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Newark To Elect New Leaders On Nov. 8

Also up for a vote, a $63 million school bond measure.

Changes are coming once Newark voters head out to the polls on Tuesday.

Mayor David Smith has governed Newark as mayor for 33 years, but his paved the way for a new leader.

are seeking to fill Smith’s seat: (Click each of their names to see their answers to Patch’s Election Questionnaire.)

, a 38-year-old Newark native who works as a community and governmental relations manager for a healthcare organization and has served on the city council since 2005.

  • Apodaca's Top Three Priorities: Public Safety; Economic Development and Job Creation; and Improving Communication Between City Hall and Newark residents.

, a 70-year-old Newark resident of 43 years who works as a project manager for Menlo-Park based SRI International and has served on the city council since 1980.

  • Nagy's Top Three Priorities: Public Safety; Fiscal Management; and Quality of Life

, a 65-year-old Newark resident of 38 years owns an insurance agency in Newark and has served on Newark Unified School District’s Board of Education since 1996.

  • Rodriguez's Top Three Priorities: Safety by addressing youth violence and break-ins; generating revenue by focusing on businesses; and supporting performing arts/music and building a center for the arts.

The mayor seat is not the only one up for grabs. – and only councilman Luis Freitas is seeking re-election. Councilman in July.

Here are the five individuals running for city council: (Click each candidate's name for more information about each candidate.)

  • Rick Bensco, a resident of Newark for 15 years and a former small business owner.
  • , a resident of Newark for 25 years and a journey millwright.
  • , a resident of Newark for 40 years and an owner of in Newark.
  • , a resident of Newark for 46 years and a tax adviser.
  • , a resident of Newark for 35 years and the owner of

Learn more about the candidates by reading their and reading about their here.

Also on the ballot is Measure G – a proposed school $63 million bond measure.

The bond measure says that bonds will go toward updating “aging classrooms, libraries, and science labs to meet earthquake/fire/safety standards; improve access for students with disabilities; remove asbestos, lead and hazardous materials; and improve energy/operational efficiency to maximize funding for instructional programs.”

For more information on Measure G, click here.

Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. in five locations.

to see a map of polling places. Find out where to vote by visiting the Alameda County Registrar of Voters website by clicking here.

For a full list of election coverage, click here.

Newark Patch will have live election results on Tuesday.

Also follow Newark Patch at www.facebook.com/NewarkPatch, www.twitter.com/NewarkPatch for the latest news.

