Why are you running?
I am running for the City Council to bring a much-needed perspective and balance to our beautiful city. Many voices are underrepresented, especially those residents who oppose the plan to add 587 units of affordable housing to Piedmont at a cost of around $850,000 per unit. I am well-educated, having earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 1994 after working for the IRS for 18 years. In 1994 I obtained a Broker’s license and established a property management company which I still run. My legal (landlord/tenant) and tax accounting experience will be very helpful to Piedmont going forward. I will work to prioritize the city’s needs and will be fiscally responsible with your hardearned taxpayer dollars. My family has lived in Piedmont since 2002 and our children attended Piedmont schools. I served as a Girl Scout leader, President of Millennium Parents Club, a school volunteer, and assisted in organizing the Spring Flings and Harvest Festival. Currently, I am serving on the Public Safety Committee. Piedmont is a unique and desirable place to live. Let’s keep it that way. [Source]
Flyer Jeanne sent out to some Piedmont residents on August 18, 2022.
FACT CHECK:
Please go to Piedmontishome.org to learn more about affordable housing in Piedmont. There will NOT be a 4 plex on every corner and it will not cost the city for these units. Piedmont is REQUIRED to create a plan but NOT required to build anything.
All images of Jeanne's political stances can be found on Twitter, her past Facebook campaign page, her twitter account, her youtube account, and google.
Jeanne Solnordal against sanctuary states
Jeanne Solnordal wearing an ICE (US Immigration Customs and Enforcement) hat
Jeanne Solnordal at the Antioch City Council meeting on June 12, 2018 talking about "illegals"
PIEDMONT CITY COUNCIL - Ban on short term rentals:
Regular Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, January 16, 2018:
Jeanne Solnordal.... spoke in opposition to the proposed ban on short term rentals. Speakers suggested that allowing short term rentals with reasonable regulation would maintain the residential character of Piedmont and provide a community benefit. Speakers also indicated their opinion that allowing Short Term Rentals would allow residents to participate in the sharing economy and allow residents a source of income in this high-priced housing market.
IN THE NEWS
1 / Personal video on school funding | Facebook | March 1, 2020 (has since been hidden)
(link is now not working)
2 / Hundreds in Bay Area protest Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh - Thursday, October 4, 2018
In the middle of the rally a small group of counter-protesters showed up with Trump and Kavanaugh signs.
"There is absolutely no corroborating evidence," said Jeanne Solnordal, a Piedmont resident who was holding a large Trump banner.
When asked if she believes Dr. Ford, she replied, "Absolutely not."
On August 27, 2017 Jeanne Solnordal called the Berkeley Police "sissies" and then on Sept 13, 2017 told Donald Trump he "is the best president ever!"
Jeanne's video:
I know you probably vote democrat but you need to be voting republican. Republicans are the only people against sanctuary state. [inaudible]
Democrats are all [inaudible] for illegals and sanctuary state because those are the people who invite them in. The man that designed this shirt was a black man. So not all black people are against republicans. More and more people are coming to know that they are just using people as pawns. So don’t let the democrats use you as pawns anymore. The democrats were actually the people that created the KKK. They’re the ones that actually were the hooded people back in the day. So democrats are, no, not always good. So right now they’re not good. They’re the ones in this state putting on, voting in sanctuary state and not taking care of their citizens.
Fact check:
Founded in 1865, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) extended into almost every southern state by 1870 and became a vehicle for white southern resistance to the Republican Party’s Reconstruction [Source: History.com]. In 1924, in Piedmont, California our Police Chief was a Republican and leading the "hooded people" back in the day of Piedmont.
From Twitter - Jeanne Solnordal and assorted Proud Boys
From NPR:
A pro-Trump film suggests its data are so accurate, it solved a murder. That's false
A conservative "election integrity" group called True The Vote has made multiple misleading or false claims about its work, NPR has found, including the suggestion that they helped solve the murder of an eight-year-old girl in Atlanta.
The claims appear in a new pro-Trump film called "2,000 Mules," which purports to have "smoking gun" evidence of massive voter fraud in the 2020 election in the form of digital device location tracking data. Former president Donald Trump has embraced the film, which has gained popularity on the political right, along with the claim about the murder case.
Trump's official spokesperson, Liz Harrington, said True The Vote "solved a murder of a young little girl in Atlanta. I mean, they are heroes." Fans of the film have echoed that message on social media.
That claim is false.
From the Piedmont Post -
September 14, 2022
Week 1 Questions
1. If elected, what are your plans for housing in Piedmont? What would additional housing in Piedmont cost and what would it look like? (mixed use/ single family homes/ market rate apartments, etc.)
