Thank you for such a detailed analysis of each candidate. After reading this I’m still not sure who I will be voting for though there are a few who do not make the cut.
However, I think you are way too focused on the cannabis dispensaries. If you have ever been to one you would know you must show identification to enter and you must be 21. I have been to many dispensaries in different cities and overall they are clean, employed by knowledgable people, they offer an alternative to prescription drugs and are simply not accessible to those under 21. I do wish you would visit these spots and see that they are not what you are assuming. As a person over 50 I can tell you that a great many people in this demographic are the ones visiting.
Thanks, Jan. I have nothing at all against cannabis dispensaries. I think they should have the right to locate on Main Street just like any other business. I think the better question is why downtown businesses opposed having them there? I think they should be on Main Street rather than near schools and youth centers. I’m not worried about kids getting into them, but I am worried about kids being influenced by them when they’re not mature enough to use cannabis responsibly. I once had a very scary experience as a youth mentor with a youth who had misused cannabis. All I want is for them to be located in appropriate places. Martinez has not acted as responsibly as many other cities in my opinion on this topic. I have absolutely no problem with responsible adult use of cannabis. I just don’t think the city should always put the interests of downtown businesses ahead of kids. These candidates talk endlessly about supporting businesses but never have anything to say about supporting kids. I think that’s a shame.
Thanks Craig. You make perfect sense and having it downtown seems an obvious choice. Many politicians talk about helping kids but few ever do anything.
"Many politicians talk about helping kids but few ever do anything."
So true, which is likely part of the reason we're seeing a mental health crisis with this generation of kids, among so many other challenges. The generation represented by most of these candidates may go down in history as perhaps the first one that left their children's generation worse off than their own. Given the things politicians focus on at council meetings and in campaigns, it's no surprise.
Possible, but I have a feeling that some of the conservative/MAGA type voters in town would be happy enough with a few of the more established candidates. The other candidates may all be self-identified Democrats, but in some cases, that seems to be in name only, and they often pay little more than lip service to progressive values. You pretty much have to be a Democrat to have a political future in Contra Costa County these days, otherwise I think a few of these candidates would happily blow with the Republican breeze. For some people, their core political value is advancing their own political career, and telling voters (and perhaps more important campaign donors) whatever they want to hear to make that happen.
Do all the candidates live in the downtown corridor? I point this out because none of them mention helping to improve the business areas near Nob Hill and Raley’s. None of them mention the imbed housing developments and how they are going to impact current residents in those areas. Why is the focus only on downtown and the marina?! What about the rest of the city.
Great question about why the focus is always on the downtown and the marina (personally, I'm boycotting Main Street businesses until the ban against cannabis dispensaries locating there ends; it's just not fair). I'd love to know as well. I've brought up the issue of the council's obsession with catering to the Main Street business community routinely at council meetings.
Ralph Nader once famously said: “The only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when corporations knock on their door.”
In Martinez, I think you could make the argument that the only difference between the six candidates for Mayor is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when Main Street's small business community knocks on their door."
Interesting perspectives, although a little rough around the edges...I see conflict of interest as a possible concern for at least a few of these candidates based on their current professions and I leave that right there because it's up to individuals to determine if they are concerned or not on that and they bring other very important representation to the table. A trump supporter is a red flag and should be kicked to the curb no matter what the espousing of their supposed unproven interests. I see two candidates whose careers could be actually valuable experience (instead of a conflict of interest), but only one has decades of experience in all these arenas, which would bring the opportunity for depth of knowledge to bring the changes he writes about. But just because a candidate doesn't mention (for instance) social justice, isn't a reason to believe they don't have the interest, (unless you are talking about the current council, which you can clearly track the comments each has made on the subject when it came up). Mike Menesini has been about social justice for decades as an assistant DA in San Fransisco, where social justice is much more of a prominent issue that Martinez typically makes it. Dovetailing that background with increased community safety are already part and parcel to his dedication in his work. I think the reference to his past leadership here was unfair. He lost former runs that had more to do with competing candidates pulling from the same pool of voters, which is how incumbents are always so hard to unseat and one reason why this race is so critical right now. His age brings two additional things: a person who won't be a "lifer" and bring the position too much control and power and experience that the others do not have in this position, and frankly in this very fractured town whose identity and humanity is under attack. He has proven he can bring the right people to the table, bring in all voices and determine how community involvement will make things better, whether it's economic development (which has languished for 20 years) or environmental issues. (Citizens Advisory Committe is one that comes to mind and tackled any number of subjects brought to them by the public.) The current council has brought you a social justice committee with an obscure meaningless name you cannot remember and a committee that is ham strung by limitations on information and access to public input. I would vote for someone who would make sure that doesn't happen!
