March 4, 2008

Patricia Appelquist announces candidacy for Campbell City Council

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Patricia Appelquist announced her candidacy for City Council at Pinder Winery on Feb. 12. Her I Heart Campbell Valentines Day theme was apropos because she “loves her city.”

Patricia Appelquist helps Lions Club International West San Jose-Campbell president Ed Pansullo at Chamber of Commerce third annual Business Expo held at Villa Ragusa recently. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

“The reason I want to serve on the Campbell City Council is because the residents need a voice and the city needs to be in pace with growth,” said Appelquist, 35. “I volunteer for so many community organizations where I listen to what the people want and need that I feel I could better serve as a council member. I’m just another citizen trying to make the world a better place and be the voice for the residents of Campbell by providing a strong community with a goal for success for our future.”

As a candidate, Appelquist does not support a tax increase without voter approval and strict oversight of where collected tax funds are used. She would like to see responsible community growth ensuring city services are in stride with the growing population including supporting Campbell schools with the growth of new students. She will work to continue and increase support of events such as Boogie on the Bayou, Oktoberfest, First Fridays, and so forth. She also supports an improved library building and services, feeling that it is the “cornerstone of the community and should be improved without delay.”

Appelquist also seeks safety for pedestrians, the elderly and the handicapped by repaving broken sidewalks, repainting crosswalks and ensuring the wellbeing for wheelchair bound individuals with access to sidewalks and local trails. She’s adamant about being the voice of the residents of Campbell and often gets an earful while out volunteering. She also has a blog where she will answer any question regarding her candidacy as well as address Campbell residents’ concerns, at www.particiaforcampbell.blogspot.com.

The energetic Appelquist volunteers for The Health Trust, San Francisco AIDS Walk, OneBrick.org, San Jose West Campbell Lions Club, Soroptimist, Operation Care and Comfort, Sacred Heart, Meals on Wheels, Community Wellness, AIDS Coalition Silicon Valley, KTEH and the United Way. She is also a tenant representative on the Rental Increase Fact Finding Committee for Campbell. And when there’s any event in Campbell, the Chamber of Commerce’s Job Expo, Oktoberfest, Boogie on the Bayou, she’s there to lend a hand.

“Patricia's membership in our Lions Club is proving to be very refreshing,” said West San Jose Campbell Lions Club president Ed Pansullo. “Her energy and enthusiasm are a great boost to our community fund-raising efforts. She is a well-liked and popular new member of our club, and is setting an admirable example with her willingness to participate in all our projects; in helping us to help others! We are lucky to have her on-board as an active West San Jose - Campbell Lion! She is the embodiment of our motto, ‘We Serve.’”

On the evening of Appelquist’s I Heart Campbell kick-off, a display asks residents what they love about Campbell. It’s part of Appelquist’s aspiration to be the people’s voice in government. What do you want the new library to look like? What are your ideas for Campbell’s future? Answers from questions such as these stimulate ideas that residents share with the candidate. Concerns of more public parking and community events to better garbage service are written down.

“I met Patricia when Councilmember Evan Low brought her to one of our meetings,” said Democratic Activists for Women Now [DAWN] President Carol Garvey. “We endorse, support and promote women and men candidates. Patricia is so energetic with lots of enthusiasm, and she loves Campbell. She would add new blood to the council. It is an exciting year for women candidates.”

Appelquist grew up in Willow Glen and spent many of her formative years in Campbell. She works for Financial Research Associates in Santa Cruz while attending West Valley and San Jose Community College. She lives in Campbell with her two dogs, Peanut and Paris.

“Patricia came to one of one of our events,” said campaign consultant Raymond Bloom. “I’m keeping tabs on Patricia. This is her first race, and I’m here for any advice she may need. Some people run to be someone instead of to help everyone. Patricia really has some good ideas for Campbell.”

For more information on Patricia Appelquist visit patriciaappelquist.com or e-mail her at
patriciaappelquist@gmail.com.

Editor’s Note: A check with the Campbell City Clerk reveals that at the time of press, Appelquist is the only candidate who has officially filed an intent to run. All candidates have until July 4 to file the necessary papers for the Nov. 8 election. The Campbell Times will cover every candidate in the race.