Work does not end for Steve Gizzi while campaigning for a judgeship. The Benicia attorney still attends to his clients while running for office. (Photo by George Johnston)

Steven Gizzi, a former Benicia vice mayor and current practicing attorney, is running for Solano County Superior Court judge, succeeding Harry S. Kinnicutt who retired in March.

Gizzi says he is campaigning for the judgeship to all allow courts to be more innovative and make justice more accessible for people. The former Benicia City Councilmember says he will do that by encouraging courts to take advantage of new technologies and increasing legal comprehension through the legal system and the available resources.

“I am not somebody who is looking at this as a retirement job so I can get some benefits and pension,” Gizzi said. “I am excited about doing the job and getting involved with it. I am familiar with the courts and the judges, and I think that’s something that is very important.”

Born in San Francisco, Gizzi made a short migration northeast to Benicia, where he has lived for the past 30 years, raising a family and making the city his home. He served on the Economic Development Board from 1986 to 1990, the Chamber of Commerce board from 1990 to 1993, the Planning Commission from 1990 to 1996 and the City Council from 1996 to 2002.

For 20 years, Gizzi was a mediator. He said he did that to enhance his law practice. Twelve years ago, he started his practice in Benicia with his partner Scott Reep. Two years later, Gizzi began serving as Judge pro tem, having– according to him– served more than 300 days as a judge and listening to 4,000 cases ranging from small claims to criminal misdemeanors. He also has taught aspiring  judges for 10 years at the National Judicial College.

Campaigning for a judgeship is vastly different than vying for a seat the on the City Council, Gizzi said. For one thing, the scope is much bigger. Gizzi said he not only must convince the people of Benicia why he would be the person for the judgeship but also sway over enough citizens of Solano County to his side with him before the election. He has been trying to do that by visiting a majority of the cities within the county while still handling his law firm and working as a Judge pro tem. His opponent, John Coffer, is a criminal defense attorney from Vacaville.

Nonetheless, Gizzi has picked up his share of endorsements. Among those throwing their support are Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, three of Benicia’s councilmembers,  Monica Brown of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, former Councilmember Christina Strawbridge, Vallejo Councilmember Rozzana_Verder-Aliga and scores of city officials and citizens throughout Solano County.

“I have the most relevant experience for this job,” Gizzi said. “I already heard 4,000 cases. I am ready for this job. I need some technical training. I know what I need, and I am ready to do it.”

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