The City of Richmond is heading into its June primary, and many residents are wondering why several candidates have yet to clearly communicate their beliefs or outline how they plan to improve the city.
Key questions have begun to emerge. For example, how should the $500 million Chevron settlement be used? Issues such as police department staffing, contract negotiations, and the use of FLOCK cameras have also become increasingly controversial. At the same time, residents are seeking clarity on the future vision for major local assets, including the Port of Richmond, the Riggers Loft building, Whirley Crane, and the Craneway.
Other concerns include whether candidates are focusing too heavily on national and international political issues rather than local priorities.
Former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt is not waiting for answers—he has provided the community with a list of 21 questions that voters should be asking every candidate.
(Note – if any candidate wants to fill them out and submit it for publication – it will be published).
Butt wrote, “Here are some questions about real issues that can be asked at candidate presentations. For “yes” or “no” answers, elaborate on why and how.
- How would you allocate the $550 million Chevron settlement funds?
- Do you support increasing the number of sworn police officers?
- Do you support continuing the City’s Community Crisis Response Program or using the Contra Costa County program instead?
- What is your vision for the future of the Port of Richmond Point Potrero Marine Terminal?
- What is your vision for the future of the Riggers Loft?
- Do you support moving the Red Oak Victory out of Historic Shipyard 3?
- What is your vision for the future of the Whirley Crane?
- What is your vision for the future cooperation between the City of Richmond and Rosie the Riveter WWI Home Front National Historical Park?
- Do you support Flock cameras?
- What is your vision for the future of the Craneway?
- Do you support appointment of all authorized representatives to the Design Review Board?
- How would you deal with sideshows?
- How would you deal with illegal fireworks?
- How would you deal with vehicle parking blocking sidewalks?
- Are you for more or fewer bicycle lanes?
- Do you support more staffing for code enforcement?
- How would you reduce blight, including dumping on public streets and sidewalks?
- How would you enforce regulations on smoke shops?
- Richmond got a $14.5 million grant to convert a former Motel 6 to 48 homeless housing units. That’s over $302,000 per unit for a studio apartment. Do you think that is a good deal for Richmond?
- Do you think Richmond is doing enough to encourage new housing development?
- Do you support Marina Point and the Quarry Residential Project?
With the passage of Measure J, the City of Richmond now will hold primary elections for its mayor and council seats – a winning candidate must receive 50%+1 of the vote. Meaning if a candidate does not win more than 50% majority vote, the top 2 candidates move onto a November runoff.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS/BALLOT DESIGNATIONS – MAYORAL CANDIDATES
- ANDERSON, AHMAD – (HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR)
- JIMENEZ, CLAUDIA – (COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF RICHMOND)
- JOHNSON, DEMNLUS III – (POLICY ANALYST)
- MARTINEZ, EDUARDO – (MAYOR, CITY OF RICHMOND)
- WASSBERG, MARK – NO CANDIDATE STATEMENT FILED – (FILMMAKER)
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS/BALLOT DESIGNATIONS – COUNCIL CANDIDATES BY DISTRICTS
- ZEPEDA, CESAR – DISTRICT 2 – (COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF RICHMOND, D2)
- EVANS, BRANDON – DISTRICT 3 – (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
- ROBINSON, DORIA – DISTRICT 3 – (CITY COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF RICHMOND)
- BANA, SOHEILA – DISTRICT 4 – (COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF RICHMOND)
- GALLON, KEYCHA – DISTRICT 4 – (PHARMACY TECHNICIAN)
- PURSELL, JAMIN – DISTRICT 4 – (Small Business CEO)
If any candidate wishes to fill out the 21 questions or be interviewed on a podcast, please email [email protected]
