[BenIndy: This post was first published in the Benicia Herald (to subscribe to the Herald, scroll to the end to find instructions). You can find more from Steve not only on the BenIndy but also at A Promised Land: America as a Developing Country, where he blogs about domestic and international politics and policy, including lessons that the United States can learn from other nations. If interested, you may sign up for future posts by subscribing to the blog.]

By Stephen Golub, originally published in the August 25, 2024 Benicia Herald

I recently interviewed Christina Gilpin-Hayes, who’s running for Benicia City Council. Part One of the interview, published last Sunday, focused on her background, life, work and engagement with community service. Today, Part Two addresses why she’s seeking office and her priorities and aims if elected.

More information on Christina can be found at her campaign website,  https://www.christinaforbenicia.com/

Now, on to the interview…

SG: What made you decide to run for City Council?

CGH: I really love Benicia. The community is passionate about maintaining the culture and charm that Benicia offers, and I believe I can contribute to preserving that while addressing the issues we currently face. Benicia is dealing with a budget crisis many years in the making, and difficult decisions will need to be made in the coming years to get us back on track. Additionally, we need to do a better job of engaging more community members in discussions.

I’ve always been politically active. I volunteered for an Election Protection team, ensuring voters had access to the polls for two presidential campaigns. I’ve been involved in community organizing and political activism for years, though I’ve always considered myself a “behind the scenes” person. I follow the City Council, watch the meetings online, and stay informed about the issues facing our city government.

I also believe that a fresh set of eyes is needed on the Council. The current challenges the city is facing aren’t new, and I don’t believe anyone should win an election simply because no one else was willing to challenge them. That’s not how democracy should work, even at the local level.

Finally, my fellow community members asked me to consider running because of my active involvement in Benicia since moving here.

SG: In what ways have your personal or professional backgrounds prepared you to serve on the Council?

CGH: I have a long history of diving into issues, even when they’re difficult or unpopular. With nearly 30 years in the legal industry, I have experience in contract negotiation and management, as well as working with vendors, businesses, and people, giving me a unique perspective. Even in government, we don’t have to accept the status quo of “how it’s always been done.” Benicia has untapped opportunities, and everything should be on the table for revisiting and renegotiating if needed.

I also genuinely enjoy talking to people. I want to hear all the different opinions from Benicians. I may not agree with everyone, but I truly want to listen and consider all perspectives.

SG: What will be your priorities, if elected to the Council?

CGH: The budget. I’ll say it again, the budget. The current council has a five-year plan to address the budget shortfall. It’s a great start, but I believe there are even more ways we can generate revenue and do our very best to avoid cutting services. 

I also believe the city needs to do better in communicating with constituents in more ways. Not everyone understands state law requirements, local ordinances, and why some things must happen while others can’t. We need to make information more accessible and even make City Council members more accessible for discussions.

SG: One issue that demands a lot of attention in Benicia is water charges. What might you do or look into regarding that matter, if elected?

CGH: Benicia’s water fees and rates are high. My water bill is more than double what it was in Oakland. Unfortunately, there’s no easy solution because of the size of our city and the fact that we have our own water and wastewater treatment facilities. We don’t have enough subscribers to offset costs significantly. Our neighboring communities, like Martinez,  are wrestling with water rate hikes now. I am proud of our City for addressing the infrastructure issues before our access to clean, drinkable water was at risk. In the coming years, water will become more scarce and expensive so I’m studying the options for keeping water affordable and accessible for our community. To be perfectly transparent, I don’t have the solution yet, but I know something has to be done. Our seniors and families trying to make ends meet are struggling with staggering water bills, and as a Council, we have to address it.

SG: In December, the City Council unanimously authorized a process that is producing a draft Industrial Safety Ordinance, slated for a Council vote this autumn and aiming to protect Benicians’ health and safety. What are your thoughts on this?

CGH: I fully support the implementation of the ISO. It will enhance oversight, increase visibility, and equip the city with the necessary tools to enforce compliance with both current and future safety standards. The public has a great opportunity to review and comment on the draft ordinance before it is finalized and voted on by the City Council, and I hope more community members participate. Even if the City’s site for the draft  (https://engagebenicia.com/en/folders/iso) is now closed for comments, we can still make our feelings known through attending or Zooming into upcoming City Council meetings considering the ordinance, emailing our Council representatives and participating in online discussions.

SG: Other major issues for Benicians include road repair and housing. Would you care to share any thoughts on these or other challenges?

CGH: The roads are a mess. Are they the worst I’ve ever seen? No, but they need a lot of work. Benicians take pride in their city. We want visitors to see a well-maintained town, and no one wants to navigate potholes on their way home from work. This is another budget issue that has been kicked down the road for too long and can no longer be ignored. There is a community-driven “Save Our Streets” initiative on the ballot this November, and I hope residents will strongly consider voting in favor of it.

California is also facing a housing crisis, particularly affordable housing, and Benicia is not immune. We have a lack of affordable housing. We must comply with state housing requirements, but I would also like to see housing that is affordable for our young people and seniors. When young people leave Benicia for college, I want to ensure there is housing they can afford so they can move back home after graduation. Additionally, as our population ages, some of our seniors want to move out of their homes and into assisted living or senior housing, but doing so often means leaving Benicia. We need more affordable senior housing in Benicia.

SG: Are there any other thoughts you’d like to share at this time?

CGH: I’ve been asked, “What makes you a community leader?” For me, engaging in my community is extremely important. It means stepping up when no one else is, being willing to help when you see a need, and supporting your neighbors. There’s no magic formula for becoming a leader—you just have to lead.

I hope Benicians will take the time to get to know me, learn who I am and what I stand for, and after they do, trust me with their vote.

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