Three incumbents face two challengers in Scotts Valley City Council race

Two former three-time mayors and one current mayor, with a combined 40 years’ of experience. That’s the task two political newcomers have taken on in this fall’s Scotts Valley City Council elections.
The challengers, Bruno’s BBQ owner Rosanna Herrera and former city finance director Jack Dilles, aren’t new to Scotts Valley, to leadership challenges or to city politics. But incumbents Mayor Donna Lind, Vice Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilmember Dene Bustichi will be a formidable threesome, who began their reelection campaigns riding in cars in the city’s 50^th Anniversary Parade.
Bustichi, Johnson and Lind each had more than double the vote totals of their nearest competitors in 2008, Lind’s first election bid, and had no opposition when they ran four years ago.
The other two members of the City Council are up for reelection in 2018: Stephanie Aguilar, first elected the same year as Johnson, in 1996; and Jim Reed, chief of staff for San Jose Mayor, first elected in 2006.
Herrera and Dilles each have said it’s “time for a change” in Scotts Valley. Lind, Johnson and Bustichi are emphasizing their legacy of contributions and depth of understanding of the city with a population of nearly 12,000.
Change already has come to the city staff, now overseen by City Manager Jenny Haruyama, who was hired in May and began work last month.
Each part-time council member is paid $488.67 per month.
Following are excerpt from the statements about themselves that the City Council candidates filed with the Santa Cruz County Board of Elections.
Dene Bustichi, incumbent                                                   
Occupation: Scotts Valley Councilmember/Business owner
Age: 52
Career: owner, Bustichi & Son Construction, Scotts Valley; Scotts Valley City Council member since 2004; three terms as mayor; Valley Churches United Missions board chair
Accomplishments: new library, performing arts center, parks upgrades, community garden,
12 years of balanced budgets
Top priorities: Keep Scotts Valley safe, clean and fiscally sound.
 “As a business owner in Scotts Valley, I recognize the needs of our business community and the importance of a strong, vibrant economy. As a father, I recognize the needs of our children to have open space, clean parks and cultural opportunities.”
“I have seen many changes but Scotts Valley’s character has never changed and I want to keep it that way.”
“Don’t let outside influences change our City.”
Jack Dilles
Occupation: City financial consultant
Career:  20 years as finance director for Santa Cruz, Morgan Hill, and Scotts Valley (nine years), and as accounting division chief for Santa Cruz County Auditor
Former Santa Cruz County Board of Education trustee and past president
Priorities: good planning, community engagement, update Scotts Valley General Plan;
promote the economy and care for the environment; repair potholes; end single-use plastic bags, get fiber-optic cable, and build a Town Center
Committees: United Way Finance Committee, Scotts Valley School District Strategic Planning Committee, Scotts Valley Higher Education Committee
“It is time for a change of leadership in Scotts Valley. I have the energy, skill set, and collaborative ability to move the City Council in a new direction.”
Rosanna Herrera
Occupation: Business owner
Career:  Bruno’s BBQ owner; 19-year career in high tech, including Seagate in Scotts Valley; Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce past president, Scotts Valley Rotary Club president
Education:  Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, masters in organizational management
Top priority: Bringing our city into the 21st century by applying technology to our infrastructure to curtail spending, increase cash flow, streamline systems
“We need a government that allows participation for those that want to contribute, transparency for those that want to know, and full disclosure.”
“My vision for Scotts Valley is a self-sustaining community with a government that enhances our safety, security, and high standards in all facets of our lives.”
Randy Johnson, incumbent
Occupation: Scotts Valley Councilmember / Business owner
Age: 64
Career: Scotts Valley City Council member since 1996; three terms as mayor, current vice mayor; owner, Randy Johnson Insurance, Life Underwriter Training Council
Top priorities: police department and community policing, parks, “responsible and measured growth that respects the natural beauty of our unique city, keeping its small-town character,
safe-route-to-schools trail connecting Vine Hill Elementary to Scotts Valley High School
Accomplishments: new library, community garden, farmers market, fireworks/parade, bocce courts, performing arts center; attracting and retaining vibrant businesses, including hotels, expanded tax base, financial stability
“I’m proud to have strong support from educators, law enforcement and the business community.”
Donna Lind, incumbent
Occupation:  Scotts Valley Councilmember / Retired police sergeant
Career: City employee, 40 years, police dispatcher, City Council secretary, retired Scotts Valley Police sergeant; Santa Cruz High and Gavilan Police Academy graduate
Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors vice president, president of Fallen Officer Foundation; 2011 Scotts Valley Woman of the Year
City Council member since 2008; second term as mayor ends in 2016
Top priorities: Advocate for seniors, economic development, sustainable groundwater and high-speed, fiber-optic internet for Scotts Valley
“I’ve demonstrated my commitment to the City during tough economic times. I’ve worked to control spending while maintaining a balanced budget and protecting City services.”
“A lot has changed over time, but we still have a unique quality of life and community spirit that is very rare and worth protecting.”