Mark Hughes for Mayor
Mark Hughes for Mayor
of Benicia, California
of Benicia, California
About Mark
My wife and I were both born and raised in San Francisco, and after getting married over 34 years ago, we moved to Benicia, and have never looked back. While searching for a place to live, Michele and I looked for a city with good schools, low crime rate, good weather, and a family friendly environment. Benicia provided all of this and more. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
I am the seventh of nine children, and had to learn early on the fine art of teamwork, sharing, and compromising, which has served me well throughout my life.
I attended the University of San Francisco, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, and then an MBA in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University.
I had a wonderful career at Pacific Gas & Electric Company, retiring just over 3 years ago. I started in the mailroom of the company headquarters in San Francisco, and delivered mail throughout the building for nearly 4 years while I was attending college full-time. After graduation, I was promoted to management, and held a variety of positions with the company, in just about every department. I retired after 36 years with PG&E, with my last two jobs being the Director of Safety, Health & Claims, and the Director of Human Resources.
Michele and I raised our two children in Benicia. Kelly and Stephen attended Mary Farmar Elementary School, Benicia Middle School, and Benicia High School. Both of them went away to college, and both of them returned after graduation and purchased homes in Benicia. Kelly is a 5th grade teacher at Joe Henderson Elementary School. Stephen, recently married to his wife Mallory, is a Sr. Land Agent for PG&E.
My first volunteer jobs were related to local sports. I coached my daughter in softball for 5 years, and my son in baseball, basketball and soccer for approximately 12 years. I was also on the Benicia Little League Board of Directors for 10 years.
I was appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission in 1994, and served on that commission for 12 years. I then ran for and was elected to the City Council in 2005, re-elected in 2009 and 2014, and have served as Vice Mayor for nearly 3 years. In addition to my duties and responsibilities on the City Council, I also serve on the following Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
* Solano Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors
* Association of Bay Area Governments Board of Directors
* Benicia Finance Committee
* Benicia School District Liaison Committee
* Benicia Traffic, Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Committee
* Solano Open Space Board of Directors
* Benicia Youth Action Coalition
* Sky Valley Open Space Committee
* SolTrans Board of Directors (alternate)
* League of California Cities (alternate)
* Solano Water Policy Subcommittee (alternate)
Mark Believes In and Will Continue to Focus on:
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY
- Low crime rates and timely response
- Voted to deny the Valero Crude By Rail project
EDUCATION
- Top-notch schools and education for our children
REASONABLE FEES AND SERVICE COSTS
- Voted against the recent water and sewer rate increases
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Effective and aggressive business retention and attraction
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL CITIZENS, FROM YOUTH TO SENIOR CITIZENS
- Led the effort to approve new bocce ball courts
- Strong and consistent supporter of youth sports (coached in Little League and PAL Girls Softball)
FISCAL STABILITY
- Balanced budgets; financial responsibility and accountability
Mark's Position on Key Issues
CRUDE BY RAIL PROJECT
• My goal from the beginning was to gather and read as much information about the project as possible, so that I could make an informed decision when casting my vote.
• I voted to delay a vote on the project in order for us to receive an opinion from the Surface Transportation Board (federal agency that regulates the railroads). It was important for me to have this information in order to determine if Federal Preemption applied to the project, and if so, to what extent. This information would allow me to more accurately assess legal exposure that might result from a City Council vote on the project.
• We received the Surface Transportation Board’s response on the afternoon of September 20, 2016. During the City Council meeting later that evening, the City Council unanimously voted to deny the use permit that Valero requested for the Crude By Rail project.
• At the end of the day, the level of uncertainty was too high, and the risks associated with the project were too great for me to accept for our community.
WATER & SEWER RATE INCREASES
• The City, with the assistance of an outside consultant, conducted an assessment of our water and sewer rates in 2016.
• The study indicated that our existing rates were insufficient to address the ongoing operations of our processes and facilities, and didn’t address the needs related to our aging infrastructure.
• The City Council was presented with three water and sewer rate increase scenarios – Optimal, Achievable, and Minimal.
