After having a presence at Benicia City Council meetings for more than 20 years, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin will be exiting the dais in March. McLaughlin said after nearly 22 years in the position and numerous health issues over the years, it was time to move on. “I love this position,” she said. “I […]
Council approves employment agreement
Cannabis discussion, vote delayed to December meeting The Benicia City Council voted to accept the employment agreement between the city of Benicia and City Attorney Heather McLaughlin at its Tuesday meeting. In 2010 and 2011, the city manager and city attorney accepted 10 percent reductions in their salaries based on the barging negotiations that were […]
Looking back: Benicia’s long journey toward open government
After the city council’s recent open government training session on Jan. 3, the Herald interviewed a few key players who are credited with bringing the city’s current Open Government Ordinance into being. Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin and former Benicia Herald Editor John Moses agreed to be interviewed regarding the history and significance […]
City Attorney: Valero won’t sue over crude-by-rail decision
Following the City Council’s unanimous denial of Valero’s proposed crude-by-rail project in September, speculations abounded over whether or not the refinery would sue the city of Benicia over its decision. Residents received an answer at Tuesday’s council meeting when City Attorney Heather McLaughlin reported that Valero would not go forward with a lawsuit. During the […]
Candidates may have ‘final word’ in pre-Election Day forum (UPDATE)
(UPDATE 11/3/16: This event has been canceled by unanimous decision of the mayoral and city council candidates.) With Election Day being just a week from today, Benicia’s mayoral and City Council candidates are coming under heavy scrutiny. Information is constantly being circulated, primarily through campaign mailers, that may or may not be true. Benicia’s Open […]