Is the mayor losing her political grip?

A couple of very interesting things have happened lately. One is the delay of the water increase and the other is Regional Measure 3, also known as the bridge toll increase measure. The vote on the water delay increase was a 2-2 tie, which means no action was taken and the increase will go into effect as scheduled. Yes, the mayor won that vote but had a defection from her grip. Vice Mayor Young voted for the delay, and the mayor voted for no delay. That vote by Vice Mayor Young must have set the mayor free.
An even more important vote was the Progressive Democrats of Benicia, who voted “no” on RM 3. In an e-alert, the mayor about her “yes” vote on RM3. The RM 3 “no” vote by the Progressive Democrats of Benicia was another big setback for the mayor. Only two votes were for a “yes.” Vice Mayor Young was a “no” vote on RM 3, and he is member of the steering committee. It appears Vice Mayor Young is easing himself away from the mayor’s influence.
It’s also very interesting to note the officers and steering committee of the Progressive Democrats of Benicia. The member list is very interesting. Many of those on the steering committee are devout Mayor Patterson backers, but apparently only two voted her way. That’s another huge setback for the mayor.
So as you see, the recommendation from the PDB was a “no” vote, another defection from her grip._ Who were the two yes votes on RM3? Maybe none of the expected steering committee members voted with the mayor and all voted “no” on RM 3. They will have to tell us. I would hope the two “yes” voters would come forward publicly. It would be a very big help to the public to know just how this group is voting and who they are.
Yes, the mayor has had some recent desertions from her grip and I expect more. It’s not a good year for the mayor. I will follow all the mayor’s votes and actions. We as voters and residents must know her stance and who she will be backing in the 2018 City Council election. I will keep you informed. Stay tuned.

Bob “The Owl” Livesay,
Benicia

Thank you to Carquinez Village founders

For the past year I have been inspired by two women who have quietly, but steadfastly, improved the quality of life for seniors, and future seniors, in Benicia.   It’s been a year since their Carquinez Village concept became a reality, offering peace of mind to seniors in that living independently is possible with a little help from your community.  The village concept – Connecting, Supporting, and Inspiring Seniors – is beautifully enhanced each week in articles written for the Benicia Herald by founders Judie Donaldson and Lois Requist. There’s something for everyone – every age — in these articles.  I encourage everyone to take advantage of the wisdom of their words.  With more than enough negative news to otherwise peruse, their articles leave you feeling optimistic, for the day ahead and the future.  Thank you, Lois and Judie.  You are treasures to this community.

Carole Arneson,
Benicia

Support Snedeker for sheriff

I am honored to share my support for Daryl Snedeker, a new sheriff candidate for Solano County. Please join me as we vote the right leader into this position on Tuesday.
I have known Daryl for the past 20 years. He is a man of integrity, committed to his family, and committed to finding solutions for the best results when it comes to protecting our communities. We always hear campaign promises during election seasons, but Daryl is the real Deal. I appreciate his clear approach, focusing on three vital issues as our new sheriff; _
1. Increased priority on prevention
2. Being more efficient with resources that provides for better officer training, and
3. Improving community partnerships that engages in a comprehensive approach that produces sustainable change to the core issues our cities and communities all are facing.
As a resident in Fairfield, I have served our communities in addressing our massive chronic homeless population. Daryl knows that we have to address this issue at its core root. The severely and persistently mental health population roaming our streets is a huge barrier for change. When you add those addicted to alcohol and other forms of mind or mood altering substances, those circumstances become more unmanageable. We cannot just keep locking people up. We need real change.
This election should be about the right leader for the position and not about how many advertisement signs can be purchased and posted throughout the county at intersections or posted on billboards. In this election, “Living by the Good Old-Boy Mentality,” is not going to help us! Daryl will do a better job for you and the overall safety of our communities.
Vote for the right leader, Daryl Snedeker, for sheriff on June 5.

Raymond Courtemanche,
Benicia

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