• The Optimal option would address most of our aging infrastructure issues, but would result in a significant increase in rates for many of our residential, commercial and industrial customers in town. The Achievable option would require a lower rate increase for water and sewer, and would address the higher priority infrastructure issues. The Minimal optionwould provide funding for water and sewer operations, but very little for the capital projects to address the aging infrastructure.
• After extensive discussion with the City Council and City staff, and important testimony, input and feedback from the public, a motion was offered to approve the water and sewer rates at the Optimal level.
The motion was passed on a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Patterson, Councilmember Schwartzman, and Councilmember Strawbridge voting to approve the rate increases, and Councilmember Campbell and I voting to deny the rate increase.
• The reason for my vote to deny the rate increase was that I felt that the City was asking for too much, too quickly from our citizens and our businesses.
NORTHERN GATEWAY PROJECT (SEENO PROPERTY)
• A developer by the name of Robert Schwartz, approached the City earlier this year to discuss a development concept on the 528 acre property in the industrial park, which is owned by the Seeno family. Mr. Schwartz indicated that he had an option to purchase the property, but didn’t want to spend too much money at the design and proposal stages, if the City was not interested in developing the land.
• Mr. Schwartz’s proposal, to a great extent was an expansion of our existing industrial park. Part of this plan was to build new buildings/facilities that would allow existing businesses to expand if they desired, and to attract new businesses to Benicia. The proposed concept also included the development of the south-west corner of East 2nd St. and Lake Herman Road, with some commercial development. And finally, Mr. Schwartz indicated that he would also like to include some residential development on the property, both single family homes and multi-family dwellings; up to 900 total units.
• During my initial meeting with Mr. Schwartz, I indicated to him that I was intrigued with the light industrial and commercial development plans, but that the residential development would be an uphill battle. When he asked why, my initial answer was, “because it’s an industrial park”. I recommended that he talk with others in the community about his proposed project, including the Benicia Industrial Park Association (BIPA). I also told him that he would need to be prepared to answer many questions, including:
- Where would the water come from for this development?
- Where would the children go to school?
- How would the police department and fire department service the area?
- How would you avoid major traffic issues on East 2nd Street?
• Mr. Schwartz did meet with members of our community, including BIPA, and he then presented his proposal to the Planning Commission, and following that meeting, to the Benicia City Council. He acknowledged that many people had issues with including any residential in the industrial park, but asked us if we would at least be open to alternative proposals; would we be willing to at least consider them. Alan Schwartzman, Christina Strawbridge and I indicated that we would be open to considering alternative proposals, but that they would have to look very different than his original proposal. Elizabeth Patterson and Tom Campbell indicated that they would not be interested in reviewing and considering alternative proposals.
• The reason I indicated my willingness to consider alternative proposals is because I thought it was important to keep the discussion alive with the developer. The property has sat vacant for decades, and if we have a developer who is interested in working with us to design a project, we shouldn’t slam the door on him. My hope was that he would listen to the input and feedback from the City, and work with us to develop a plan that would meet everyone’s needs.
• I’ve indicated in public on numerous occasions that I’m not interested in residential development in the industrial park. I’m also on record as saying that we need to develop that property as part of our overall economic development strategy, which will greatly assist us in addressing our future financial/budget challenges.
• I recently heard that Mr. Schwartz has decided not to pursue his option to purchase the Seeno property. I for one was disappointed to hear that news, because I was optimistic that we could have worked in partnership with him to design and develop a project that would result in a win-win proposal for the City of Benicia and Mr. Schwartz.
Campaign Reflection
A Candidate’s Reflections
By Mark Hughes
Vice Mayor, City of Benicia
With the November 8, 2016 election nearly upon us, I’d like to pause and reflect
on this campaign and what it has meant to me. First and foremost, I want to
express my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Benicia for the privilege of serving
you on the City Council these past 11 years, and my hope is to continue my service to our community as your mayor.
