Safe Streets + March 5 Primary Endorsements

Hi Neighbor,

With just five days left before the March 5 primary, I wanted to share my endorsements for local ballot measures and candidates with you, in case you haven’t yet voted. Regardless of how you vote, please be sure to drop your postage-paid return envelope at any mailbox, ballot drop box, or vote center by Tues., March 5. For ballot drop box and vote center locations, please click HERE.

Emeryville Councilmember John Bauters for County Supervisor. John Bauters is running to be our next County Supervisor, representing District 5 (encompassing the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont and portions of Oakland). You may not be familiar with this elected position because it has not had an open competitive race since 1992. This year, there are nine candidates vying for the opportunity to fill the District 5 seat on the five-person county board. The county has numerous functions, and the Board of Supervisors allocates a budget of more than $4 billion. While Berkeley has its own health department, it is the county that administers the federally-mandated continuum of care for homeless funding and services (including permanent housing placements via the county’s coordinated entry prioritization system). Collaboration with the county is crucial to serving our most vulnerable residents. I’ve endorsed John Bauters for the position of County Supervisor. In addition to serving on the Emeryville City Council, John works full-time as a victims’ advocate, including victims of domestic violence and gun violence. He has built a coalition of support that includes first responders, firefighters, civil rights groups, environmental justice organizations, and affordable housing advocates. You can learn more from this East Bay Times editorial. If you share my enthusiasm for John’s candidacy, then please join me for a canvassing event tomorrow (details below).

Citizens’ SAFE STREETS Ballot Measure to Fund Paving and Enhance Safety. After decades of under-investment, the Council has increased the City’s street paving budget. However, we need additional resources to ensure our streets can reach a good pavement condition. At the same time, too many members of our community have been victims of fatal or serious injuries on our roadways. The SAFE STREETS ballot measure seeks to fund paving and safety improvements. You can learn more about the measure HERE. If you support this measure and want to help get it on the November ballot, please join me next Sat., March 9 to sign the petition or learn how to collect signatures (details below). 

Upcoming Political Events Hosted by Rashi

My Primary Endorsements

PROP. 1: YES Treatment not tents for people with mental health conditions
Alameda County Measure A: YES Allow Alameda County to compete for a talented workforce
Alameda County Measure B: YES Update outdated recall provisions in the County Charter
Berkeley Schools Measure H: YES Renew this measure to help fund Berkeley schools
U.S. House: Lateefah Simon for a dynamic inspiring leader who gets the job done
State Senate: Jesse Arreguín is the most qualified candidate in the race and has been endorsed by the SF Chronicle and East Bay Times
State Assembly: Buffy Wicks is one of the most influential Democrats in Sacramento
County Supervisor, District 5: John Bauters has the experience and energy to turn the levers of county bureaucracy towards equity, safety and health
Superior Court of Alameda County, Office 12: Michael Johnson

Alameda County Central Committee:

• Dyana Delfín Polk
• Elizabeth Echols
• Andy Kelley
• Terry Taplin
• Aaron Tiederman
• Alfred Twu
• Ana Vasudeo

If you’re looking for more detailed explanation and analysis, I highly recommend the Primary Voter Guide from former Councilmember Lori Droste.