Mayoral, city council candidates outline views

By Ben Antonius | Daily Republic | September 10, 2009 23:18

FAIRFIELD - With election day two months away, candidates for local office took their pitches public on Thursday.

Virtually all of the candidates for Fairfield mayor and City Council appeared in a pair of evening forums put on by the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce. The mayoral candidates went first.

As in the past, the most prominent themes from candidates were promises to fight crime, to draw new businesses to Fairfield and to provide more entertainment options for young people.

'I want to bring . . . new attractive businesses, places for our kids to go,' said candidate George Rivera, who works for Delta Realty Group in Fairfield. 'I look to bring back job security.'

'I have seen this city feel threatened and unsafe,' said John McAuliffe, a retiree from the Department of Corrections and the U.S. Army Reserves. 'I will spend my entire day working hard so that you are no longer a victim.'

James Holliday graduated from Fairfield High School in June, where he was chosen as student of the year for 2008-09. He also started a school spirit club and was president of the Black Student Union and the theater club.

He said he is running 'to restore the morale here in Fairfield.'

'I see young people my age not doing too well,' he said.

Mayor Harry Price and candidate Stephen Barnett sounded similar notes when asked how the city can maintain high levels of police and fire staffing and still protect its finances. Moderator Anand Patel asked whether any candidate would be open to a new tax, though no candidates said they were.

'I think I have learned my lesson about trying to pass taxes in the city of Fairfield,' Price said.

Barnett said the city needs to protect services and noted any issues of compensation are 'faced with the reality of negotiating with the unions.'

Talk of growth and economic development dominated the later forum among the candidates running for two seats on the City Council.

Like the mayoral candidates before them, everyone agreed the city would benefit from luring new businesses. However, candidate Jamie Johnson said the city should concentrate on filling existing vacant buildings first.

'Once the economy has strengthened we can look at doing more building,' she said.

Others expressed less concern about whether the city builds and more about precisely how. Candidate German Lopez said he was sure Fairfield would grow in the future, noting it has historically. Candidate Brian Travis suggested Fairfield could offer 'tax breaks' to convince desirable companies to relocate.

Councilman John Mraz blamed some of the city's financial problems on the 'mistakes of past councils,' which he claimed failed to build infrastructure in a rush to add homes.

'Any growth has to pay for itself,' agreed Councilwoman Catherine Moy.

Candidate Pam Bertani recalled driving through Fairfield as a child and remarking that it looked distinct from other Bay Area cities.

'We do need to grow, yes, but with the understanding that we need to maintain our individuality and character as a city,' she said.

Candidate Teresa Courtemanche said she is 'excited about the future of Fairfield.' She mentioned throughout the forum a need to continue focusing on crime issues.

'I have a lot of hope for us and it starts with the gang injunction,' she said.

Chamber officials said mayoral candidate Ray Reyff could not attend due to a death in the family. Council candidate Gino Van Gundy also did not attend.

Reach Ben Antonius at 427-6977 or bantonius@dailyrepublic.net.