Republished from Stocktonia on Fat City Feed
As ballots arrive in Stockton mailboxes, voters are gearing up to decide the city’s next mayor. The two candidates, businessman Tom Patti and assistant principal Christina Fugazi, both bring nearly a decade of public service experience, yet offer starkly different visions for Stockton's future.
Patti, a current member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, has focused his campaign on his business background and public-private partnerships, while Fugazi, a vice mayor and educator with 30 years of experience, has emphasized her career in education and her community-oriented approach to governance.
“There’s one definitive difference between myself and Christina, and it’s this: results,” said Patti. “What I’m bringing to the city of Stockton is momentum.”
Fugazi, however, highlights her experience as an assistant principal at Stagg High School and her belief in a unified Stockton. “As mayor, I believe in ‘One Stockton,’ where we come together to foster a respectful environment and leverage diverse perspectives for innovative solutions,” she said.
Whoever wins will join a city council that will feature three new members next year, giving the next mayor a crucial role in shaping Stockton’s future.
Who is Christina Fugazi?
Fugazi’s career in public service began in 2007 when she joined the Stockton Planning Commission. She was elected to the city council in 2015 and is now running on a platform to tackle homelessness, modernize the police force, and balance environmental protection with development.
Though her career has faced scrutiny, including a 2021 incident at Edison High School and an investigation by Stockton Unified, Fugazi continues to focus on her goal of improving Stockton for all residents.
Who is Tom Patti?
Patti, a real estate investor with business interests in local companies, won a seat on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors in 2015. His campaign centers on reducing homelessness, improving public safety, and creating jobs.
Patti has also faced several ethics investigations during his time on the board, including accusations of retaliation against staffers and connections to contracts involving his former campaign advisors. However, Patti maintains that these were political attacks.
As Stockton voters head to the polls, the decision of who will lead the city is now in their hands.
Originally published on Stocktonia, republished with permission on Fat City Feed
