Housing hovers over top of controversial issues for Clayton council candidates

CLAYTON, CA (Sept. 22, 2024) – This small town prides itself on its pioneer past, an Old West community in the middle of sprawling suburbia. But Joel Clayton probably didn’t expect City Council meetings to become the stuff of a Sergio Leone movie.

Although fistfights have yet to break out, it has seemed like only a matter of time. The 2024 council is a collection of 3-2: Jeff Wan, Kim Trupiano and Mayor Jim Diaz voting one way, and Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven voting the other on most issues.

There have also been three city managers coming through town – the fourth, Kris Lofthus, began Sept. 16. The string of city managers has only added to the dust ups in the city.

Now, three seats are up for election and with Cloven choosing not to run, it leaves Tillman running as a lone wolf on her voting bloc. Diaz’s position is also open, with the mayor running for reelection for a council position. Challenging them are a Clayton city veteran and a political newcomer, Rich Enea and Maria Shulman. All four filled out extensive questionnaires sent by the Pioneer. (Read the unedited responses from the candidates here.)

Affordable housing debate

One of the most critical issues in the community is housing.

Clayton’s Housing Element is on its third try for state approval because it did not meet state affordable housing standards. Diaz is confident this one will go through, since the city is working with its retained community development firm “who knows how to work with the state to get these done.”

The main issue is that the community is split over high-density housing development. Given that the state hands down land-use mandates, the Pioneer asked candidates how the council should balance the wishes and needs of the community with the state’s enforcement measures, such as withholding revenues and the threat of civil rights lawsuits.

Currently, the only “affordable” units are the seven planned at the Olivia at Marsh Creek proposed development, which Diaz says may or may not get built as the owner moved to Indiana and is trying to sell the property.

Diaz himself is not forcing any affordable housing. “The city approved and complied with state mandates. It is up to the developers to build projects that not only comply with state mandates, but also balance the wishes of the community.”

A need for community input

Enea is no stranger to public service, having served as a Clayton police officer 20 years ago and for 10 years as a councilmember in Crescent City. The planning commissioner says he believes there have been no plans submitted for high-density development.

“In fact, we have gone over the number the state has told the city that they must provide,” he says. “Clayton is 98% built out, so I don’t see high density in our future. (But) state law must be followed, or we will lose revenues.”

Schulman, a 15-year Clayton resident and active volunteer, is a newcomer to city politics but believes community engagement is crucial to future housing plans.

“Community input is not only necessary but also essential. As a small city, Clayton has actively involved the community through surveys and town halls regarding high-density buildings, and the consensus is clear that they are not wanted.”

She goes on to say that it is important for Clayton’s leadership and planning department representatives to “proactively engage with state representatives to advocate for the city’s interests. Given its size, Clayton needs flexibility within the mandates to meet its goals while respecting local concerns.”

She says this strategic approach should involve advocating for environmental sustainability, meeting with state representatives and housing authorities to negotiate flexibility within the mandates and seeking federal grants for infrastructure improvements.

“The council should provide a unified approach by demonstrating strong leadership and being willing to compromise to ease tensions within the community and foster a collaborative atmosphere.”

Looking for a balance

“A collaborative atmosphere” and “easing tensions” on issues is something Tillman has had a lot of experience with in the last four years, as part of the block on the council that has been often overrun by Wan, Trupiano and Diaz. But as a keen councilmember with experience at the state and regional level, Tillman knows how hard it is to balance both sides of the housing issue. Still, she is optimistic.

“The state of California has housing mandates that, like it or not, we as a city must comply with,” she says. “We should work together – (local government) and residents – to figure out how best to do that within our small community.”

She says residents should protect the city’s “unique character” while incorporating required housing in a way that minimizes neighborhood impact.

“In my mind, high-density housing doesn’t mean high rises. It means low-rise townhomes, condos and apartments for our local teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers and other working people. We can find the right balance.”

Balance is something that’s hard to find on a five-member council, but it may be the magic elixir served in the Clayton Saloon that will bring bickering and divisiveness to an end.

Read each candidate’s answers to the Pioneer’s questionnaire.