Thanks for your comments, Chey. You make some interesting points. And I'll be the first to admit that these posts often will be rough around the edges, as I'm doing this in my free time while juggling a full-time job and other commitments (I wish we had a full-time news source in Martinez, or that I could devote more time to this).
Your comments about Menesini and social justice are interesting. I'll just say (and I've heard this multiple times from Black activists on these issues) is that there's a perception that white, privileged liberals often are reluctant or disinterested in backing up their words on these issues with meaningful, ongoing action, especially when it conflicts with their own political interests. I attended a talk by Nikole Hannah-Jones of the 1619 Project in Walnut Creek a few weeks ago where she commented on how so many supposed allies in the BLM movement seem to have moved on in the two years since George Floyd. She said she was sorry to inform us that simply attending a march or putting up a BLM sign in our windows wasn't going to fix 400 years of systemic racism. There is a lot of skepticism among the true activists in the racial justice movement toward so-called White allies who often seem to offer words but little else in the way of support. And from what I've seen, it's well-founded. I think there's also a perception of Menesini as representative of the "old school" Martinez political establishment that is often driven by self interests and secret agendas; he came under fire about a decade ago for allegedly maneuvering to get himself appointed city manager when he was a sitting council member. I would love to see him openly address some of these concerns/questions. If he's genuinely committed to real, ongoing action on social justice issues (and not empty promises), as well as the welfare of all kids (including ones of color and from the LGBTQ community) I would seriously consider voting for him, especially given the lack of interest I'm seeing from other candidates on these issues.
Ayres has, very recently, I believe, added Priorities to the bottom of the "About" tab on his webpage. His priorities are Transparency in Local Government, mentioning specifically that candidates for the police chief should be disclosed and public comment solicited. His approach to homelessness is to be compassionate, not enabling. He wants to increase the number of police officers and support the public works department. He says he will collaborate with residents, listen to their concerns and discuss solutions.
Thanks for pointing them out. Either I missed them or they hadn't been added last time I looked. Copying and pasting his priorities here:|
MY PRIORITIES ARE:
Transparency in local government.
I am opening up all meetings for discussion and observation.
We have an opening for a police chief, yet the public does not see the shortlist of candidates being considered for the role so that we can express concerns to our district council members.
Residents must be provided with potential candidates and the ability to provide feedback/concerns or endorsement for public roles.
Our community needs safe streets, parks, and neighborhoods. Restore the amphitheater to what it was intended for – family events, performances, and concerts.
Take action on the homeless situation. My goal is to approach homelessness with compassion; not enable it.
Increase the number of police officers in Martinez to improve public safety, reduce crime and restore resident confidence in law enforcement.
Provide much-needed support to the public works department to help them maintain all city assets and neighborhoods.
It is a priority to collaborate with the residents, listen to their concerns and issues, and discuss solutions. I want to work as a team with the people and look forward to the opportunity to serve the community.
If seems we have a very small police department right now. We can’t increase the number of officers if they are not fully investigated and if they are not fully compensated. It’s my understanding compensation is once again, a major issue.
If i recall, the youth gym controversy by Velvet, was black owned and that it seemed like it was ignored as one of very few black owned businesses in Martinez. I still find it hard to believe that the good old boy club had nothing to do with the awarding of embarq or its' location. I have caution over Trambly, as he once worked for Miller and the family owns embarq.
Great read! Thank you so much for taking the time.
One more thing. Micheal Ayers is supported by the trump guy at the corner of Center and Morello which does say something.
Ugh ugh UGH!!!
And scary scenario , he could win due to diluted votes for so many other candidates
Check out many of his signs are on house that support tRump.
