in private industry. He lives on Oakwood Circle with his wife and three children, all attending Clayton schools. He has lived in Clayton since 2009.
He listed no civic associations or volunteer activities.
“When my wife and I moved to Clayton to raise our young children nine years ago, we fell in love with the small town community feel, the fantastic public schools, and safe neighborhoods. I’m running for Clayton City Council because at some point the council lost its way —from their push for high density housing, megachurches, and parolee housing, the council stopped listening to the people it represents. We can do better and it’s time for a change.”
Carl, “Cw” Wolfe, 61, is currently in his second term on the Clayton Planning Commission. He moved to Clayton in 1989 and lives in Peacock Creek with Punz and their dachshund, Heidi.
He recently retired from his job as creative director for a major corporation, and is a SAG/AFTRA union voice actor.
Wolfe is a member of the Clayton Business and Community Association and a volunteer for the annual Oktoberfest and Art and Wine Festival. He serves as the emcee and announcer for both the Clayton 4th of July Parade and the Clayton BBQ Cook-off.
“I am running to protect the current way of life of ALL Claytonians with a responsible eye toward the future. Progress and growth should be a discussion held by all residents. Our community is passionate and compassionate; involved and vocal. I love Clayton, as our residents do, for what it is, what it stands for and what it can become. We are better together and I will serve with my two ears and our one collective voice.”