I am extremely proud that I have run a positive campaign, and that my supporters have followed my lead. I was determined from the onset to take the high road and earn votes based on my own merits. I made a promise to myself, and told my supporters that I did not want to criticize other candidates, in an effort to make me look better. My conscience simply would not allow me to seek votes by attacking others. And that’s why it has been very disappointing for me, and upsetting to my family, to read on a near daily basis negative comments about me, both in the newspaper and on social media. These comments have ranged from subtly misleading to downright false or mean-spirited. While I would like to be able to correct and/or address each and every one of these misrepresentations, it is simply not possible from a practical standpoint. My hope is that the reputation I have built and the credibility and respect I have earned over the years are a counter to these attacks. Also, I have stated my position on a number of key topics on my website, and I welcome everyone to visit my site (markhughesformayor.strikingly.com). And as always, I remain accessible to anyone who would like to talk to me about any issue.
My time during this campaign has largely been spent walking neighborhoods and
getting to know more of our neighbors. This time has been immensely
rewarding. The conversations I have had along the way have reinforced why I
ran for mayor in the first place. We are comprised of a diverse, proud, and
passionate group of people; and without exception, the people I have talked to
have been respectful and engaging, even when I knew they were not voting for
me. To all of you I have spoken with, thank you for your graciousness.
I am a pragmatist. I seek practical solutions to getting things done while working
with all stakeholders for the common good. I believe this is why I have received
endorsements from a wide and varied number of individuals and groups. While
clearly every individual and every group will not agree with me on every issue,
they know from experience that I am open minded, fair, and will always listen.
I truly believe that what unites us in Benicia is far greater than what divides us.
As neighbors in this wonderful community, we sometimes see things differently,
but our common ground is that we love Benicia and we want to preserve its
small town character and amenities for many future generations. My love of the
history and character of our beautiful city and the people who live here will
always be at the core of any position I take; you can count on that.
I give you my word that if I am elected mayor, I will continue to listen to every voice. I will represent every citizen, not just those who have supported or endorsed me. We will work together to make the best decisions for this city that we love.
Register to Vote
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
- Voter registration look up - use this tool to verify your voter registration status. If you believe the information is in error, please email elections@solanocounty.com or call (707) 784-6675.
- Vote by mail application - State law allows any voter who so requests to be a Permanent VBM Voter.
- Military and Overseas voter assistance
- Benicia polling place look up - find your polling place
- City of Benicia Voting & Election information - FAQs and campaign finance reports.
Endorsements
Below is a partial list of those who have endorsed Mark for Mayor.
Benicia City Council
Christina Strawbridge
Tom Campbell
Alan Schwartzman
Benicia Unified School District Trustees
Gary Wing
Peter Morgan
Diane Ferrucci
Stacy Holquin
Benicia Teachers' Association
Benicia Police Officer's Association
Benicia Firefighter's Association
Napa-Solano Central Labor Council
Solano Association of Realtors LCRC Committee
Benicia Chamber of Commerce
Former Benicia Elected Officials
Jerry Hayes - Mayor
Steve Messina - Mayor
John Silva - Solano County Supervisor & Benicia City Council
Pierre Bidou - City Council
