From East Bay Express Endorsements:
In Richmond, progressive environmentalists have been battling Chevron for years, trying to bring an end to the oil giant's control over City Hall. Finally, in 2010, progressive environmentalists gained the upper hand, winning a majority on the Richmond City Council. But this fall, Chevron is attempting to reestablish its tight grip on the city and is spending more than $1 million on behalf of three candidates who the oil company believes will be friendly to its desires.
Not surprisingly, we're not endorsing any of the Chevron-backed politicos (Councilman Nat Bates and candidates Gary Bell and Bea Roberson). Instead, we strongly urge Richmond voters to cast their ballots for Councilman Tom Butt and candidates Marilyn Langlois and Eduardo Martinez. Butt has long been a smart, progressive independent voice on the Richmond council. In fact, we think he's one of the best political leaders in the East Bay. And we think that, as members of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, Langlois and Martinez will be good additions to the council and will help Richmond continue its renaissance.