Three-way Richmond mayor's race this fall

By Katherine Tam
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 08/06/2010 05:23:11 PM PDT
Updated: 08/06/2010 05:23:11 PM PDT

A city councilman and a former councilman are running against mayor Gayle McLaughlin this fall in a bid to become Richmond's next mayor.
McLaughlin is seeking re-election Nov. 2 for a second term, while Councilman Nat Bates and businessman John Ziesenhenne, who served on the council for 12 years from the 1981 to 1993, will try to unseat her.
All three turned in their papers by Friday's filing deadline and have qualified, according to City Clerk Diane Holmes.
Meanwhile, the pool of candidates vying for three open council seats is growing. Candidates who have filed their papers and qualified are Councilwoman Maria Viramontes, Planning Commissioner Jovanka Beckles, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Corky Booze.
Those who filed and are waiting for their nomination papers to be reviewed are incumbents Ludmyrna Lopez and Jim Rogers, former councilman Gary Bell, businesswoman Rhonda Harris, Planning Commissioner Virginia Finlay, teacher Eduardo Martinez and resident Harmohinder "Harry" Singh.
Four others pulled papers but did not file them, meaning they will not run for election: Eugene Rutledge and Mark Wassberg for mayor, and Anthony Green and Eleanor Thompson for council.
Also on the November ballot is an advisory measure on whether a casino should be built at the old Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, as well as a 5 percent sales tax on medical marijuana dispensaries.