The Riverbank Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidates Night for those running for posts on the City Council in November. The forum was staged on Monday evening, Oct. 7 at the Community Center.
Those running for Mayor and the Districts Two and Four seats on the council participated in the question-and-answer program.
Candidates for Mayor include the incumbent, Mayor Richard D. O’Brien, current District Two Council Member Rachel Hernandez, and Audio Engineer Solomon Kumar.
Chamber Chair Monica Perez hosted the event, with Board Member Bill Robinson posing the questions, the same to each candidate. Robinson was chosen because he lives out of town and his business is based in Modesto, so there was presumed no opportunity for favoritism.
The evening was not designed as a debate, with each candidate asked the same questions, in the same order, Robinson said.
Mayoral Candidates
O’Brien has stressed that he has worked the last 12 years on the council and as Mayor to secure a brighter, sustainable future for Riverbank, noting that he has seen increased general fund reserves, economic growth in the city, public safety enhancements, housing initiatives along with infrastructure development.
He envisions continued job creation, environmental stewardship, protecting water rights and preserving the aquifer, and working to make housing solutions more affordable.
Hernandez says she has worked as a council member and volunteered to build up local businesses, providing equity in underserved communities, on the Board of Directors of Stanislaus County Boys and Girls Clubs, Professor of Government at Modesto Junior College, and Policy Vice Chair of a statewide organization advocating for cities.
She plans to help bring new industries and jobs to the city, enhance parks and recreation spaces, and build housing for all.
Kumar says his first priority is to “address the real issues facing our residents.” He said, “from supporting local businesses to improving public services, I will always put our community first.”
He also stressed the importance of the council and citizens working together.
“I believe in the power of open, honest communication. I (will) hold regular town hall meetings and forums to ensure that every voice in Riverbank is heard and valued. Focusing on practical, common-sense solutions to our town’s challenges, I will work collaboratively with all the community to achieve our shared goals.”
Council Candidates
There are two council seats up for election, Districts Two and Four.
Incumbent Darlene Barber-Martinez, Stacy Call and Roxana Garcia are running for District Four, while Cindy Fosi is running unopposed for District Two.
Chamber organizers noted that the questions were submitted ahead of time, and also that the Chamber does not support nor endorse any individual candidate. They said that the event was “provided as a service to our community, allowing residents to hear directly from the candidates to learn about their positions on important issues.”
Election ballots are being received in the mail, so voters can proceed to mail them back to the county elections office, deposit them in a local ballot box as they become available, or take them to a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 5.
