Meet the Candidate: Richard O’Brien, Mayor of Riverbank

The following is a questionnaire sent out by The Bee to candidates for the November 2009 election. Candidates supplied the answers, and they are being published it their unedited form.

What is your full, legal name?

Richard Dennis O’Brien

What name do you prefer be used in print?

Richard O’Brien

What office do you seek?

Mayor of Riverbank

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I want to be the mayor for the people of Riverbank and I will provide leadership to the city council -

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Make the process more transparent, control the out of control spending that is prevailing in this city,

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have strong leadership skills and extensive planning experience. As a businessman I set goals, established milestones and evaluated results against expectations. My conservative and business-like thinking will make a major difference in the city’s government. I will be steadfast in making sure our City finances are in order and will ensure that our tax dollars be spent wisely.

Where do you work and what is your job title? (If retired, list position before retirement)

O’Brien’s Market/Manager – Commander USN - Retired

What date were you born and where?

August 14, 1951 Schenectady NY

What is your spouse's name, if any?

Christy H. O’Brien

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

Amber K. O’Brien-VerHulst (36) Daniel P. O’Brien (33)

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

Davis High School, Modesto Junior College, Purdue University, University of Guam, University of Mary Washington – Masters in Business Administration

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? (Include dates and office title)

Have you run before for an elected public office? (Include dates and exact office title)

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?

Not determined

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? If so, please include dates and the location the bankruptcy was filed.