“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
–Stewart Udall, “The Quiet Crisis”
Fair question: Is realtor cash replacing Trade Union PAC money in our 2016 election cycle? Let’s examine the five council candiates.
Dr. Tom Campbell, councilmember.
1. California Real Estate PAC. $540. Los Angeles. Oct.3, 2016.
Lionel Largaespada, Economic Development Board vice chair and candidate for council.
1. Teresa Costello. Real Estate-self-employed. $100. June 6, 2016.
Christina Strawbridge, councilmember.
1. Jeannie Hamann. Real Estate. $540. Aug.11,2016.
2. Tim Hamann. Real Estate. $540. Aug. 11,2016.
3. Richard Bortolazzo. Real Estate. $500. Aug.11,2016
4. Sherri Bortolazzo. Real Estate. $500. Aug.11, 2016.
5. California Real Estate PAC. $540. Los Angeles. Oct. 3, 2016.
6. K. Olson. Olson Realty. $150. Oct. 11, 2016.
Total money given by realtors so far to the Strawbridge campaign: $2,770.
George Oakes, planning commissioner and candidate for council.
1. Laurie Kirk, real estate owner. Vallejo. $100. Aug. 20, 2016.
2. Laurie Nesci, realtor. Vallejo. $100. Aug. 26, 2016
3. V. Bechelli & J.Moore. Coldwell Banker-Solano Pacific. $100. Aug.24, 2016.
4. K. Olson–Olson Realty. $150. Aug. 26, 2016.
5. Zenalda & Mike Sweatfield. ARS Realty. $200. Aug. 20, 2016
6. Ken Paulk. Realtor. Twin Oaks. $200. Aug.22,2016.
7. Jose Bolanos Realty. Vallejo. $100. Aug. 24, 2016.
8. Toni Foster. Realtor Twin Oaks. $100. Aug. 29, 2016.
9. Rose Hadaway. Realtor. Coldwell Banker. $270. Aug. 30, 2016.
10. California Association of Realtors PAC. Los Angeles. $540.00 Oct. 10, 2016.
Total money given by realtors so far to the Oakes campaign: $1,760.
Steve Young, planning commissioner and candiate for council.
1. Andrean Hayashi. Realtor.Keller-Willaims Real Estate Agency. $540. May 27, 2016_.
2. Valarie Bechelli. Realtor. Coldwell-Banker. $100. May 27, 2016.
3. Jennifer Moore. Realtor. Coldwell Banker. $100. June 21, 2016.
Total money given by realtors so far to the Young campaign: $740.
Realtors represent the urban growth machine, defined as the quantitative increase in the size of the urban-built environment. With only one week to go before the election –and one of the biggest issues facing our ”little city” being the Seeno property development –who among those vying for council_has received the most money from realtors? Fair questions: Will this money impact/ influence their decision on this project?_ Who will the voters trust?
Will Gregory is a Benicia resident
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Will it appears you are making a big deal out of nothing. All donors are either retired or have a job/profession. Are you now going to breakdown all donors by work category. Will stop this nonsense. This only makes you look like you have nothing better to do. ,.
Another commonality shared by the unsuccessful candidates last time was the endorsement of organized real estate interests. I believe a large majority of residents do not want more housing development, and the endorsement of organized real estate suggests that the candidate may be open to discussing and possibly approving new housing development. I believe the Seeno property as housing is on the radar of some candidates, as it was last election.
The winning candidates in 2016 were not endorsed by police, fire, labor, or real estate. Benicia voters are more than likely to go that way again.