Bill Whitney - City Council
Solano County Supervisors
Jim Spering
Erin Hannigan
John Vasquez
Solano County Mayors
Harry Price – Fairfield
Jack Batchelor – Dixon
Other Elected Officials
Ken Paulk – Benicia City Treasurer
Marc Tonneson – Solano County Assessor-Recorder
Scott Haggerty – Alameda County Supervisor
Jess Malgapo – Vallejo Vice Mayor
Benicia Board & Commission Members
Michael Clarke
Josh Wilson
Alan Nadritch
Ken Paulk
John McGuire
Patty Gavin
Mike Caplin
Jerry Pollard
Larry Fullington
Bev Phelan
Marty Jones
Rich Payne
Randy Ramos
Julie Peterson
Benicia Teachers (Partial List Only)
Kelly Hughes
Matthew O’Reilly
Michael Hughes
Mary Wheat
Jim Bowles
Kent Higginbotham
Craig Holden
Cliff Nelson
Tom Horne
Paula DaSilva
Annette Fewins
Julie Klug
Ivania Martin
Eliot Palmer
Mandy Esteban
Maureen McIntosh
Kyle Henderson
Kathryn Campbell
Joan Miller
Danielle Zook
Benicia Business Owners (Partial List Only)
John Laverty – Laverty Construction
Jimmy Ponder – Ponder Environmental
Randy Ramos – 907 Grill
Deanne Sandoval – Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant
Richard Bortolazzo – Coldwell Banker
Carl & Janice Webster – Star Sports
Mike Reed – Reed’s Body & Fender Work
Helen Estes – Metropolitan Moving & Storage
Jeff Cromer – Pacifica Pizza
Marco Santos – The Detail Shop
Tom Gavin – Gavin & Schriener Insurance
Tami Schreiner – Gavin & Schriener Insurance
Christina Strawbridge – Christina S Fashion Destination
John & J.D. Heckaman – Specified Process Equipment
Alan Schwartzman – Advanced Mortgage Services
Scott Strawbridge – Scott Strawbridge Association Management
Benicia Citizens (Partial List Only)
Elizabeth Hughes
Tommy & Debbie Vogelpohl
John Laverty
Gary & Carole Arneson
Jim & Chris Trimble
Glenn & Jasmin Powell
Kelly Hughes
Jimmy & Deanne Ponder
John & Jan Silva
Steve & Karen Hughes
Rose & Mike Hadaway
Tim & Jean Hamann
Jerry Hayes
Fred & Mittie Railsback
Larry Fullington
Stephen & Mallory Hughes
Maria Teresa Matthews
Mike & Cindy Reed
Richard and Sherri Bortolazzo
Helen Estes
Steve Messina
Flora Reynolds
Dan & Karen Dion
Mary O’Reilly & Dennis English
Dave DeLong
Katherine & Scott Campbell
John & Claire Bailey
Tom and Patty Gavin
Tami Schreiner
Terry & Carolyn Wynn
Charlie & Jane White
Kathy Walsh
Andy & Vera Siri
Jerry Pollard
Jim & Bev Phelan
Kathleen Olson
John & Roseann Nunes
Mike and Becky Maggart
Kent Higginbotham
Frank & Peggie Hartig
Norm & Mary Gonsalves
Jim & Diane Ferrucci
Terry & Kim McInerney
Steve & Debbie Ridge
Jenal Sproule
Pat Donaghue
Len Corbaley
Craig & Heather Stein
Scot & D’Ava Gray
Jennifer & Bob Moore
Melissa Montoya
John McGuire
Elizabeth and William Tageson
Fred Everett
Ron & Mary Wheat
Amy Chin
Jeff & Michelle Brown
Kim Bachman
Mike & Brenda Alvarez
Kathy Stevens
Ron & Nikki Askham
Bonnie Silveria
Bob & Donna Morgan
Frank & Jan Misetich
Phil & Dori Maggart
Jack MacKinnon
Wade MacAdam
Dennis & Linda Lowry
Austin & Greer Gray
Sue Kleiman
Tom & Nancy Gigliotti
Dennis & Sue Gard
John Egan
Al & Sylvia Thompson
Rich & Kathy Gigliotti
Robin & John Tanner
Dennis Chin
Bill Darnell
Lindsey & Jeff Daems
Martha Core
Bill & Cindy Bekkedahl
Gene & Lisa Greenwald
Greg Bosscawen
Jack Maccoun
Jenny Beaumont
Tom Leslie
ENDORSE MARK
Make a Campaign contribution
There are multiple ways to support Mark and his campaign, including posting a sign in your yard, walking precincts, making telephone calls, and contributing a monetary donation. All contributions of $100 or more must be accompanied by the donor's employer and occupation. If you are self-employed, retired or unemployed, please note that in the employer field and describe your former occupation. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Please click on the "Contribute Here" button below to view and print a Contribution Letter to mail to Mark.
Please make checks payable to: Mark Hughes for Mayor
Mail donations and forms to:
Mark Hughes for Mayor
881 Corcoran Court
Benicia, CA 94510
Photo Credits: Erin Lewis Photography
Copyright 2016