Carmichael Honorary Mayor Race Comes to Close

The race for is coming to a close in a few weeks and even though the winner is declared not by citizen votes but by the amount of money each candidate raises for the , here is  some information about each of the candidates running for the office and why Carmichael is important to them.

Dan Kellow has been a resident of Carmichael for 21 years. He
attended Carmichael schools and has worked as a banker at in
Carmichael for the last 10 years.

For Kellow, taking part in the mayor race is important because of a disconnect he said he has witnessed between the citizens of Carmichael and the .

“I want to be able to use the honorary mayor position to leverage our concerns to the Board of Supervisors,” he said. “I am very interested in being a liaison between the people of Carmichael and the board.”

Kellow has been conducting door-to-door research to find out the major issues of the Carmichael community.

“I’ve learned a great deal talking with so many people and while I have been receiving a variety of answers, safety is the top priority for many citizens,” he said.

Kellow said he is pleased with the efforts of the chamber to conduct forums that have addressed safety and homeless issues as well.

"This is a great start,” he said.

Kellow has been hosting a variety of events in an effort to collect funds for the chamber including a Beer Garden fundraiser,which was held Nov. 5 and featured four types of ale Kellow has brewed himself.

When Kellow is not at work or campaigning for mayor he enjoys Carmichael’s parks, rafting on the American River and skiing and snowboarding.

For more information about Kellow’s campaign, visit www.carmichaeldan.com.

For Esteban Nava Jr. even thought the Carmichael mayor is an honorary position, he said he’d like to see it evolve into a title that has some influence.

“I think it can be more than a figurehead,” he said.

Nava said even though the race ends Tuesday, he’d like to continue hosting local events in order to keep raising funds for projects dear to his heart including the BeMoneySmart organization and the Carmichael pool.

In addition to events that have included appearances at Carmichael’s
, and fundraisers at several Carmichael
restaurants, Nava has six art/glass pieces from Chico Orient and Flame for
sale.

He also has been conducting a fundraising raffle featuring items such as a wakeboard, stereo receiver and dozens of gift certificates to local restaurants and grocery stores. The winners of Nava’s raffle were to be announced Nov. 4 at a fundraiser he held at .

For Nava, improving the quality of life for Carmichael citizens and helping to bring businesses back to Carmichael is at the top of his list.

Nava has been employed at Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District for the last 23 years and has held numerous leadership community roles as well.

“I’m running for Carmichael’s honorary mayor because I’m a confident leader and I know I can positively motivate people to ensure the success of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Carmichael and surrounding communities,” he said.

For more information about Nava’s campaign visit www.EstebanNavaForMayor.com.

Candidate Jeff Wagner has taken a different approach than his opponents when it comes to campaigning for the mayor position. Instead of hosting events, Wagner has taken more of a word of mouth method to soliciting funds for the chamber.

“I’ve just been talking to people about the race, getting donations and telling everyone that every dollar counts,” said Wagner, who recently returned from a 17-day mission trip to Africa.

As a plumber for the past 25 years and owner of Wagner Plumbing in Carmichael for the past five years, Wagner was involved in a project in Namibia where he helped to fix wells and water lines for the poor villages.

“I just always feel the more you give, the more you will receive,” he said. “I want to run for mayor to draw attention to the chamber and to Carmichael. This is such a great old neighborhood.”

For Wagner, the homeless population and water conservation are at the top of his list as concerns for Carmichael.

Wagner has resided in Carmichael for eight years and lives with his wife of 21 years and their two children. When he’s not at work, Wagner can be seen running, biking or swimming as he is preparing for an Ironman triathlon in Idaho in June.

To contribute to Wagner’s campaign call or stop by the Carmichael
Chamber of Commerce office at 6825 Fair Oaks Blvd. or call 481-1002.

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