2. What do you see as some of Piedmont’s critical infrastructure needs and what are your plans for reinvestment or repair?
The six city council candidates vying for three open seats
were sent these questions on Friday, September 9, and were asked
to reply with 150-word responses.
1) Housing
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) has allocated 587 housing units for the City of Piedmont. Identifying where to place these units has been very challenging. The plan is continually being revised as residents give input.
Currently, the following locations are being considered as possible locations:
• Moraga Canyon, including Blair Park
• Ace Hardware, Sylvan Learning Center, banks, Mulberry’s
• Civic Center buildings
• Churches
• Vacant lots
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
The Civic Center location is strongly opposed and under study. I support this opposition as our children need additional protection as they go to and from school. High density housing in the city center further adds to our traffic and parking issues. The Civic Center is the heartbeat of our city, to replace it with high density housing would forever change the flavor and quaintness of our city.
Rezoning: Per the City Charter, residents have the right to vote on zoning changes.
2) Infrastructure
The civic center buildings were built around 1950 and need attention.
The most immediate need is the city’s dispatch center located at the Veterans Building. The 200 square foot space is shared with equipment and three workers. This creates stressful working conditions. On 9/6/22 the City Council agreed to allocate $296,555 for a design review to explore options for the dispatch center.
The roof at the Recreation Center needs replacing. Council awarded $222,884 for this repair.
Underground electricity: as our city ages so do our utility poles. Downed wires can be deadly. The city should explore the means for installing underground utilities throughout the city. Underground wiring adds safety and beauty to our city.
Crosswalks/Sidewalks: Many crosswalks/sidewalks are hazardous and open the city to liability. Crossings near the schools and parks need enhancements to alert drivers that children are present. Many sidewalks are a trip hazard and need repair.
From the Exedra -
September 27, 2022
We asked all city council and school board candidates to fill out a questionnaire to better understand their priorities and positions. Many are hosting meet-and-greets and can be spotted around town, but if you can’t make it to one of their events, these Q&As are a good starting point.
(Editor’s note: We received responses from all candidates except for Sunny Bostrom as of Tuesday, Sept. 27. We will update the site when we receive her questionnaire.)
What is your age and how long have you lived in Piedmont?
I am a wise and well versed 64 year old. I have lived in Piedmont for 20 years.
What you do for work, either in or out of your home?
I am a licensed Broker specializing in Property Management. I have owed my own property management company for 24 years.
Have you worked or volunteered in the Piedmont community (or elsewhere) previously? If so, in what capacity(ies)?
I am a former President of Millennium High School Parents club. I currently serve on the Public Safety Committee.
What inspires you to run for office?
There are many important issues going on in the city at this time. I believe I can add value to those discussions and decisions.
What are your qualifications to be on the City Council? Any special skills or experience the voters should know about?
I am a leader in the community. I am the president of the East Bay Republican Women for two years and have been nominated for a third term. I have been the Treasurer and Event Chair for the Alameda County GOP for 4 years. I have been a CAGOP State delegate for 6 years. I worked for 18 years as a tax educator prior to attending law school. I have 24 years of experience as a self employed broker/property manager.
What do you see as the most challenging issues currently facing the city?
1. Housing Element – Cycle 6
2. Funding the pool
3. Crosswalk safety – Children first
4. Climate action plan
What do you see as strengths of the Piedmont community?
Our schools are our pride and glory.
What will be your top priority if elected?
I will work to find an alternative to high density housing in Piedmont.
Do you see yourself being especially involved in any particular city issue or program, whether or not it’s your top priority?
Public Safety is on the top of my list. Parents need to feel and know that it is safe for their children to walk or bike to and from school each day. We need to enhance our crosswalks to ensure they are brightly identified around our schools and parks. Non-residents often travel in Piedmont. Our crossings must be easily seen. Children should also have an incentive to cross only in the crosswalks. This could be done with the assistance of our local fire and police departments.
Talk about any leadership roles you’ve held and what you learned from them.
I have managed a property management company for 24 years.
Share an example of your decision-making style.
Team work is critical is a business is to thrive. When decisions are needed in my office we discuss them as a team to find the best solution. A team voice is always better that the voice of one.
What project have you worked on that you are especially proud of?
Covid was quite challenging for our business. My office made tenants aware of the covid relief program and guided them through the process. As a result, many tenants retained their housing uninterrupted. We are proud to have assisted many during this pandemic.