I see them several times a week. It’s horrifying. I mean it’s free speech and it’s his right to display those but I just find it so hostile.
Thank you for such a detailed analysis of each candidate. After reading this I’m still not sure who I will be voting for though there are a few who do not make the cut.
However, I think you are way too focused on the cannabis dispensaries. If you have ever been to one you would know you must show identification to enter and you must be 21. I have been to many dispensaries in different cities and overall they are clean, employed by knowledgable people, they offer an alternative to prescription drugs and are simply not accessible to those under 21. I do wish you would visit these spots and see that they are not what you are assuming. As a person over 50 I can tell you that a great many people in this demographic are the ones visiting.
Thanks, Jan. I have nothing at all against cannabis dispensaries. I think they should have the right to locate on Main Street just like any other business. I think the better question is why downtown businesses opposed having them there? I think they should be on Main Street rather than near schools and youth centers. I’m not worried about kids getting into them, but I am worried about kids being influenced by them when they’re not mature enough to use cannabis responsibly. I once had a very scary experience as a youth mentor with a youth who had misused cannabis. All I want is for them to be located in appropriate places. Martinez has not acted as responsibly as many other cities in my opinion on this topic. I have absolutely no problem with responsible adult use of cannabis. I just don’t think the city should always put the interests of downtown businesses ahead of kids. These candidates talk endlessly about supporting businesses but never have anything to say about supporting kids. I think that’s a shame.
Thanks Craig. You make perfect sense and having it downtown seems an obvious choice. Many politicians talk about helping kids but few ever do anything.
"Many politicians talk about helping kids but few ever do anything."
So true, which is likely part of the reason we're seeing a mental health crisis with this generation of kids, among so many other challenges. The generation represented by most of these candidates may go down in history as perhaps the first one that left their children's generation worse off than their own. Given the things politicians focus on at council meetings and in campaigns, it's no surprise.
The scary scenario is that the trump guy could win because of diluted votes that are shared between too many candidates
Possible, but I have a feeling that some of the conservative/MAGA type voters in town would be happy enough with a few of the more established candidates. The other candidates may all be self-identified Democrats, but in some cases, that seems to be in name only, and they often pay little more than lip service to progressive values. You pretty much have to be a Democrat to have a political future in Contra Costa County these days, otherwise I think a few of these candidates would happily blow with the Republican breeze. For some people, their core political value is advancing their own political career, and telling voters (and perhaps more important campaign donors) whatever they want to hear to make that happen.
Do all the candidates live in the downtown corridor? I point this out because none of them mention helping to improve the business areas near Nob Hill and Raley’s. None of them mention the imbed housing developments and how they are going to impact current residents in those areas. Why is the focus only on downtown and the marina?! What about the rest of the city.
Great question about why the focus is always on the downtown and the marina (personally, I'm boycotting Main Street businesses until the ban against cannabis dispensaries locating there ends; it's just not fair). I'd love to know as well. I've brought up the issue of the council's obsession with catering to the Main Street business community routinely at council meetings.
Ralph Nader once famously said: “The only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when corporations knock on their door.”
In Martinez, I think you could make the argument that the only difference between the six candidates for Mayor is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when Main Street's small business community knocks on their door."
I wonder if that's true in every small town?
Go BRI!!! Working for her today.
Interesting perspectives, although a little rough around the edges...I see conflict of interest as a possible concern for at least a few of these candidates based on their current professions and I leave that right there because it's up to individuals to determine if they are concerned or not on that and they bring other very important representation to the table. A trump supporter is a red flag and should be kicked to the curb no matter what the espousing of their supposed unproven interests. I see two candidates whose careers could be actually valuable experience (instead of a conflict of interest), but only one has decades of experience in all these arenas, which would bring the opportunity for depth of knowledge to bring the changes he writes about. But just because a candidate doesn't mention (for instance) social justice, isn't a reason to believe they don't have the interest, (unless you are talking about the current council, which you can clearly track the comments each has made on the subject when it came up). Mike Menesini has been about social justice for decades as an assistant DA in San Fransisco, where social justice is much more of a prominent issue that Martinez typically makes it. Dovetailing that background with increased community safety are already part and parcel to his dedication in his work. I think the reference to his past leadership here was unfair. He lost former runs that had more to do with competing candidates pulling from the same pool of voters, which is how incumbents are always so hard to unseat and one reason why this race is so critical right now. His age brings two additional things: a person who won't be a "lifer" and bring the position too much control and power and experience that the others do not have in this position, and frankly in this very fractured town whose identity and humanity is under attack. He has proven he can bring the right people to the table, bring in all voices and determine how community involvement will make things better, whether it's economic development (which has languished for 20 years) or environmental issues. (Citizens Advisory Committe is one that comes to mind and tackled any number of subjects brought to them by the public.) The current council has brought you a social justice committee with an obscure meaningless name you cannot remember and a committee that is ham strung by limitations on information and access to public input. I would vote for someone who would make sure that doesn't happen!
