Candidates Focus on Business Growth, Gang Violence at Election Forum

Eight candidates for city office but just two big topics — bringing new businesses to Newark and coping with the city's increasing youth violence — were in the spotlight Thursday at a Newark Chamber of Commerce luncheon and election forum.

About 50 Chamber members gathered at the to hear from three mayoral candidates, each hoping to step into the shoes of long-time Mayor Dave Smith when .

They also listened to five candidates vying for two City Council seats. The election will be held Nov. 8.

While each candidate brought his or her own flavor to the campaign stump, business growth and public safety dominated the speeches.

Mayoral candidates each had eight minutes to speak while council candidates had three minutes. All were introduced by Chamber Chairman Gene Daniels. (Note: candidates' remarks are reported in the order in which they spoke at the forum.)

Mayoral Candidates

"The city of Newark must rely on business for more than 50 percent of its revenue stream," said Al Nagy, who has been vice mayor of Newark seven times. If elected as mayor, he promised, he will appoint a "blue-ribbon panel to fill up these empty space" left by departing businesses.

Nagy said economic development is the central theme of his campaign and that he would have "as aggressive an approach to bringing in business as Mayor Smith." He touched on crime issues only lightly, although his campaign literature lists public safety as his "highest priority."

Ana Apodaca, a current City Council member, told the audience that Newark "needs to diversify its [business] base, so we are not relying just on retail." One key, she said, is the city's ability to provide a highly skilled work force. She also stressed the need to make sure young people are well-educated in math, science and technology.

Switching topics, she said Newark needs to revamp its website to accommodate people who want to access information on their smart phones — she cited San Leandro's newly redesigned city website as a good example — and strengthen ties with the Chamber of Commerce.

Ray J. Rodriguez, a Newark school board member since 1995, said that instead of losing businesses to Fremont and other nearby communities, "It's time to take businesses from these cities. Businesses need to know that Newark hasn't changed that much. It's still a safe, friendly city."

But what he hears from potential voters is a little different, Rodriguez said. "People are worried about the mall, about the loss of movie theaters, the Mervyn's situation. Youth 18 to 30 are very worried about Newark." Young people would like to see businesses like indoor soccer facilities and "good eateries," he said.

City Council Candidates

Rick Bensco: "We need to combat youth violence to provide a safe environment for business. We don't have a diverse economy any more. Too much time has been spent chasing retail. We need to diversify — light manufacturing, green jobs."

Maria "Sucy" Collazo: Said that good schools sell homes, which in turn leads to new businesses and jobs. She also said she was misquoted recently as saying Newark does not have a gang problem. "We do," she said. "What I said was that our police force has them in check."

Luis Freitas: Current council member said he's seeking a fifth term on th same platform he has had before — public safety, fiscal responsibility, quality of life. "After 26 years, I have seen Newark's ups and downs," he said. "And they will continue. We have great leadership under [city manager] John Becker."

Mike Bucci: Said he wants to start a first-time home buyer's program in Newark. "We're close to the 50,000 [population] bechmark for redevelopment, and I want to have that program in place when we reach it." He added that it's "irresponsible" not to acknowledge the problem of gang violence in the city.

Jack Dane: Urged candidates in future elections to use local businesses for campaign supplies and services. He also pledged that, if elected, he will donate his first year's council pay to three local non-profits: the Tri-Cities League of Volunteers, and the .

The three mayoral candidates' answers to detailed questionnaires will appear on Newark Patch Friday morning, Oct. 21. For more coverage of the Nov. 8, 2011, election, click on "Elections" at the top of the page.