Item

Recommendation

Discussion

Mayor

Ahmad Anderson

It is time to take back City from the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA). Anderson is endorsed by almost all the local, state and federal Democratic elected officials – with whom he will need to collaborate to move Richmond in the right
direction.

Anderson’s opponent, Claudia Jimemez is bad for Richmond. Her principle endorsers, supporters and funding sources are City of Richmond public employee unions, to whom she has been very generous. Like other RPA City Council members, she
is anti-police, anti-business, and anti-housing. The RPA has killed thousands of units of housing in Richmond over the last four years, including affordable housing, and discouraged businesses from locating in Richmond. Jimenez has led the effort to gut the
police force while Richmond’s crime rate remains over 30% higher than the national average, and nearly 40% higher than the California average.

Aside from political failings, you have to consider whether Jimenez’ demeanor is mayoral. She is ill-prepared for City Council meetings, doesn’t understand what is going on, is rude to, interrupts, and harangues other City Council members
endlessly, and she can’t stop talking. – usually nonsense.

Measure Q

No

While it is true that Richmond needs to upgrade or replace some fire stations, there is no
current detailed condition study that shows exactly what needs to be done, what the priorities are, and the associated cost. For example, the report to the City Council includes millions of dollars for a new fire training facility, but Richmond is currently
 a partner in a proposed East Bay regional facility that is already being funded by government grants. There may be a lot of waste in this measure. The firefighters and the RPA have become tight in the last four years, which makes me both suspicious and skeptical.

United States Representative

John Garamendi

State Assembly District 14

Buffy Wicks

Board Member Ward 1

Raquel Donoso

Regional Transit Measure RTM

Yes

The Bay Area is still grappling with the fallout of COVID that affected public transit ridership, but that will change. Vehicle congestion at bridges has already surpassed pre-COVID levels, which is not sustainable. We need a robust public
transportation system to support healthy economy.

Measure V

Yes

Almost everyone is unhappy with the West Contra Costa Unified School District for one reason or another, but bleeding it dry is not the answer. This is not a new tax; it renews existing vital education funding.

Proposition 1 – Housing Affordability

Yes

Proposition 2 – Rainy Day Fund

Yes

Proposition 3 – Extending Existing tax on High Incomes

Yes

Proposition 4 – Public Funding of Election Campaigns

Yes

Proposition 5 – Recall Elections

Yes

Proposition 37 – Loan Program for New Homes

Yes

Proposition 38 – Bonds for Immunology Research

Yes

Proposition 39 – Government Issued ID

No

Proposition 40 – Billionaire Tax

Yes

This is a tough one. We need to tax the richest more, but this one has some questionable advocates, including Bernie Sanders, SEIU, CNA and AFT. On the other hand, the funding is directed to healthcare and education and is badly needed.
Separate chapters of Planned Parenthood apparently both support and oppose the measure! Opponents argue it will actually reduce funding by driving billionaires out of state. I’m going to hold my nose and vote for it.

Proposition 41 – Prohibits new state taxes

No

Cancels out Proposition 40

Proposition 42 – Prohibits new state taxes

No

Cancels out Proposition 40

Proposition 43 – Limits Local Government

Revenue

No

Proposition 44 – Community Health Clinic Spending Restrictions

No

Funded by one special interest group seeking political leverage over health clinics.

Proposition 45 – Limits Environmental Review

No

Lieutenant Governor

Fiona Ma

Secretary of State

Shirley Weber

Controller

Malia Cohen

Treasurer

Eleni Kounalakis

Attorney General

Rob Bonta

Insurance Commissioner

Ben Allen

Board of Equalization District 2

John Pimentel

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Richard Barrera