May McNeal
Oct 1, 2024
Four Candidates Vying to Shape Vallejo's Future
35 days away and counting! As Vallejo approaches a pivotal mayoral election this November, four candidates are presenting distinct visions for the city's future. The race has intensified in recent weeks, with each contender offering unique perspectives on addressing Vallejo's most pressing issues. (Candidates listed below are in alphabetical order by their last name and not listed by preference.)
Pippin Dew, a former city council member and real estate agent, is campaigning on her extensive local government experience. Dew emphasizes her track record in her statement: "My years on the City Council have given me invaluable insight into Vallejo's challenges and opportunities. I will leverage this experience to drive economic growth, particularly through projects like the development of Mare Island."
Dwight Monroe, Jr., a longtime Vallejo resident and business owner, focuses on economic development and public safety. Monroe states, "As your Mayor, I will work tirelessly to attract new businesses, create jobs, and improve our city's infrastructure. I believe in a community-oriented approach to public safety that builds trust between law enforcement and residents."
Andrea Sorce, a Navy veteran and community advocate, is running on a platform of transparent and accountable leadership. In her candidate statement, Sorce emphasizes her commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement: "I will bring my experience in federal budgeting and finance to City Hall to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. I will also prioritize community engagement and transparency, ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes."
Ravi Shankar, an educator and community organizer, is running on a platform of inclusive growth and environmental sustainability. Shankar's statement highlights his vision for Vallejo: "I believe in a Vallejo that works for everyone. My priorities include affordable housing, green jobs, and creating a vibrant downtown that reflects our diverse community."
Read each candidate's full statement.
The candidates diverge on several key issues:
Economic Development: While all candidates prioritize job creation, they differ in their approaches. Dew emphasizes large-scale projects, Monroe focuses on attracting businesses, Sorce advocates for fiscal responsibility, and Shankar promotes inclusive, sustainable growth.
Public Safety: Approaches range from Monroe's community-oriented policing to Sorce's emphasis on accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
Environmental Initiatives: Shankar places a strong emphasis on sustainability, while other candidates integrate environmental concerns into broader development plans.
Community reactions have been mixed, with voters expressing both excitement and concern about the potential changes ahead. Local business owner Maria Rodriguez commented, "It's refreshing to see such diverse perspectives. Whoever wins will have a big job ahead of them."
Vallejo's next mayor will face significant challenges, including ongoing economic recovery, public safety concerns, and the need for sustainable development. Each candidate brings unique qualifications and visions to the table, offering voters a meaningful choice in shaping Vallejo's future.
A Call to Action for Vallejo:
Vallejo residents are urged to register to vote (if you are not or have moved within the city) and carefully consider each candidate's platform and attend forums to learn more about each candidate's platform and ask questions directly. By actively participating in this democratic process, Vallejo citizens can ensure that their next mayor truly represents the community's aspirations and needs.
The future of our city depends on informed and engaged voters making their voices heard at the ballot box.
✅Remember to #registertovote.
The deadline to register is: Monday, October 21st.
✅Remember to vote by mailing in your ballot or going to the ballot box.
It all goes down on Tuesday, November 5th.
✅Remember voting is your right, voting is your choice, voting is your voice!