Galen Kusic Editor At the Jan. 15 Benicia City Council meeting, an important discussion took place on the consideration of updating the City’s campaign ordinances at the request of Councilmember Tom Campbell. Following a discussion led by Campbell, the council provided direction to staff to study the Santa Clara campaign ordinance model dealing with dark […]
Officials, candidates decry campaign calls
As election season shifts further into gear, several Benicians have reported receiving calls purporting to be surveys about the City Council election while asking questions reportedly putting one of its candidates in a negative light. One person who reported hearing the call was Vice Mayor Steve Young, who detailed his experiences with a recent call […]
Letters: Yep, it’s election season
Swaying the vote I get a kick out of the campaign season and have for the past 25 years or so. I remember a day when local, city elections were supposed to be free from political parties. Then in the early 2000s, Dan Smith (the first to do so that I remember) mentioned that the […]
Five school board candidates speak at LWV forum
School safety, mental health and district budgeting were among the topics addressed by prospective school board trustees at Wednesday’s candidate’s forum at the Benicia Public Library. As part of its efforts to ensure a more informed voting populace, Benicia’s League of Women Voters hosted a forum with the five candidates in the Dona Benicia […]
Letters: Birdseye views
Don’t be fooled I have talked about the “Shadow Government, the self-appointed leader of whom appears to be Mayor Patterson. Her self-appointed second in command is Vice Mayor Young. She is now hard at work to get Birdseye elected to the City Council as a third vote and have a very simple majority. Now she […]
Steve Young: Benicia voters should be wary of fake poll
While relaxing at home one evening, I received a call from a Saratoga phone number. The caller said she was conducting a poll for Research America on the upcoming election for governor, senator and City Council. Having more than a passing interest in the topic, I agreed to be questioned on my opinions. However there […]
Incumbent school board president seeking another term
As the only incumbent in the school board race, Board President Diane Ferrucci is looking to continue her experience not only on the school board but also her extensive education background. “I am well-qualified to continue in my position as a board member, having served multiple facets of education,” she said. “I’ve been a teacher, […]
Letter: Birdseye for council
Birdseye for council Ever since I was elected to be your supervisor, I have found Kari Birdseye to be a tireless advocate for Benicia. Nearly two decades ago, Kari and her husband chose to make Benicia their home. Kari raised her family in Benicia, put her kids through Benicia’s schools and volunteered numerous hours as […]
Candidate Spotlight: Christina Strawbridge seeking return to council
Following her defeat in 2016, Councilmember Christina Strawbridge knew exactly what she wanted to do: run again to get back on the City Council. “I really enjoyed being on the council,” Strawbridge, who had served from 2011 to 2016, said. “It was a progression as far as my involvement with the town, having been on […]
Letters: Elections and endorsements
An important election For many, this November’s election is insignificant due to it not being a presidential election. However, for the citizens of Benicia, it holds great significance. Residents and business owners have been burdened with a City Council of “tax and spend” philosophy these last few years. Increases in water rates, building fees, security […]