In a pivotal gathering that could shape the future of Stockton, four mayoral hopefuls shared their visions and priorities for the city at a forum on Thursday, organized by a coalition of community groups including the NAACP Stockton Branch, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Faith in the Valley, and Victory In Praise Church. The forum provided a platform for Christina Fugazi, Dan Wright, Jesús Andrade, and Jessica Velez to discuss key issues such as economic development, housing, public safety, and youth engagement.
Absent from the event were candidates Shakeel Ahmad and Tom Patti, with the latter opting to attend an event in Phoenix instead. The forum, which lasted nearly two hours, allowed each candidate to articulate their plans and policies in response to questions from a moderator and the audience.
One of the central topics was the support for youth employment and the creation of local job opportunities. Andrade proposed the reestablishment of a Stockton Youth Commission to give young people a voice in city hall and called for a task force on youth employment and entrepreneurship training. Fugazi emphasized partnerships with local businesses to provide work-study opportunities for youth, while Velez highlighted the need to address homelessness, crime, and the cleanliness of streets to make Stockton more attractive for businesses and job creation. Wright advocated for robust Career Technical Education programs in schools to prepare students for the workforce.
The candidates also addressed concerns about over-policing and ensuring fair treatment for African American residents. Andrade and Wright both emphasized the need for a police force that reflects the community's diversity and the implementation of community policing strategies. Fugazi called for a true oversight review board for the police, and Velez proposed forming a committee representing all races to hold the police accountable.
When asked about their passion areas, the candidates offered varied responses. Andrade spoke about his commitment to equity and fairness across all policy areas. Fugazi discussed her lifelong dedication to education and community service. Velez expressed her focus on homelessness and support for those in need, while Wright described his passion for policy-making and his involvement in policy at both the local and state levels.
This forum not only allowed Stockton residents to hear directly from their potential future mayor but also set the stage for the March 5 primary election. The candidates' responses provided insights into their priorities and approaches to tackling the city's challenges, offering voters a clearer picture of what each mayoral hopeful plans to bring to the office.
As the community continues to engage with the candidates and their platforms, the importance of informed voting and active participation in the city's future remains paramount. The entire forum is available for viewing on Victory In Praise Church's Facebook page, offering an opportunity for those who could not attend to hear the candidates' visions for Stockton.