The coming November promises an interesting election race in Contra Costa County, with significant financial backing from multiple avenues pouring in for the vacant seat on the County Board of Supervisors. Retired police lieutenant Mike Barbanica, a 2020 Antioch City Council elect, and owner of a thriving real estate property management firm with over 200 properties in the region, emerges as a strong contender.
In our current climate, who better to envision and execute necessary changes than a retired law enforcement officer? Barbanica’s experience positions him uniquely to perceive the profound needs in our communities. His campaign is establishing a much-needed focus on safety, justice, and fiscal responsibility, aiming to rectify the mismanagement of the county’s generous $5 billion budget.
On the opposing side stands Shanelle Scales-Preston, a Pittsburg City Councilmember who’s put in about half a decade and currently serves as District Director for Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. Her campaign treads the typical Democrat path of big government and social programs, promoting a ‘collaborative’ approach to affordable housing, transportation access, and job programs, targeted at marginalized communities.
Barbanica, backed with law and order aspirations, looks to confront crucial issues such as rising crime rates, growing homeless encampments, urban and rural degradation with tact and focus. More than $433,000 pours in from law enforcement factions supporting Barbanica’s vision, yet another testament to his undeniable aptitude for governing these diverse communities.
It should come as no surprise, that the factions backing Barbanica also fundraise for a separate committee of ‘worried citizens’ who understandably deny Scales-Preston their votes. After all, given the prevalent issues of crime, homelessness, and fiscal mismanagement, wouldn’t logic dictate choosing someone experienced in handling crisis over another promising high-sounding rhetoric?
Reflecting on his successes while on the Antioch City Council, the dedicated Barbanica openly advocated for ample funding and resources. As a Board of Supervisors member, he doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels. Instead, he intends to maintain and strengthen the county’s critical links, working through inter-agency meetings while addressing residents’ valid criticisms and oversight concerns.
Contrarily, Scales-Preston’s funding, nearly $402,500, comes chiefly from varied union factions. These funds support advertisement efforts, campaign text distribution, and polling exercises. But one may wonder, is this where the citizens’ hard-earned money betters serves the community, or could this be a case of misplaced priorities?
Economically, it’s noteworthy that Scales-Preston was raised in a union setting. She’s familiar with the union rhetoric about perceived importance of these jobs in providing safe workplaces and ‘livable’ wages. Yet, does this focus overshadow the need to confront and solve spiraling crime issues, homelessness, or the financial disarray at the county level?
Further, Scales-Preston’s attention diverts to transitioning towards supposedly cleaner, safer, ‘energy-friendly’ jobs. In a time when the state and the county reel under the weight of more material, immediate problems, it’s questionable whether her focus aligns with the needs of the present. Is this another case of Democratic distraction out of touch with everyday realities?
While advocating for existing jobs and economic opportunities is commendable, the rhetoric promising the launch of youth apprenticeship programs and alternative career pathways seems untime tested. Pioneering change is admirable, but in times of crisis, experience and proven methods often hold the key to recovery and progress.
These contrasting campaigns bring into relief the difference in approaches between the experienced and pragmatic Barbanica, and the theoretical and often high-sounding rhetoric of Scales-Preston. The choice becomes clearer for voters to secure a future thriving on meaningful change and proven leadership.
It is unambiguous that the upcoming elections are critical for Contra Costa County’s sustainability and progress. The decision lies between supporting a candidate who speaks in terms of tangible progress and practical solutions, or choosing one entrenched in promises of nebulous initiatives, vulnerable to failures.
Barbanica’s commitment to order, safety, and fiscal responsibility delivers a fresh breath of air in these challenging times. His candidacy represents a beacon of hope for citizens, having proven his mettle under many challenging circumstances.
On the contrary, Scales-Preston’s campaign might catch the attention of a few with its grand schemes. However, scrutinizing the bigger picture reveals the importance of tested leadership and focused governance in navigating through these challenging times.
The clear differences in goals, approach, and methodology between the two candidates highlight yet another example of why it’s crucial to weigh the practical experience over scripted narratives. The choice seems straightforward for the citizens of Contra Costa County: proven experience and practicality over uncertain promissory rhetoric.