Candidate for
Mayor; City of Antioch

Public safety is Antioch's highest priority. During my tenure, the Police budget has increased by approximately $12,500,000. A total of 42 new positions were added to the Police Department. This represents 23 additional police officers and 19 support staff for a 32% increase in employees. The Community Action Team (CAT) was created to address criminal and behavioral problems at residential properties including Section 8 housing. We are successfully reclaiming our neighborhoods. This is a good start, but we need to do more.

I am proud to be supported for re-election by the Antioch Police Officers Association and the founder of the United Citizens for Better Neighborhoods, Gary Gilbert. They have worked with me on public safety issues and know words are not enough. Action is what they used to judge the candidates. I have implement public safety improvements during the budget process and have always passed a balanced budget.

Commuters desperately need relief. I serve on local transportation agencies and helped guarantee $1.3 billion will be spent in the next seven years to expand Highway 4 to eight lanes, extend the Highway 4 Bypass and bring eBART to Hillcrest Avenue.

I have worked effectively on transportation issues with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, State Senator Tom Torlakson, and Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier and they endorsed my candidacy for Mayor. As a team we have put together the financing and as Mayor, I want to ensure the completion of the highway and other transportation improvements.

Commercial development has exploded in Antioch with 3 ½ million square feet of new retailers, restaurants and services. We don't have to go "over the hill" to shop. Kaiser opened its new hospital, which brought 1,500 jobs. These are positive changes for Antioch. The current economic situation requires the city to work harder and more creatively to ensure that more new job opportunities are created here.

The city has an economic development department and citizens' commission that works to attract more business to Antioch. As Mayor, I speak to businesses about why they should locate in our city. An active and strong Mayor helps Antioch succeed.