By John McGuire Special to the Herald We are being asked in this election to vote for one of two people running for mayor of the City of Benicia. While I had thought that our community of Benicia was free of the negative campaigning that seems to occur far too often on the federal and […]
Christina Strawbridge: To receive or not to receive an endorsement– that is the question
I am honored to have received the following endorsements and support for my City Council reelection: * Benicia Police Officers Association * Local 1186 Benicia Firefighters Association * Benicia Teachers’ Association * Solano Board of Realtors * Benicia Chamber of Commerce * Napa Solano Labor Council * Napa Solano Building Trades Council The Police and […]
Candidate Spotlight: Seven questions with Tom Campbell
The Herald recently invited City Councilman Tom Campbell for an interview, to discuss his campaign for re-election to the council. Dr. Campbell provided responses to the following questions posed by the Herald. 1. How did you get into politics? When were you first interested? Dr. Campbell’s interest in politics grew of his involvement with the […]
Carole Arneson: Taking the high road in the Benicia election
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 […]
Craig Snider: Questionable endorsement in Benicia politics
(This post has been updated from the print edition) My hat is off to the full slate of capable and qualified people vying for positions on our City Council. Anyone who follows the workings of this body knows well the time and commitment required in what’s too often a thankless job. Being a 13-year resident […]
Rep. Mike Thompson addresses citizens in library coffee talk
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, who represents Benicia in the House of Representatives, paid a visit to the Benicia Public Library on Tuesday for a “Coffee with the Congressman” event in the Dona Benicia Room. Attendees enjoyed coffee and pastries and got to ask questions of the Democratic congressman. Below are excerpts of some of […]
Candidate spotlight: Lionel Largaespada reflects on busy campaign
The City Council election is a five-way race among two incumbents— Tom Campbell and Christina Strawbridge— and three newcomers. Two of those newcomers— George Oakes and Steve Young— have served on the Planning Commission for five and four years respectively, making Lionel Largaespada— who has served as vice chair of the Economic Development Board since […]
Candidates address, mingle with residents at LWV meet and greet
Thursday evening was a night for Benicia residents to talk to their mayoral and City Council candidates as people, not as politicians, and also get them to answer their burning questions. Benicia’s League of Women Voters hosted a candidate meet and greet in the Dona Benicia Room of the Benicia Public Library, where citizens could […]
Matt Talbot: Some thoughts on the 2016 election following the first debate
The general consensus among pundits, and confirmed by scientific polling since, is that Hillary Clinton won the presidential debate on Monday night. I would agree with that consensus, but I still think she is a weak candidate. She reminds me in many ways of the last candidate who ran to succeed a two-term Democrat: Al […]
Mixed-use development, historic preservation discussed at Candidates’ Night
(This is the second of a two-part series. For Part 1, go here.) Northern Gateway Project Following discussion of Valero’s Crude-By-Rail Project at Tuesday’s Candidates’ Night forum, moderator Peter Friesen then turned the discussion to another controversial proposal for Benicia: the Northern Gateway development. The project, brought forth by the Orinda-based company Schwartz Land Development, […]