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John Balentine November 7, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Nika, Are you going to be posting election night results throughout the night?
Nika Megino (Editor) November 7, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Yup. That's the plan. I'm sure I'll be updating via Facebook and Twitter, also.
Daniel Apodaca, Jr November 7, 2011 at 06:07 pm
Giv'em hell Ana! You are what Newark needs! Love Ya Sis, Danny
Ima Dawn Baker November 7, 2011 at 07:23 pm
NO AL NO ANA,WE WANT MARIJUANA !!! NO AL NO ANA,WE WANT MARIJUANA !!! DON'T VOTE FOR EITHER OF THESE INEPT,SELF-RIGHTEOUS POLITICAL HACKS WHO'VE TAKEN IT UPON THEMSELVES TO INFLICT THEIR MISGUIDED MORAL IDEALS UPON THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. IF THEY'D ASKED ANYONE THEY'D HAVE FOUND THAT DISPENSARIES HAVE MANY MORE SUPPORTERS THAN DETRACTORS & THAT THE ONLY REASON IT'S EVEN AN ISSUE IS BECAUSE OF THEIR OUTRAGEOUS BUNGLING ATTEMPTING TO BAN THEM. NEWARK CAN ILL AFFORD THIS APPALLING LACK OF LEADERSHIP,NOR CAN IT AFFORD TO WASTE THE TIME & MONEY SPENT PURSUING THIS MATTER FURTHER. PLEASE JOIN WITH YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS ON NOVEMBER 8TH & VOTE FOR NEW LEADERSHIP THAT WILL PUT THE NEEDS OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS AHEAD OF THEIR OWN MYOPIC VIEW OF THE UTOPIA THEY INVISION. IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE NOW !!! VOTE FOR RAY RODRIQUEZ FOR MAYOR !!!
Daniel November 7, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Been getting too many political robo calls from one Ray J. Rodriguez. No way in hell am I gonna vote for him now.
Summer Hemphill November 8, 2011 at 05:23 pm
you'd be wise (a ridiculous assumption) to take heed of the old saying "it's best to let people wonder how stupid you are,rather than opening your mouth & removing all doubt. Thank goodness the small minority of right wing bigots have found such an eloquent spokesman to promote hatred in our wonderful community. Job well done !
Jeff November 8, 2011 at 05:39 pm
Ray Rodriguez is not the right guy but then again the other 2 candidates aren't either. Lets see now, huey , dewey or louie?
Nick November 8, 2011 at 06:00 pm
Agree, Rodriguez is on the School Board, the same School District is asking for more money....conclusion, he can't manage money.
James November 8, 2011 at 10:14 pm
What do you expect from a Baby Killer? Sorry Jerry, I mean "Healer" of Baby Killers. Everyone who fought in Jerry's war came back SCREWED beyond repair, it's not his fault he's sub human.
Kari Hulac (Editor) November 9, 2011 at 03:11 am
This comment is inappropriate and will be removed.
Kari Hulac (Editor) November 9, 2011 at 03:13 am
Guys, if this discussion continues, both of your accounts will be temporarily suspended.
James November 9, 2011 at 03:30 am
Kari,
I apologize for my rude behavior on your Site. I'm some what of an Anti Jerry person so I will attempt to maintain my cool during future Posts. As for tonight... nlnn - nnln!!! @ Jerry.
Jay November 9, 2011 at 04:38 am
That is pretty funny considering that the school board is made up of 5 individuals. So to single out someone and say that they cannot manage money is a statement that has no facts behind it. So I guess that it is Rodriguez's fault for everything that is going on with the school board instead of looking at what each board member votes on. The majority rules, not one individual on that board.
Margaret Jean Mikel November 9, 2011 at 04:00 pm
James, what is this all about Jerry??? Did I miss something???
A Godfrey November 9, 2011 at 05:25 pm
11:52am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I have been reading all of the posts for the past few months during the pre-election and my conclusion is that most of the same people who post on this are, negative thinking, whining, bold speakers (who wouldn't have the guts to say the things that they say to the people they are referring too!) Things will NEVER change with people like you in this world. You sit back on your behinds and blow smoke but do absolutely nothing positive to make things better. Volunteer, sit with someone who is dying of a terminal illness in the hospital, deliver meals to shut-ins, pick up trash, help at the animal shelters, raise money for someone in need. Read a book that will teach you something new! Stop your complaining.....seriously no one cares to hear it unless you offer some solutions!!! Get involved --- make a difference!
A Godfrey November 9, 2011 at 05:34 pm
Your statements are so ignorant! There are 5 board members, and it's a majority who passes the decisions made. You can request any/all information to see how one board member votes on each item. Maybe you should find out the details of how things work before saying things that all the readers can now see that you don't know what your talking about. Maybe your watching too much of the disney channel and should go to the grown up shows, news, etc.
James November 9, 2011 at 05:48 pm
Margaret,
I don't really care much for Closeted Bigots. I think what it comes down to is that Jerry and I are both from different Time Periods and although I'm living in the now, he's still stuck in the 50's / 60's. He also reminds me a lot of my Douchebag Father, the only difference between them is my Father didn't care about letting his Racial views being known. All people like this do is further erode what the rest of us are trying to hold together and that's Unity. We are of the same Species regardless of Race or Skin Color and we all Bleed Red. We should be moving forward as a Society in 2011 instead of Backward.At the end of the day I can't change Jerry, but I can openly Disapprove of his Views.
jerry November 9, 2011 at 06:54 pm
and what do you contribute beside negative comments and hot air?
Kari Hulac (Editor) November 9, 2011 at 09:36 pm
Thanks James, and I'd like to remind folks that we do have a flagging function that users can take advantage of to help us moderate, to some degree. Or just send Nika or I an email if there are problem posts, and we can address, rather than users getting into it with one another.
Margaret Jean Mikel November 10, 2011 at 01:25 am
All you guys, negative or positive! This election is a new beginning for Newark. We need to all be positive and each contribute in some way and this city will go far with our new leaders! I am a positive person and look forward to a great city and great schools with the leadership of Dave Marken, our new superintendent! Kevin Harrigan and Steven Shields are gone!!!!!!!!! LET'S HELP THESE NEW LEADERS MOVE FORWARD FOR NEWARK !
