Antioch Councilmember Monica Wilson, candidate for District 3, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, announced that she earned the endorsement of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1021.

“We support Monica for her strong support for high-quality County services, her commitment to economic development that works for working families, and her proven ability to unite and lead state/regional policy makers in protecting our Delta water from tunnel schemes,” said Dan Jameyson, SEIU 1021 Contra Costa Chapter President.

SEIU 1021 represents over 54,000 employees in Northern California in industries ranging from healthcare, non-profits, local governments and schools.

“SEIU 1021 is one of the County’s largest unions,” Monica said. “I’m honored by this endorsement because it shows that Contra Costa’s working families are behind my campaign and we have momentum.”

Wilson is a Workforce Service Specialist for the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County. District 3 includes Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen, Blackhawk, Diablo and most of Antioch. The election is June 7th.

For more information on SEIU 1021 in Contra Costa County, click here. For more information about Wilson’s campaign visit www.monicawilsonforsupervisor.com.

Candidate for County Supervisor in District 3 and Antioch City Council Member Monica Wilson, announced Monday that she has earned the endorsement of California Nurses Association.

“Monica Wilson is a champion for Contra Costa nurses and patients.” said Kati Johnson, a Perinatal RN at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. “The California Nurses Association’s is proud to endorse Ms. Wilson. She is committed to ensuring that our patients receive the care they deserve and that nurses have the support they need to continue serving our community. We unanimously support Monica and we know she is the best candidate to deliver real results.”

The California Nurses Association, together with the National Nurses Organizing Committee and the AFL-CIO, has more than 86,000 members in hospitals, clinics and home health agencies throughout the country. As one of the nation’s fastest growing labor and professional organizations, CNA has grown by nearly 400 percent in the past 15 years.

“I am grateful to have the support of the California Nurses Association.” said Wilson. “The compassion and work ethic of nurses is what inspires me to fight for what’s best for our community.”

District 3 includes Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, and Discovery Bay. The primary election is June 7, 2016.

Ken Turnage II

Antioch businessman and 2015 Citizen of the Year, Ken Turnage II announced his campaign for the Antioch City Council in the November election, on Monday.

“As a life-time resident and business owner of Antioch, I am pleased and excited to announce that this fall; I will be running for Antioch City Council,” he said. “Antioch is the town that I have grown up in and love. We have seen growing pains lately and I have witnessed some questionable decisions made by the current city council. With deep ties into the community, I feel that I will bring a positive perspective not seen on the council in some time. I represent a fresh start with a new approach to the business as usual mentality in Antioch. With some hard work, we can get Antioch back on track.”

Turnage, who was recently named the 2015 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact, shared why he is running.

“I plan on running a transparent campaign and with an open line of communication with residents,” he stated. “I look forward to discussing many issues facing our city and working on realistic solutions on budget issues, crime, and future growth.

“As a business owner, I know some of the challenges our local businesses face and we must make some adjustments at a city level to attract and retain businesses while giving them a chance to succeed,” Turnage continued.

“I consider myself truly independent and free of special interest groups which will allow for honest conversation and apply decision making skills with what is best for the city and community as a whole,” he added. “In the near future, I will be releasing information on a campaign kickoff event, a website launch, and more.  In the meantime, you may follow me on my Facebook page here,  call me at 754-5232 or email me at k2gc@comcast.net with your ideas and concerns.”

Turnage is a licensed general contractor and owner of K2GC, Inc. in Antioch with 20 employees. He and his wife Teresa have two daughters. He serves on the City of Antioch’s Economic Development Commission.

Odessa Lefrancois, courtesy of the NAACP website

Becomes sixth candidate to join the race in District 3

Odessa Lefrancois, a 16-year resident of East Contra Costa County and a 12-year county health services employee, made her candidacy for District 3 Supervisor official by completing her filing on Wednesday afternoon, March 9th, as supporters and volunteers dressed in “Vote for Odessa” shirts looked on at the County Office of Elections and Registration.

Informally beginning her campaign last November, by riding in a car with signs announcing her candidacy in Antioch’s Veterans Day Parade, Lefrancois is undeterred to join a race with five other candidates seeking to replace Mary Piepho.

“I’ve not only lived in the district for a long time, I’ve also worked (and still do) for the County for over a decade,” she said. “I’ve seen County governance both from the inside and the outside.  More importantly, I’ve experienced, firsthand, the effects of Supervisor decisions as a resident as well as an employee. I have something unique that the other candidates don’t have – a dual perspective and experience.”

Recent decisions from the Supervisors have led Lefrancois to her run for Supervisor.

“For nearly a decade, we have seen the County reduce or completely cut services, close down health care facilities, roll back employee salaries and benefits, and insist residents do more with less,” she said. “Supervisors preached sacrifice.”

But one decision in particular concretized Odessa Lefrancois’ determination to run.”

Filing her papers at the County Elections Office on Wednesday, March 9th.

“When the Supervisors, minus Candace Andersen, voted to raise their own salaries by an unbelievable 33% while preaching sacrifice to everyone else, I knew this County needed new leadership,” she stated.  “That decision was incredibly self serving. Leaders serve the public interest, not their own interest.”

