For a healthy planet for my children, for my grandchildren, and their children’s children…

By Lisa Reinertson, September 21, 2022

What do the wildfires and recent air quality index of over 500 at Lake Tahoe have to do with Benicia? (Besides ruining some people’s vacations?) What do recent record-breaking temperatures throughout California, with some temperatures going above 115 degrees as close as Fairfield have to do with our town, or even with our elections?

Why does a huge Texas based oil conglomerate like Valero feel the need to meddle in our town’s local elections, using a PAC to the tune of around $240,000

The big picture is that we are all witnessing the effects on our climate; drought, wildfires, record-breaking temperatures, fish die offs, etc., due to, in great part, our reliance on fossil fuels. And the fossil fuel industry, aware that people might want to protect our water, our air, our planet, are wielding their power to protect their own interests, which is their profits. Our small quaint town of Benicia is again witness to their attempts to wield their power here. Like the story of David and Goliath, it’s the giant corporation against our citizens’ best interests, using PAC money to fight against City Council candidates that will hold them accountable. With their history of air polluting accidents and keeping serious toxic emissions in Benicia secret for over 15 years, they would prefer to not be held accountable.

I am a Benicia citizen who would like there to be a healthy planet for my children, for my grandchildren, and their children’s children. I want folks on our City Council who don’t have any ties to or accept any help from fossil fuel interests. Folks like Kari Birdseye.

Kari Birdseye, whose resume includes a stellar career in journalism, has devoted years of service to our community, both as president of a local PTA, and as the chair of our City’s Planning Commission for the past two terms. She currently works for an environmental organization, which is one of the things I admire about Kari, and what the oil interests are afraid of.

Kari, having raised two children in Benicia, understands the concerns and hopes of families in our town. She understands the need to protect our city’s financial base by diversifying businesses. She understands that clean air and water and the health and safety of our community are top priorities.

Kari cares deeply about the state of our environment and will work diligently on sustainable ideas and solutions to the problems that affect us now and into our future. Kari is beholden not to any corporate interest but only to the citizens of our beautiful Benicia. She is kind, thoughtful, accessible, smart, resilient, and not afraid to fight the good fight for the good of our community. Please join me in voting for Kari Birdseye for Benicia City Council.

Lisa Reinertson
Benicia Resident

More letters, news & links about Kari here on the BenIndy

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And best of all – Kari’s website!