City Council members must navigate a wide range of community opinions and demands. How will you handle those pressures?
All opinions matter. We should not just offer the community speaking time but we should also hear them. No idea is too far off base to consider. All resident voices matter. Many voices are how you maintain a healthy balance in the decision making process.
What should the city’s priorities be when it comes to upgrading city infrastructure?
Our city services/civic buildings are most important. The Veterans Hall is in need of much repair. The police dispatch center is currently under review. The dispatch center is our current priority. The recreation center is also in need of a roof. That project is underway.
Piedmont is required by the state to meet new affordable housing goals. What is your view on the approach the city has taken so far to comply with the law?
Honestly, there are many unhappy residents that oppose the current plan. While it is a state mandate, the residents would feel better and be less oppressed had the Council appealed the RHNA allocation. Yes, almost all appeals were denied but did we know that would happened before appealing? We should have tried. Forcing 587 units into a city that is already built out deserves opposition. With a city full of lawyers I am sure we can find a work around.
What would you do to promote diversity in Piedmont, including among City staff?
There are some under represented groups in Piedmont. Diversity is always a good thing as we gain knowledge from others. We should always be welcoming of all people. Space permitting, we could allot a certain amount of out of district students to enroll in our public school. This would demonstrate our concern and desire for diversity, create a more diverse student body for our children and assist in educating those less privileged. I have many thoughts on how we could achieve diversity goals. I would put forth that the volunteer hours required to graduate be spent tutoring elementary student at under performing schools in our district. Most schools in our district are only performing at a 3 level. This would serve a much higher achievement for both students. Walking dogs at the animal shelter is usually not a high demand need.
Piedmont has recently received an award for its sustainability accomplishments and goals. What would you do to further Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan?
If we are to attain and accomplish our goals going forward we are going to have to make the process of electrifying our home more friendly. Community outreach and a waiver of permit fees could help to accomplish these goals.
Offering assistance with broken irrigation systems would greatly lessen our water consumption. Often residents are not even aware that their irrigation system is broken as they water while the owner is away.
What do you think about current recreational opportunities in Piedmont, and do you have other ideas for adding, subtracting or changing programs?
I believe our recreational department is doing a great job. However, there is an opportunity for us to add more sports. I personally favor contactless sports as traumatic brain injuries are permanent. I would love to see archery become a favored sport.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with voters about your candidacy?
Ballots will be mailed on or before October 10. Please vote early. Be sure to assist your family and friends complete and return their ballots. The primary voter turn out was very poor. Let’s show that Piedmont cares about their leaders by voting.
Do you have a website and email to share with voters? If so, please add below.
From the Piedmont Post -
September 28, 2022
Part 3 in a series (part 2 was for School Board)
In advance of the November 8 Municipal Election, six candidates have filed papers for three available seats on the Piedmont City Council. They were asked to answer the following two questions, which were sent to them on Thursday, September 22.
This marks week 3 of the Post’s election coverage. Next week the focus will return to the school board candidates. Beginning with the October 12 edition, the Post’s weekly coverage will include questions and answers from both City Council and School Board candidates until the election on November 8.
Week 3 QUESTIONS:
1. What do you consider as the City’s most pressing problems? How do you plan to address them?
2. If elected, how do you plan to make yourself available to residents?
JEANNE SOLNORDAL
1. Most pressing problem Housing Element – Cycle 6, is the most pressing problem facing our community. Finding space for 587 units is extremely challenging. Unfortunately, the city did not appeal the allocation, therefore we have lost our right to join any future lawsuits that may be filed against the state. The city agreed to the 587 units without protest. This was fiscally irresponsible, as taxpaying residents will bear the cost of the civic services needed by the new residents.
So where do we put them? City center, Moraga Canyon/ Blair Park are unfeasible as traffic, parking and children/ pedestrian safety are an issue. Accessory dwelling units will offset our requirement, but their numbers are minimal and will not eliminate the need for a large build. The only sites I see we could consider are multi-story units on Grand Avenue or at Zion Lutheran Church. Both sites would require owner participation and a rezoning vote.
2. Availability I am already available to residents. As president of a local organization, I am always reaching out. As a city council member representing the community, it is important to always keep an open-door policy. My home is always open, and my email and phone number are in many directories. I am always available for a conversation, regardless of subject, now and in the future. Some of the softest voices in Piedmont are our seniors. I will make a concerted effort to get to know every senior personally. I will check in on them on a regular basis to ensure their needs and concerns are being addressed. I will advocate for senior services just as we advocate for our youth. Please reach out at votesolnordal@gmail.com or 510-368-8880.