On her priorities for the County, she said, “I am neither a career politician nor a political opportunist chasing the next office. I am a mother, a resident, a County health services employee, a retired Navy veteran, and a community volunteer.”

As a mother and resident, Lefrancois’ priorities are improved public safety and the preservation of green spaces and wetlands for families to enjoy.

As an employee, Lefrancois’ priorities are better regional transportation infrastructure and County leadership that will treat their employees fairly, and to lead by example.

As a Navy vet, Lefrancois’ priorities are better health care delivery to all, especially our men and women in uniform who served honorably but now have mental and/or physical health needs to heal.

As a community volunteer for faith-based organizations working to serve those who are traditionally underrepresented and ignored, Lefrancois’ priorities are to become a Supervisor who is relentless in engaging her constituents and responding to the needs of those constituents.

Odessa’s supporters who joined her at the County Elections Office.

According to her bio on the NAACP East County Branch website, two weeks after graduating from Lincoln High School in McClellanville, she joined the United States Navy.

During her military career she was trained as a hospital corpsman and a respiratory therapist. Training led to a military career that took her to over thirty-five states in the United States and five foreign countries (Japan, Korea, Philippines, Canada and Mexico).  She retired from the military after 21 years of honorable service at the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E7).   After retirement, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Chapman University, in Orange County, California. Community involvement includes but not limited to Health Chair for Antioch Church Family and the current President of the East County National Association for the Advancement of Colored (NAACP) Branch.

Lefrancois is a proud mother of two children, Shane (28) and Lorraine (20) and three grandchildren. She enjoys bicycle riding, reading, traveling and most important, living a life of service to others. She is currently employed as a respiratory therapist at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Kaiser, Walnut Creek Medical Center. Lefrancois resides with her husband, Louis in Antioch.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two candidates will face off in the General Election in November.

Betty Yee, courtesy of the California State Controller’s website.

Antioch City Councilmember and community advocate Monica Wilson announced she had added the endorsement of State Controller Betty Yee to a growing list of support for Contra Costa Supervisor.

“Monica is a champion for Contra Costa in improving the economy and quality of life for its residents and businesses,” Yee said. “Her demonstrated leadership and experience in the business and public sectors will serve Contra Costa County well. I wholeheartedly support Monica Wilson for county supervisor.”

Controller Betty Yee, of San Francisco, currently serves as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. She chairs the Franchise Tax Board and serves as a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) Boards, which have a combined portfolio of nearly $500 billion. Yee was elected to the seat in November 2014, defeating the Republican Mayor of Fresno Ashley Swearengin in 2014 with 54% of the vote.

“I am thrilled to have the support of our State Controller, Betty Yee.” said Wilson. “We both share the same goal of making sure California’s working families receive their fair share.”

Prior to serving as State Controller, Betty Yee served on the Board of Equalization since 2006 until 2015, representing 21 counties in northern and central California. Yee’s 30 years of experience in public service include serving as Chief Deputy Director for Budget with the California Department of Finance.

Yee also serves on the Board of Directors for the Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender civil rights organization. She is a Co-founder of the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project, which engages California high school students in public service and politics.

Yee is the newest high profile endorser for Wilson’s supervisorial campaign, which recently announced it had also received the backing of Board of Equalization Chairwoman Fiona Ma. Yee has served as Vice President of California Women Lead, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for women holding or interested in running for political office, for which Ma currently serves as Treasurer.

Wilson lives in Antioch and received her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix and her B.A. from Howard University. She is currently an Antioch City Councilmember. The seat is being vacated by outgoing third district Supervisor Mary Piepho. Contra Costa County’s third supervisorial district includes Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, and Discovery Bay. The primary election is June 7, 2016.

Nance continues to build momentum to defeat failed incumbent Jerry McNerney as law enforcement continues to back Nance in battleground CD 9

Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19 year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of San Joaquin County Sheriff Steve Moore in her campaign for Congress against who she labels the “vulnerable” incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“Kathryn Nance is the fresh face and new generation of leader that the 9th congressional district needs,” stated Sheriff Moore.  “Her 19 years as a member of the Stockton Police Department upholding the vow to ‘protect and serve’ shows her dedication to our community.  I am proud to give Kathryn Nance my endorsement for her campaign in the 9th congressional district and know that she will be a strong advocate for public safety in Congress.”

The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, as well as a small portion of Contra Costa including most of Antioch, and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

“I am honored to have Sheriff Moore’s support and hope to take the fight against violent crime to our nation’s capital,” said Nance. “Jerry McNerney has been nowhere to be found in the fight against the criminal gangs and organized crime that costs lives and property for law abiding citizens.  I will be a voice for the victims of crime, not the perpetrators of it.”

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association.  She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.  She is married to her husband of 11 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department.  Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 23.  Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit.  Kathryn also served as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

To learn more about Kathryn Nance for Congress, visit us online at www.Nance2016.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KathrynNanceForCongress and follow us on Twitter @Nance2016.

