By Bob Livesay
Special to the Herald

Why would I say that? Very simple: it is the new organization in Benicia to get Progressives elected. They call themselves Benicia Progressive Democrats. All are backed by the Solano County Central Democratic Committee. We must remember both Vice Mayor Steve Young and Planning Commission Chair– and possible council candidate– Kari Birdseye are members from the 2nd District Democratic Central Committee. The voters have places to make their complaints known: the ballot box. The elected officials of this city do not run under any particular party. It should remain that way.
That is not what this new group wants. All elections to them are partisan. They want no one other than a supported Democrat running for any nonpartisan elected position, which means close to home the Benicia City Council. They now want to stack that council under the cloak of President Trump. All differences can be settled by a council vote or at election time. I do believe we saw that in the 2016 city election. Someone was elected on one issue and one issue only. That may have inspired this group to go rogue. Does this person’s authoritarian behavior now extend to all council/committee members and those with opposing views. I do not think so.
It is time the voters start to recognize that is happening at the mayoral/council level. That does not create a healthy standard of moving this city forward. It creates a sense of authoritarian/dictatorial authority and very partisan politics that can and will be used if it goes unchallenged. It is now happening with this new group. Elected officials should show respect for the local residents/voters, volunteers and anyone that is willing to do the service to this fine city. I do believe the present mayor/council has shown respect for appointed members and the residents with the recent exception of a newly elected councilmember and the ongoing behavior of our mayor. These two seem to go hand-in-hand and appear to behave in the same manner: condescending, authoritarian/partisan behavior toward appointed members and the residents. I do believe the newly elected councilmember is the one carrying the message for the mayor. You know how that goes: you say it for me and I will have your back. What this means is that if you are a registered Republican trying to get elected to the nonpartisan City Council, you will be attacked by this group.
We all understand that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the city of Benicia. In a nonpartisan election, that should not matter. Even Vice Mayor Young would agree with that, I think. If Young and Birdseye are members of District 2 Democratic Council, that should give you the answer. You will see in the 2018 council election this new group go into very partisan action. The new councilmember and the mayor will only back a Progressive Democrat. They will not back a former councilmember who states she is running. If Councilmember Hughes chooses to run, they will not back him for one reason and one reason only: he is a Republican. That is a big time no for a Progressive Democrat. The only reason for this new group who calls themselves Progressive Democrats is to eliminate any competition from either a Republican or a more middle-of-the-road Democrat. That’s pure Bernie Sanders Socialist Progressive politics.
Anyone that follows local politics has seen this coming. I watched it progress over the last eight years very rapidly. Partisan politics has no place in local politics. It is natural for potential City Council candidates to be from the dominant registered voters of a party. In Benicia, that would be overwhelmingly Democrat. That’s fine, except City Council elections are nonpartisan. This new group does not see it that way. Pure Socialist Progressive ideals are their total belief. You know, we will run the show. The big problem is that could be the case. The only way to keep it under control is to go after their failed agenda driven ideals. Bring out their failed agendas and anti-local resident negligence. On the local residents’ negligence, the mayor is the star. I do believe her behavior is starting to show as she seems to have unveiled some cracks in her temperament. The residents are now starting to see that. Benicia Happenings tells that story very clearly. Any candidate that does not fit the Progressive Democrats’ ideals must have a very strong platform and go after the failed accomplishments of this group’s candidates and their backers. There are many that any candidate can attack. It can be committee members and for sure the mayor’s loyal followers. It can be done, but it will not be easy. Look at all committees, committee chairs, loyal followers, groups, etc. This new group will attack Valero, PG&E and any big business. Their weakness must be exposed.
I do not write this as against any group but just to make residents aware in my belief what is happening right before their eyes. Please take note and be aware of what is happening in this fine city. Partisan politics are great, but to put non-partisan politics in the same boat is wrong.

Bob Livesay is a Benicia resident.

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