From Piedmont Connect -
October 18, 2022
Hello Candidates,
Thank you for offering to run for Piedmont City Council and School Board and to serve as a volunteer for our community.
Piedmont Connect is a non-profit organization based in town that advocates for sustainability policies in city and PUSD operations as well as engages our community in sustainability awareness. To that end, we consider it especially important for city leaders to address certain key sustainability issues.
The Connect Board and its membership would be interested in your answers to the following questions.
Thank you for your commitment to Piedmont and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have. Piedmont Connect is a 501(c)3 organization and cannot endorse political candidates.
Piedmont Connect Board of Directors
Question 1: The City of Piedmont increasingly confronts sustainability issues in city operations and via international, national, state and local objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or to conserve water. Most East Bay and Peninsula cities already have working, permanent Sustainability and/or Climate Action committees, served by community volunteers, to address these issues in their communities.
Would you support establishing a Piedmont Sustainability Commission in 2023?
Answer:
Yes, I think having a Sustainability Commission could be very helpful to our city. However, often volunteers involved in Climate issues tend to be overly passionate and want to impose regulations to match their ideology. Recently, I heard a lady at a Council Meeting suggest that mandates and regulations should be imposed so we can meet the criteria of our next climate action plan. If the commission were made up of a group of people who all thought such as this, their certainly would not be a balance to any discussion or decision. If the commission focused on helping the community with transitions versus imposing regulations it could be a great asset to the community as we move forward to reduce emissions.
Question 2: Piedmont’s municipal Reach codes currently apply to low-rise residential buildings which now encompasses much of the multi-family housing contemplated in the draft Housing Element. Revisions to the California Building Code, going into effect in Jan 2023, redefined low-rise residential as single-family housing, thereby eliminating multi-family housing from compliance with Piedmont’s Reach codes.
Should the City implement more comprehensive Reach codes for building types other than single-family housing (multi-family, religious, commercial, municipal, et al.), so that all new construction of any kind must be all-electric, and renovations to any building-type must abide by the same energy-efficiency rules?
Answer:
I do not believe in regulations. I think people are wise enough to make sound decisions based on their personal situation. A sustainability Commission could be an asset if they reached out to the community with education on electrifying. SFR and multi-use buildings would voluntarily install all electric appliances if it were economically feasible. If rebates or other incentives were offered, more electrifications would happen voluntarily. Reach Codes should be a recommendation not a mandate. Piedmont is a very small city and looking at the big picture, Piedmont has very little impact on the planet’s climate change. Our impact should be weighed against the need for regulations. People do not like government overreach and our City Council does not need to be that kind of government. However, I think we all agree that reducing our footprint is important and starts at home. Education is paramount.
Question 3: According to Piedmont’s most recent annual greenhouse gas inventory, residential energy use accounts for approximately half of Piedmont’s annual greenhouse gas emissions with virtually all of these emissions attributed to the use of natural gas in Piedmont homes.
What ideas would you propose and support to incentivize or require installation of electrical appliances in Piedmont’s homes at time of the replacement or remodel?
Answer:
This is a great question as incentives and information are the best way to persuade homeowners. Requiring or imposing regulations is something I, along with others, oppose. Hot water heaters do not have a long life. As they fail, residents need a quick solution to an urgent situation. This is one appliance that residents could easily convert if the process was made easy. A list of vendors with pricing along with permit instructions and costs could help the resident make a quick decision and may encourage more conversions to electric. Information, Incentives, rebates and waiving of permit fees would be a good place to start to encourage voluntary conversions. This commission could be an asset to the community if they assisted rather than required residents to electrify.
Question 4: Piedmont is known for its tree-lined streets, parks and historic homes, all of which support mature, healthy native tree specimens. Piedmont may be the only Bay Area municipality without a tree ordinance to preserve the important public-benefits these biological assets provide.
Should the City adopt a tree ordinance that requires a permit and establishes reasonable criteria for the removal of healthy, mature native or non-invasive trees on municipal, PUSD, or private property?
Answer:
I absolutely support an ordinance to protect healthy trees. Any tree that will be cut down should be approved by the city prior to removal. This should not apply to a trim of 6 feet or less. I have heard of people removing beautiful trees simply for a better view. Hopefully this will stop the assault on our green and living trees. There should only be only a nominal fee, $25-50.00 to cover administrative costs. If the fee is too high, people will simply continue to cut down trees without permission. Fines could be imposed but often you can only speculate as to who cut down the tree. Make the process simple and fast.