UC Davis alumni Sydney Vergis and Joe Krovoza are running for Davis City Council seats. Current Mayor Pro Tempore Don Saylor is running for Yolo County Supervisor, and Councilmember Lamar Heystek announced last fall he will not seek reelection.
Krovoza’s campaign raised $7,675 between July 1 and Dec. 31 last year, giving him a slight lead over Vergis, who raised $6,733. Krovoza, a first time runner, received 103 donations ranging from $25 to $100. Vergis was a runner up in 2008 and received 76 donations ranging from $3 to $100. Davis political candidates can collect a maximum of $100 from each adult contributor.
Krovoza graduated from the UC Davis School of Law in 1994. He described Davis as a “quirky, highly educated university town” and said he hopes to preserve the Davis culture.
“I know we can improve the intellectual, community and planning interactions between UC Davis to establish a better, more unified community,” Krovoza said. “Having worked on campus for 13 years and lived in the city for over 18, I know I can do this.”
Krovoza has spent about $4,000 on his campaign so far. The money went toward his committee and sending out two mailers. Krovoza said mailing has been the most expensive aspect of his campaign.
Vergis established a “green campaign” and is offering to send out notifications to constituents via e-mail instead of paper mail in an effort to help the environment. In the July to December filing period Vergis’ campaign spent $514.90 for campaign materials such as “Sydney Vergis for City Council” bike signs.
Vergis emphasized economic and environmental sustainability.
“Davis can maintain its position as a leader on the environmental forefront by implementing innovative policies that increase efficiency, save taxpayer dollars and create a healthier living environment,” she said. “As a councilmember I would be enthusiastic about positioning Davis to attract clean tech businesses and university spin offs to help generate local job creation.”
In his bid for county supervisor, Saylor raised $55,000 with more than 220 individual contributions. Saylor worked as a school board trustee for eight years, a member of the Davis City Council for six years, and he hopes to continue providing effective leadership in difficult times.
“We need leadership now more than ever,” Saylor said. “Yolo County is facing unparalleled fiscal challenges. Our water future and agricultural heritage are at risk.”
Saylor has spent approximately $13,000 on his campaign to date. He reported the biggest expenses as printing, postage, advertising and events.
Economic growth in Yolo County is a major concern for Saylor.
“I want to strengthen the local economy by promoting and supporting Yolo as a destination, supporting our agricultural base and open space and collaborating with UC Davis to create jobs locally in high technology and green industries related to UC Davis research activities,” Saylor said.
Nobody else has announced intentions to run against Saylor for supervisor at this time. The deadline to file is March 17.
JANE TEIXEIRA can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
