You’ve got to have thick skin to run for public office, even in our small town. It is unfortunate that our local candidates must be on alert to defend their integrity or correct misinformation on a regular basis during the campaign.

But what really concerns me, as a Benician who is passionate about voters making informed decisions, is that it is not possible to correct every slight; and even when corrections are made, sometimes the damage is already done. A perception has been created, true or not. Negative campaigning works, so they say; and that’s why it’s done. Does that imply that we believe everything we read or hear?

Nearly every day I read something in the newspaper or on social media that is negative towards one of our mayoral or city council candidates. Often it is fairly obvious to me that the information being conveyed is simply untrue, but what if I really don’t know the candidates? What if I rely on newspapers for information, assuming it is factual? What if the information incudes “facts and figures” that sound informed and I really don’t want to fact check? What prompts voters to vote for – or against — a particular candidate if they don’t already have a strong opinion on who they like?

A recent example is a Letter to the Editor in the Oct 6 Benicia Herald, titled “Northern Gateway proposal on Seeno land.” After listing a number of concerns over a proposal by the developer to build up to 900 single family homes (concerns include water, schools, firehouse, impact on property values), the author states that “in contrast, Mark Hughes and Lionel Largaespada spoke in very positive tones about the possibility of the growth this project would bring.” The “in contrast” statement is very misleading to voters, and unfortunately was communicated not only to the Benicia Herald readers but to 23 neighborhoods in the web-based Nextdoor application as well as on the author’s Facebook page. It implies that Hughes and Largaespada support the development of 900 homes and have no such concerns, which is incorrect. Both have stated their support of an industrial/commercial development and the benefits it would bring to Benicia. I have personally heard Mr. Hughes express in a number of public forums his similar concerns about water, schools, and fire support.

Also, in the Benicia Herald Forum dated Sep 29, titled “A look back at funding in recent Benicia mayoral elections,” information was provided on campaign contributions for Benicia’s mayoral candidates, to indicate how they will lead or be influenced going forward. This sounds informative. For this purpose, Elizabeth Patterson’s mayoral election in 2011 (her third election) and Mark Hughes’ city council election in 2005 (his first election) were compared and conclusions drawn by the author.

My first thought was, if this is a look back at funding in “recent mayoral elections,” why are we looking at and comparing a 2005 city council election (Hughes) and a 2011 mayoral election (Patterson)? Why not compare their campaign contributions to date for the current mayoral election? The information is readily available on the City of Benicia website, and summarized below:

2016 To Date               Patterson    Hughes

Total Contributions: $ 21,302           $ 25,530

Tot >$100                  18,853                23,094

Benicia $ >$100       15,123 80.2%      19,904 86.2%

The implication by the author in “A look back,” is that candidate Hughes is beholden to “outside special interests which can dominate our local elections and change our small town atmosphere forever.” The 2016 data reflects that there are no outside special interest groups or Political Action Committees to fear here.

And as for the look back on previous election contributions, if there is a question as to how Mr. Hughes will lead or be influenced or whether our small town atmosphere could change in light of his 2005 election contributions, there is no need to speculate. We have 11 years of his actual experience making decisions for Benicia since he was elected to the City Council in 2005. Perhaps the reason Mr. Hughes is supported by so many community groups and elected officials is because they have observed his actions on the council for the past 11 years and believe he is the best candidate to represent Benicians in the future as Mayor.

Both our mayoral candidates have represented Benicians for many years (Patterson since 2003 and Hughes since 2005). They have an extensive record of voting on issues over this period, and their views and leadership style are very different. How they will lead or be influenced in the future will likely be similar to how they have conducted themselves in the past. This is an advantage to voters in that we can draw a contrast between these two candidates.

Being passionate about a candidate is good. I’d like to read more letters addressing the positive qualities of a candidate. But, deliberately misleading voters is a disservice to our community.

Ideally, candidates and their supporters will take the high road to Nov 8. But until then, I ask fellow Benicians, don’t believe everything you read or hear. If something sounds negatively biased or illogical, follow up. Get to know these candidates if you don’t already know them. Attend or watch (local programming channel 27, Comcast) a city council meeting (1^st, 3^rd Tuesdays at 7 pm, and 4^th Tuesday 6 pm), attend a meet and greet, contact them personally, ask questions. Look at their websites to see who is publicly endorsing them. Are their supporters people in our community whom you respect?

Benicia elections are about Benicia, and this election will be determined by Benicia voters. Register to vote, become informed on the facts, and VOTE on Nov 8.

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