Bud Daily November 10, 2011 at 02:14 am
Pick your side & let the battle commence,lets make these self-righteous simpletons rue the day they obstructed our legal right to safe & legal access to medicinal marijuana under California law. It's time to show these inept posers that they've chosen the wrong side in a controversy of their making. Tell you friends,neighbors & colleagues to join us in our "BOYCOTT NEWARK" effort. If you'd like to take an active role please volunteer @ boycottnewark@gmail.com. There's nothing in Newark you can't buy somewhere else where the political leaders are more in step with the needs of cannabis patients. Keep fighting,Keep smoking,They'll find out,We're not joking !!!
jerry November 10, 2011 at 02:40 am
Bud, buy pot someplace else like crappy SJC AND OAKLAND, we really don't need any of that crap in our city. If you don't like it here and don't want spend any money here than,please move to a city that meets your needs.
Summer Hemphill November 10, 2011 at 02:45 am
jerry,why don't you stick to issues you actually know something about ? Oh yeah thats right, there aren't any !!!
jerry November 10, 2011 at 02:50 am
Another attack by a liberal pot head, sad. Maybe you should stick your head in the toilet and flush several times, I sure it would clear out some of your stupid arrogance
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
James Nelson June 16, 2013 at 09:03 pm
Geoff, I did not know that Fathers could be part of the PTA, too. Just did some research about theRead More PTA and am now a little wiser on the Subject. Since your a member of the PTA, have you thought about registering your School with the Coke Rewards program? They allow members to donate points to Schools and out of every school in Newark the only one registered with them is St Edwards. Basically people go to the MyCokeRewards website and input the codes found on the caps and receive points then can use those points to redeem rewards or donate supplies to Schools. It's an interesting Program, if you have some time you should check it out! It's a way to lessen the burden of limited funds for the next school year.
Rob Sorensen June 16, 2013 at 09:28 pm
I'd suggest working thru the Principal at NMHS with less speculation. I too was involved with PTA,Read More Newark Schools Fdn, Jaycees and other non-profits. Best practices are that the one handling, depositing money not also be the one keeping books. A great volunteer shouldnt be put under suspicion without there being group neglect. By-laws and an active Board can cleanup this miscommunication. The school Principal is the MOD.
Dan June 17, 2013 at 07:40 am
I agree 100% with CT
Mona Taplin June 15, 2013 at 06:23 pm
Good response Teddy, and truth.
Bong Sativa June 17, 2013 at 05:57 am
The more likely explanation is that the vast majority of Newark Police officers lack the requisiteRead More aptitude & agility necessary to fill shopping bags with groceries & didn't want to do anything to further embarrass themselves while under the scrutiny of the bewildered shoppers like James.
Teddy June 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Bong Sativa maybe you can meet Officer Indica.
Shimadog June 15, 2013 at 10:10 am
Could it be that, because busloads of inner city non resident children jam the place, someone wiselyRead More decided to make the hours available to Newark taxpayers first?
Audrey June 15, 2013 at 10:27 am
Yes they are walking as I write this! but it is not to late to sponsor them! please!!!
Mona Taplin June 13, 2013 at 04:03 am
This probably sounds heartless, but it sounds like this house should be condemned before a tragedyRead More occurs. I doubt if any organization can bring it up to code because of the cost. It's really sad to see this happening to a working person in this country.
Adam Moe June 13, 2013 at 09:47 am
I'm not sure if your mom will qualify but there are lines of credit out there that she can get as aRead More home owner. It will require her to have the income to pay back small portions at a time. Not trying to make it harder just trying to help. See about it online or let me know more and I'll see what I can do to help.
Teddy June 16, 2013 at 07:00 am
Mona Taplin you are right on re: all your remarks.
Mona Taplin June 16, 2013 at 02:33 pm
Whether or not he runs doesn't run has nothing to do with this either. Just letting him know heRead More will have my support.
James Nelson June 16, 2013 at 03:27 pm
Mona, Why do you have to keep bringing up Politics? Gah! I was just asking Mike a question, it'sRead More called Conversation. If you MUST know, I have a rousing suspicion that our paths have crossed in the past and if he's the same Mike Bucci who lived on Toulouse back in the 90's, then it would confirm that he is indeed the same guy I suspect he is.
Tony June 16, 2013 at 05:33 pm
Thanks James!, You know it's amazing when somebody puts their own personal time to learn andRead More understand something and then you share it... I would have been more then glad to explained myself in more detail face-to-face because I may learn something myself but like a marriage you don't get on here and start posting every little detail about you and your wife and I'm not going to get on here and start posting every little detail about my past employer`s. So to whoever flagged me you could have simply posted a disagreement and I'm open-minded and can admit when I make a mistake...I would've simply deleted my post if you could've proved it wrong.
James Nelson June 5, 2013 at 09:11 pm
Landline? That's like so 15 years ago! People still do home telephone services? Wow!
Dina Murtaza June 9, 2013 at 08:41 am
Yes I have a cell phone and a landline when I am working. Lots of people have it as a 2nd phone.Read More Found out the people working on the lines accidently cut off the phone lines.
Audrey June 6, 2013 at 05:36 pm
have they been claimed yet anyone know??
Anna Locke June 7, 2013 at 09:17 am
UPDATE! Just got a call this morning from a neighbor of the man who owned them. The gentleman diedRead More Mon or Tues and the poor dogs hadn't been well taken care of for years - slept outside, no affection, etc. Long story short - the neighbor wants to adopt them! YAY! <3
Anna Locke June 5, 2013 at 01:35 pm
Make sure to post on Facebook. He may have a microchip...hopefully. You can take him to CentralRead More Vet to check. Good luck! I just found two at the Lake Monday evening.