Thanks for your comments, Chey. You make some interesting points. And I'll be the first to admit that these posts often will be rough around the edges, as I'm doing this in my free time while juggling a full-time job and other commitments (I wish we had a full-time news source in Martinez, or that I could devote more time to this).
Your comments about Menesini and social justice are interesting. I'll just say (and I've heard this multiple times from Black activists on these issues) is that there's a perception that white, privileged liberals often are reluctant or disinterested in backing up their words on these issues with meaningful, ongoing action, especially when it conflicts with their own political interests. I attended a talk by Nikole Hannah-Jones of the 1619 Project in Walnut Creek a few weeks ago where she commented on how so many supposed allies in the BLM movement seem to have moved on in the two years since George Floyd. She said she was sorry to inform us that simply attending a march or putting up a BLM sign in our windows wasn't going to fix 400 years of systemic racism. There is a lot of skepticism among the true activists in the racial justice movement toward so-called White allies who often seem to offer words but little else in the way of support. And from what I've seen, it's well-founded. I think there's also a perception of Menesini as representative of the "old school" Martinez political establishment that is often driven by self interests and secret agendas; he came under fire about a decade ago for allegedly maneuvering to get himself appointed city manager when he was a sitting council member. I would love to see him openly address some of these concerns/questions. If he's genuinely committed to real, ongoing action on social justice issues (and not empty promises), as well as the welfare of all kids (including ones of color and from the LGBTQ community) I would seriously consider voting for him, especially given the lack of interest I'm seeing from other candidates on these issues.
Thanks again for the comments.
Ayres has, very recently, I believe, added Priorities to the bottom of the "About" tab on his webpage. His priorities are Transparency in Local Government, mentioning specifically that candidates for the police chief should be disclosed and public comment solicited. His approach to homelessness is to be compassionate, not enabling. He wants to increase the number of police officers and support the public works department. He says he will collaborate with residents, listen to their concerns and discuss solutions.
Thanks for pointing them out. Either I missed them or they hadn't been added last time I looked. Copying and pasting his priorities here:|
MY PRIORITIES ARE:
Transparency in local government.
I am opening up all meetings for discussion and observation.
We have an opening for a police chief, yet the public does not see the shortlist of candidates being considered for the role so that we can express concerns to our district council members.
Residents must be provided with potential candidates and the ability to provide feedback/concerns or endorsement for public roles.
Our community needs safe streets, parks, and neighborhoods. Restore the amphitheater to what it was intended for – family events, performances, and concerts.
Take action on the homeless situation. My goal is to approach homelessness with compassion; not enable it.
Increase the number of police officers in Martinez to improve public safety, reduce crime and restore resident confidence in law enforcement.
Provide much-needed support to the public works department to help them maintain all city assets and neighborhoods.
It is a priority to collaborate with the residents, listen to their concerns and issues, and discuss solutions. I want to work as a team with the people and look forward to the opportunity to serve the community.
If seems we have a very small police department right now. We can’t increase the number of officers if they are not fully investigated and if they are not fully compensated. It’s my understanding compensation is once again, a major issue.
If i recall, the youth gym controversy by Velvet, was black owned and that it seemed like it was ignored as one of very few black owned businesses in Martinez. I still find it hard to believe that the good old boy club had nothing to do with the awarding of embarq or its' location. I have caution over Trambly, as he once worked for Miller and the family owns embarq.
One of the big three is leaving. Two more to go.