John Herrington

On Thursday, candidate for County Supervisor in District 3, Doug Hardcastle announced he has received the endorsement of John Herrington, a former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Contra Costa County business owner.

“Contra Costa needs Doug Hardcastle’s strong leadership and commitment to solving the problems we face, specifically in the areas of public safety, transportation, local job creation and the county budget,” Herrington said. “He is the only candidate in the race with the combination of experience in business, the military and government we need to make the difficult decisions and be our voice on the Board.”

“Please join me in supporting Doug for County Supervisor,” he added.

John Herrington practiced law privately as an attorney from 1965 to 1981, primarily in San Francisco, and publicly as deputy district attorney of Ventura County.

In the Reagan Administration, Herrington served as Secretary of Energy from 1985 to 1989, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs from 1981 to 1983, and deputy assistant for presidential personnel from 1983 to 1985.

After government service, Herrington was the Chairman of Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, the giant publishing firm, overseeing a $2.8-billion restructuring of the company. Herrington remains active in politics in his home state, having served for a time as Chairman of the California Republican Party.

Herrington currently owns Vic Stewart’s, a nationally recognized steakhouse, with locations in Brentwood and Walnut Creek. He also acts as an adviser to numerous corporations.

His wife, Lois Haight Herrington is a judge with the Superior Court of Contra Costa County, who served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statistics of the Department of Justice, during the Reagan Administration. She also served as Chairman and Executive Director of the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime.

“I appreciate John Herrington’s service to our nation and state, as a leader in government, business and politics,” Hardcastle said. “He and his wife are two of the impressive leaders Contra Costa has produced over the years. His endorsement and support of my campaign are both welcome and appreciated from someone who has given so much and is well respected.”

Hardcastle was elected to the Oakley City Council in 2012 and recently completed a year as Mayor. From 2000 to 2012 he served as a Director on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board, for which he served as President in 2010-2011. He currently serves as Chair of Transplan, the East County transportation committee and on the Tri Delta Transit Board of Directors. Doug and his wife Lyn own Hardcastle’s RV in Oakley and have operated it in the county for over 40 years. In 2006, Doug was honored as Oakley Business Person of the Year and he’s a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. For more information visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Supervisor District 3 includes Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Blackhawk, Diablo, Camino Tassajara, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen and a portion of Antioch. The election is on June 7, 2016. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two candidates face off in the General Election in November.

Candidate for District 3 Supervisor, Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, announced Saturday, he has received endorsements from fellow city council members Mary Rocha and Tony Tiscareno.

Mary Rocha from City of Antioch website.

Rocha is the longest serving member of the current Antioch City Council and first Hispanic mayor of Antioch (1996-2000). Rocha is very knowledgeable of the nonprofit world and has dedicated her life to supporting Contra Costa County families. She has been a community liaison for Brighter Beginnings, with the Mary Rocha Child Development Center named in her honor. She serves on the board of directors for Tri-Delta Transit and Delta Diablo Sanitation District with Harper.

“I am supporting my mayor because he has done a great job bringing our city together to address many of the problems that we face,” Rocha said. “Wade is the most experienced candidate in the race. As a directly elected mayor and 24-year veteran police officer, he is the strongest candidate to tackle the challenges that persist in the county.”

Tiscareno was appointed to the city council in 2012 to fill Harper’s unexpired term when Harper won the race for Mayor. Tiscareno is a 33-year retired steelworker, and a former Political Director for the Contra Costa Labor Council. In the 1990’s, Tiscareno owned a small business trading sports cards. The 46-year resident of Antioch is now a real estate agent.

Tony Tiscareno from City of Antioch website.

“What stands out about Wade is he cares about people,” he said. “I share Wade’s commitment to stand up for hard-working people when we returned city employees back to a full-time work week after five-and-a-half years of work furloughs. I am honored to stand with Wade for Supervisor and support his campaign.  He will make a great supervisor.”

When Harper was elected as mayor he led the city council in team-building and strategic planning. He also led the charge in authorizing violent crime suppression teams, while also spearheading the Measure C campaign to hire more police. Measure C is bringing in more than $5 million per year to hire police officers, code enforcement officers and blight reduction.

Harper is chair of Delta Diablo Sanitation and a member of the board of directors for Tri Delta Transit. In the past, he has served on the Transplan, Highway 4 Bypass, eBART and East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Finance Authority committees.  Harper was also elected to serve as chair of the Contra Costa County Conference of Mayors.

“Today, on my birthday, I am honored to have key support from my fellow council members,” Harper said.  “I look forward to bringing my leadership to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. The community deserves integrity, excellence and hard work from their elected officials.  I will work with the current supervisorsand community to find solutions to problems and add value to the community.”

Harper also added that he is “ready to work on the many issues facing our community such as public safety, jobs, protecting our Delta, healthcare and transportation to name a few.”

Harper is one of seven candidates running for Supervisor in District 3, which includes most of Antioch. The election is June 7. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two candidates will face each other in a run-off during the November General Election.