Q-and-A: John Ziesenhenne, Richmond mayoral candidate

Contra Costa Times
Posted: 09/26/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 09/30/2010 02:36:31 PM PDT
Q: Reducing crime
A: Increase CCTV coverage to more areas of Richmond including additional Shotspotters and update crime-solving technology. Improve ongoing communication with the District Attorney's Office and Superior Court judges about Richmond's needs. Encourage the state to devote more resources to Richmond. ... Increase outreach to non-English-speaking residents about the value of crime reporting and neighborhood crime prevention. Support a Family Justice Center.
Q: Creating jobs
A: Regularly communicating with employers. ... Create an economic task force: a public and private partnership to contact the top 100 businesses in Richmond to find out what they need from the city to stay or expand their business, then contact the top 100 businesses in California to find out what they need from Richmond to relocate their business within the city. I would support the development of the north shoreline, UC Renewable Fuel Lab, an increase in our port usage and the equipment update plan for the Chevron site.
Q: Casino at Point Molate
A: I will research, study, and take into account all information about the project: jobs for Richmond residents, revenue to the city, shoreline access, recreation and open space, economic development and the results of the citizens' vote to guide my decision. Making a decision before hearing all the facts and from the constituents would be premature.
Q: Future of the north shoreline
A: My vision of the north shoreline would include public access, Point Pinole Park, recreational areas, open space and a development of the area that will generate new tax dollars and many new jobs for Richmond. I am open to reviewing all opportunities that have a balance between development and the environment.
Q: Municipal ID cards for Richmond residents
A: There are still many issues to work out. Oakland and San Francisco have passed similar municipal codes and have yet to enforce them because of costs, staffing, application issues, etc. If issued, Richmond ID cards would only be honored in Richmond, limiting their value, unless other cities agreed to honor them. We need to begin to work with the state and other cities in California to develop memorandums of understanding to solve this for all of us.
Q: How should Richmond deal with the sale or farming of recreational marijuana if California voters legalize it?
A: The council has already approved three dispensary sites with a proposed 5 percent tax rate. I would like to see this tax set at the highest rate possible, because everyone in our city pays 10 percent on their own utility tax bills and almost 10 percent sales tax. The city should tightly regulate the dispensaries.

Q-and-A: Gayle McLaughlin, Richmond mayor

Contra Costa Times
Posted: 09/26/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 09/30/2010 02:34:33 PM PDT

Richmond mayoral candidate Gayle McLaughlin is photographed in Richmond, Calif. Wednesday, Sept....

Q: Reducing crime
A: Violent crime has declined significantly in Richmond in the past four years. We have increased our police force from 158 officers to 193. I want a minimum ratio of one officer for each 500 residents. ... Creating more jobs and training opportunities for youths will address the root causes of chronic violence.
Q: Creating jobs
A: I will continue to support the small-business sector. I encourage responsible companies to move here to join our new low-carbon economic base. I urge businesses like Chevron to hire more local workers (the refinery employs fewer than 75 Richmond residents). I will promote new models of self-employment, such as worker-owned cooperatives. I will continue to push hard for Washington, D.C., to invest in a massive public works program.
Q: Casino at Point Molate
A: I support a development for Point Molate that will bring good-wage, sustainable jobs to our community. A casino will not accomplish that, and will only generate more crime, prostitution, addictions and misery for hardworking families. ... A tribal casino means surrendering part of Richmond to a sovereign nation and losing all control of what happens -- and who is employed -- on that land. We can do much better at Point Molate.
Q: Future of the north shoreline
A: Richmond's last remaining open space along our north shoreline ... is a rare and endangered wetlands and coastal prairie that needs to be preserved. I share the vision of those who propose connecting local communities to this shoreline with trails and overpasses, building a nature center, restoring wildlife and habitat in the subtidal zone and marshes, and developing community gardens for healthy and local food.
Q: Municipal ID cards for Richmond residents
A: ID cards are good for residents and crime prevention. They help law enforcement because people are less afraid to report crimes and to identify themselves. Banks are willing to accept ID cards to open accounts, helping many residents avoid the dangerous practice of carrying cash. ID cards can connect residents with important services, including libraries, trainings, and use of facilities.
Q: How should Richmond deal with the sale or farming of recreational marijuana if California voters legalize it?
A: If California voters legalize the sale of cannabis, Richmond must approach this new reality in a constructive and responsible way. While showing fairness to any new legal business, we must also be watchful for any negative impacts. We have local criteria for liquor stores, and some of these rules may be transferable. An important first step would be to hold public hearings to hear from residents.

Q-and-A: Nat Bates, Richmond mayoral candidate

Contra Costa Times
Posted: 09/26/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 09/30/2010 02:33:41 PM PDT

 

Nat Bates of the Richmond City Council on Tuesday November 4, 2003 in Richmond, Calif. (Contra...

Q: Reducing crime
A: It is time for Richmond to reinstate checkpoints where cars are stopped and drivers searched for outstanding warrants, weapons and drugs. ... Other measures I support are full staffing of well-trained, experienced police officers; utilizing new technology to fight crime (COMSTAT, cameras and Shotspotters); and a daytime curfew for young people.
Q: Creating jobs
A: One of my first priorities will be to show respect, appreciation and to work with each and every business in our city. Bashing of certain businesses will not be tolerated. Richmond growth depends on how we treat and respect our current businesses, which are ambassadors to other companies interested in locating in Richmond. I am working with Steve Seher, CEO of Auto Warehousing, to bring Chinese electric and gas autos to Richmond as well as other potential import and export of goods to and from China.
Q: A casino at Point Molate
A: I support bringing new jobs to Richmond. Supporting Point Molate is an essential part of that. Seventy percent of the 17,000 jobs created as a result of Point Molate are prioritized for county residents. That's 17,000 new jobs we have to embrace. I strongly support the best quality development that provides the maximum amount of jobs and revenue to Richmond, whether the resort development is built to include a casino or not.
Q: Future of the north shoreline
A: I do not support open space on the north shoreline because we have Pinole Regional Park nearby with 2,315 acres that is undeveloped. The 100-plus acres on the north shoreline can be better utilized with a development that will bring much-needed jobs. I am working with Terry Kwong, who plans to develop a Latino shopping mall on the north shore similar to the one he developed at the Pacific East Mall.
Q: Municipal ID cards for Richmond residents
A: I oppose the concept of municipal identification cards for Richmond residents.
Q: How should Richmond deal with the sale or farming of recreational marijuana in the city if California voters legalize it?
A: Richmond must work within the confines of the new law to ensure that, first and foremost, public safety is not compromised. This includes keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors and increasing awareness and enforcement of driving under the influence. The city will be in a position to regulate, grant licenses and impose and collect taxes on growth and sale of marijuana.