■ Discussion planned about ballot measures

Benicia voters can hear candidates for the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees and those speaking in favor and against several local measures on the November ballot during a voter forum Oct. 11 at Benicia City Hall.

This year, the League of Women Voters Benicia, the city’s Open Government Commission and the American Association of University Women Benicia-Vallejo Branch collaborated on the forum to encourage civic engagement, said Gayle Vaughan and Susan Street, spokespersons for the League.

Another goal, they said, is to give voters information to help them make informed choices in the Nov. 4 election.

Candidates for Benicia Unified School District Board are incumbents Steve Messina, Peter Morgan and Rosie Switzer and challenger Diane Ferrucci.

Though two City Council seats will be decided Nov. 4, neither candidate — incumbents Mark Hughes and Alan Schwartzman — is opposed. They chose not to participate in the forum.

Among the presentations will be the pros and cons of Proposition 1, the California water bond act that replaced a previous measure, Proposition 43.

If voters approve, Prop. 1, the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act, $7.12 billion in general obligation bonds would be authorized for state water supply infrastructure projects, such as water system improvements, surface and groundwater storage, drinking water protection, recycling and improved water management technology.

The bond measure does not authorize funds to be used for the water-conveying tunnels favored by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Solano County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Linda Seifert, the District 2 supervisor who represents Benicia, and Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, representing No On Prop. 1, will describe their views on the measure.

Those attending also will hear a presentation about a pair of local measures.

Measure B asks voters to decide whether the currently elected position of city treasurer should become an appointed post.

Measure C increases the local sales tax by 1 cent per dollar spent.

Of the organizing bodies, the Open Government Commission is a mayor-appointed advisory panel that makes recommendations to the Council, city departments and other panels about compliance with city codes governing public access to government.

The League of Women Voters, founded in 1920, is a nonpartisan, grassroots political organization with more than 900 state and local chapters. League of Women Voters Benicia was formed in 2004. Those interested in the League may contact Julie Mann by email at jmann436@gmail.com.

The American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Those interested in the AAUW may email Marilyn Schaefer at formizmiz@aol.com.

None of the organizations favors or opposes candidates, and while the League occasionally takes a stand on ballot measures, it has made no recommendation regarding Prop. 1.

The forum is open to the public and will be broadcast and recorded.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 250 East L St.