Edi Birsan Moves from Public Critic to City Leader

An avid city council meeting attendee, public commenter and proud Concord citizen has finally made his way after four years and one failed political campaign from the podium to the dais.

Edi Birsan "has gone to the other side," as as Contra Costa Times columnist Tom Barnidge points out.

Birsan has lobbied over the years for library funding, neighborhood stop signs, streetlights, police substations and pension reform. Unlike the other council candidates, the Concord businessman who owns a company named after himself — called E.D.I — Birsan has never been a government employee. He told Concord Patch just before the election that his focus "has been and will be the residents, not the special interests, city contractors and insiders."

What will this mean for his team of watchdog meeting regulars? And what will it mean for the citizens of Concord?

If Birsan follows departing Vice Mayor Bill Shinn's advice, then he'll "give 'em hell." If he adheres to the words of District Attorney Mark Peterson, he'll be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

How do you think Edi Birsan will fare on the Concord City Council? Share your thoughts in the comments below.