Candidate for
Council Member; City of Tracy

In early February 2010, Robert was approached by several Tracy residents urging him to seek the office of Tracy City Council. After prayerful consideration and family discussion, Robert decided to accept the challenge. His strong work ethic, leadership, family values, knowledge and education, and his desire to make Tracy a safer and more desirable place to live and work resonated with the voters. In November 2010, the voters stood with Robert and he won the election. Not only did Robert win, he received the most votes out of a field of nine candidates.

Bringing jobs and businesses to Tracy is one of Robert's top priorities. Robert has fought hard to reduce fees, streamline the permit and building process, and cut the red tape that hinders businesses.

Robert has lead the fight to reduce crime and gang violence. Tracy enjoys being one of the safest cities in the region. Safer streets, safer community, better lives.

Robert understands that our children are our most precious resource and that we must supply our children with the activities and education they deserve.

Robert has fought hard to increase transparency and accountability. He understands that elected officials and management work for the residents of Tracy and should be held at a higher standard.

Robert has a proven track record for standing up for the residents of Tracy, even when it means being the lone voice of opposition. When the city revealed a plan to place apartments at the Tracy Ballpark, Robert stood with the residents of Tracy to oppose the city plan.

Robert has not forgotten his roots or whom he works for. Today, he continues to be an independent voice that fights for what is in the best interest for Tracy and its residents.

STRONG TRACY ROOTS

The Rickman family arrived in Tracy in 1927 from Arkansas. Robert's great-grandfather worked for Holly Sugar. Robert's grandfather worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Robert's father continued the tradition working for the railroad until his retirement in 2007 after 42 years. Robert's older brother continues the railroad tradition and his younger brother works for the Tracy Police Department.

Robert's mother's family (Tosta) immigrated to the United States in 1903 from the Azores and settled in California. They would eventually move to Tracy in the 1930's and start and operate a dairy in Banta.

LIFE and EDUCATION

Robert's forty years old and a third generation Tracyite. He's married and has two beautiful daughters (11 and 12). Robert attended school in Tracy and graduated from Tracy High School in 1991. Robert attended San Joaquin Delta College and Sacramento State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. Robert graduated from Humphrey's School of Law in 2008 with a Juris Doctor degree. While at Humphrey's, Robert was involved in the small claims clinic. Robert assisted residents in San Joaquin County on a diversity of issues and court procedures. Robert was also a member of the prestigious Inns of Court.

EMPLOYMENT

Robert's currently a State Police Sergeant and works in the Tracy area. Since 1996, Robert has worked in San Francisco, Castro Valley, Dublin, Stockton, and Tracy. Some of his experience and training include, member of the San Mateo Gang Task Force, Patrol, Drug Recognition Expert, Training Officer, Evidence Officer, Firearms, and Public Affairs Officer.

Robert continues to keep the citizens of Tracy safe by removing impaired drivers, drugs, and guns from our streets and out of our neighborhoods and community. Robert enforces traffic laws to make sure that when you leave home you return safe. He has conducted several hundred presentations at local schools and businesses concerning drugs, alcohol, gangs, and traffic safety. Furthermore, Robert served as an adjunct professor at ITT Technical Institute and served on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board at Humphrey's College.