THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER AND PLEASANTONVOTERS AGREE –
CANDIDATES TESTA, GUPTA AND KRUTTIVENTI DESERVE YOUR
CONSIDERATION
The October 22, 2026 edition of The Independent has endorsed the same three candidates previously endorsed by PleasantonVoters.com: Julie Testa for Mayor, Reena Gupta for City Council District 3, and Vin Kruttiventi for District 1.
Both endorsements highlight the importance of responsible growth management, addressing the City’s budget challenges, and electing leaders who bring new ideas, energy, independent thinking, and a willingness to work respectfully with residents.
Leadership and Independence Matter
In its mayoral endorsement, The Independent expressed concern about Mayor Jack Balch’s independence from real estate development and commercial building interests, noting his connection to Balch Enterprises, his family’s business, which describes itself as a full-service developer, builder, and property manager.
In contrast, Julie Testa states that she has refused donations and endorsements from special or financial interests that expect something in return.
Public Campaign Finance Information
Separately, a publicly available independent expenditure report filed by the National Association of Realtors on October 21, 2026, shows expenditures totaling $33,682 in support of Jack Balch for Mayor through mailers and digital advertising, and $19,012 in support of Kathy Narum in Pleasanton’s District 1 City Council race against Vin Kruttiventi. Jaime Yee has received $1,000. from the California Real Estate Political Action Committee.
These publicly filed expenditures provide additional information for voters to consider as they evaluate campaign funding and the candidates’ positions on growth management and the City’s financial future.
The Independent’s City Council Endorsements
The newspaper praised Vin Kruttiventi’s experience in business operations and fiscal management as an asset to the City Council, calling him the “better choice” over his opponent, Kathy Narum.
In District 3, The Independent endorsed Reena Gupta over Jaime Yee, citing her “numerous community activities and business savvy.”
For mayor, Testa states that she has refused donations or endorsements "from special or financial interests from anyone who expects something in return.” She supports the city’s Urban Growth Boundary.
Pleasanton deserves independent and thoughtful leadership that prioritizes the community’s long-term interests, sound fiscal judgement, and welcomes residents’ concerns and ideas.
Learn More About the Candidates for City Council
● Julie Testa for Mayor: JulieTesta.com
● Reena Gupta, District 3: ReenaforPleasanton.com
● Vin Kruttiventi, District 1: Vote4Vin.com
● City of Pleasanton candidate campaign filings
Our endorsement committee reviewed each candidate's completed questionnaire, campaign materials, publicity available information, relevant articles, campaign finance reports, and voting records where available. We considered both the candidates' experience and their ideas for addressing Pleasanton's challenges and opportunities.
