Brian Oftedal Announces Run for Brentwood City Council

On Monday, Brian Oftedal formally announced he was running for Brentwood City Council in District 3.

Oftedal says he is running to further improve public safety in the City of Brentwood while also wanting to restore civility both at council meetings and within the public by committing to a better and more inclusive future for all. He also wants to champion “smart growth” versus alienating people.

“Brentwood needs intelligent, realistic, and orderly growth. Working with developers, not alienating them, is vital,” says Oftedal. “We should prioritize workforce housing, maintain local control, and preserve our small-town feel. Elected officials must ensure that new development fully funds increased services for education, traffic, and public safety while embracing our unique local charm.”

He also says staff retention is a priority and losing quality staff would be detrimental to the future of the city because it would result in slower responses to citizen needs and would likely impact everyone’s quality of life.

Oftedal explained there is no reason the Brentwood Police Department should not have already launched its 5th beat and has made that one of his top priorities to find a way to recruit enough officers to make it happen as its been discussed with no action for several years. He credits his experience with similar staffing issues with the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and will seek out creative solutions.

He says he has the work experience both professionally and serving on public boards in challenging times that has given him real-life experience to have a positive impact on the City of Brentwood. He is a Senior Captain with the Oakland Fire Department and is also the former President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District.

Oftedals time on the fire board saw him work within budget constraints, staffing issues and finding ways to grow a fire district facing historical challenges. Ultimately, after East Contra Costa Fire found its financial footing, it was annexed into Contra Costa County Fire Protection District which has resulted in improved fire service in the City of Brentwood and surrounding communities.

Since the annexation, which many said could never be accomplished, Ofteal continues to serve on the advisory fire commission as its chair.

“As Chair of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Advisory Fire Board, my extensive experience in fire protection, emergency medical services, and community leadership has prepared me to effectively contribute to improving our county’s fire protection district,” said Oftedal. “My dedication to public safety, as evidenced by my time as President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and my involvement with the American Red Cross, aligns with your organization’s values. My proven track record of leadership and service will make a meaningful impact within the community.

For more information on Brian Oftedal, visit him at brian4brentwood.com or email brian@brian4brentwood.com