Four years ago, we refused to endorse either City Council candidate in Union City. We were stunned by how ill-informed they were about the city’s tight budget and mounting debt.
This year, all three candidates for the only council seat on the Nov. 8 ballot are well-informed and well-prepared. Jaime Patiño, chairman of the Human Relations Committee, tops the list.
But it’s a close call. Planning Commissioner Lee Guio was a strong candidate. We remain troubled by Planning Commissioner Gary Singh’s past campaign finance violations.
In the race for mayor, we endorse re-election of Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci, who has a very good handle on the numbers and a strong appreciation of the need to balance housing with jobs.
Her opponent, Councilman Jim Navarro, is running for mayor because he has reached the maximum number of council terms. He was one of the uninformed council candidates four years ago. We’re not endorsing him this year, but we credit him with being better prepared.
Meanwhile, the council is making progress reducing its retirement debts. It must continue on that path while addressing anticipated budget shortfalls.
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