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District 2

With District 2 sharing a border with Oakland, the hot button issue for that area is crime. Both candidates vying for the seat have their own plans to address it, but Darryl Moore provides the most practical approach. For instance, Moore proposes creating a synchronized communications system that would allow Oakland and Berkeley police to stay in contact through their radios. To address property crime, Moore has organized workshops to educate the public about avoiding break-ins.

In terms of crime prevention, Moore passionately supports youth programs and summer jobs that would keep youth off the streets. He also recognizes the benefits of training programs, proposing one on solar panel installation to fall in line with the city's trend of going green.

Meanwhile, Jon Crowder has no real method of implementing his ideas. Crowder hopes to build a community in which people can trust the police rather than view them as part of a military-industrial complex. But how he would go about making the change is unclear.

With experience on the Peralta Community College Board of Trustees and a handful of commissions, Moore undeniably understands the inner workings of the city. Being able to continue serving on the City Council would give Moore opportunities to launch his relatively well-conceived programs. Vote for Darryl Moore in District 2.

District 3

As the only candidate running for the City Council seat in District 3, Max Anderson has our support. However, we encourage him to play a more active role in Berkeley's governance, making the most out of the experience he's garnered from his time sitting on the City Council.

Similar to District 2, the main concern in District 3 is crime, an issue Anderson has addressed in the past. He has always been a staunch proponent of crime prevention, working with neighboring Oakland police to coordinate better solutions. Recognizing the correlation between at-risk youth and violence, Anderson also turned his focused on programs designed to keep them out of trouble.

Anderson should take advantage of another term on the City Council as a chance to make a great impact. Vote for Max Anderson in District 3.

District 4

Although the District 4 seat has the most contenders in this election, there are really only two serious candidates: Terry Doran and Jesse Arreguin. Our choice to support the latter over the former rests in part on the ability of Arreguin to bring a refreshing perspective to the City Council. Following in the footsteps of the late Dona Spring, the next person to fill the spot should be able to bring some of her progressiveness to the table.

It wasn't too long ago when Arreguin was a UC Berkeley student and served as the City Affairs Director of the ASUC. His close connection with the campus makes it likely that he'll be an effective advocate of students. Such a voice is needed on the council to patch things up between the city and university after the Student Athlete High Performance Center debacle.

Doran legitimately points to his immersion in the community after having taught at Berkeley High School for 32 years and his role as a union activist. His pragmatic side was also revealed when asked about where he would make cuts to the city budget if forced to do so: Doran stated that an analysis of city payroll would be completed to determine if any department were unnecessarily overstaffed. But Doran remains part of the Tom Bates block, and a new outlook is needed to balance out the views on the City Council.

While LA Wood highlights his activism in Berkeley, his methods of handling the most pressing issues the city faces are vague or ineffective, especially in the arena of city-university relations.

Although Asa Dodsworth had great suggestions for more community involvement in government, his qualifications for juggling a city budget are questionable.

N'Dji Jockin dropped out of the race, citing financial challenges.

Vote for Jesse Arreguin in District 4.

District 5

The two candidates running for the District 5 City Council seat both have a strong hold on what matters to voters. Though they're both capable of filling the position, Capitelli's local experience gives him an edge over Hahn.

Based on her history of public service, Sophie Hahn's abilities should not be overlooked. However, her approach to handling the city budget is somewhat troubling: She proposes to "throw balls in the air," trying out various ideas to find the one that works, which is a risky move in our precarious economic situation.

Having served on the City Council, Capitelli acknowledges the differences among distinct parts of the city and has plans to meet the demands of those from various neighborhoods. Capitelli's office put forth the Public Commons Initiative, which had the objective of providing shelter and social services for those sleeping in the streets. While he supports the development of downtown, Capitelli recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses. And when asked about his vote to oust the Marine Recruitment Center, Capitelli frankly admitted that he had made a mistake instead of attempting to dodge the question.

Hahn may bring a dynamic outsider's point of view to Berkeley politics, but Capitelli's well-anchored roots in the city is a plus. Vote for Laurie Capitelli in District 5.

District 6

While we endorse Susan Wengraf for District 6, it's a recommendation made with a tinge of hesitation. Wengraf is more suited for the position compared to her opponent, but neither candidate is ideal.

The environment is a priority for Wengraf. Her plans for improving recycling, which include promoting the practice in apartment buildings and starting convenient single stream recycling, have the potential for success. To provide public transit to the hills, Wengraf also proposes eco-friendly shuttle bus lines. Yet she remains aloof, compared to candidates from other districts, to the greater needs of Berkeley.

But our concerns about Phoebe Anne Sorgen outweigh those about Wengraf. First of all, Sorgen sat on the Peace and Justice Commission when it requested the city to send that letter to the Marine recruiters calling them "unwelcome and uninvited" intruders. That was the beginning of a downward spiral into the nonsense that plagued the city last spring. Yet when asked how she had voted on the Marine Recruiting Center, Sorgen replied that she did not remember.

In general, the representative from District 6 needs to forge closer connections with the rest of the city in order to effectively take on issues that span the entire city of Berkeley. Vote for Susan Wengraf in District 6.

Tags: ELECTIONS 2008 COMMENTARY, DAILY CAL ENDORSEMENTS