Why does this race matter?
As Suisun City faces a looming fiscal cliff, city leaders are exploring whether to annex land from the billionaire-backed company California Forever to potentially tap into any tax revenues generated there. But these discussions have been met with fierce pushback from many residents, and the local election is seen as a referendum on the megadevelopment itself. Two seats on the council are at stake.
Key Candidates
Jenalee Dawson City Council member, Suisun City
Katrina GarciaBusiness owner
Princess WashingtonCity Council member, Suisun City
Positions on Key Issues
Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.
Suisun City leaders are currently exploring whether to annex some of California Forever's land. If elected or reelected to the City Council, would you continue or halt those discussions, and why?
Dawson would continue discussions and believes it would be “irresponsible as a leader not to explore every opportunity that could benefit our community and region,” but says that exploration should be thorough. She is waiting to review the annexation project’s environmental impact report before drawing conclusions and will only support development that is grounded in responsible growth and environmental protections. She will make sure community voices from all perspectives are part of the process.
Garcia wants to hold an advisory vote for Suisun City residents on whether they support or oppose the proposed Suisun City Expansion Plan. “A responsible stateswoman and public servant should listen to the people and honor their voice,” she says. She supports responsible growth that creates jobs and protects the city’s tax base, but says the growth must benefit the city, not an external party.
Washington would continue discussions and allow the public review process to move forward but has not decided whether to approve the annexation. “There is an important distinction between being willing to evaluate a proposal and committing our city to annexation,” she says. She has advocated for an advisory vote before city leaders make a final decision on the expansion. She says that any expansion should strengthen Suisun City, protect existing residents and respect the established public process.
What would you do to help existing small businesses and fill empty storefronts in Suisun City's waterfront district and downtown areas?
Dawson says she is committed to working with the regional Economic Development Corporation, the local chambers of commerce and the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center to educate and support business owners who want to invest in Suisun City. She wants to ensure business owners have access to myriad tools, including ones that can help them understand local demographics, their client base and workforce availability.
Garcia says she has been meeting directly with existing business owners and asking them what is keeping them from growing. She believes the city should create a one-stop process for permits to reduce unnecessary delays and give business owners one clear contact at City Hall. She would also build a list of empty storefronts and work directly with property owners to fill them along with other measures to stimulate business growth in downtown Suisun City.
Washington believes the city’s waterfront district is one of Suisun City’s greatest assets, but says leaders need to do more to turn visitors into customers and vacant storefronts into active businesses. She prioritizes supporting existing businesses while being intentional about attracting businesses that complement the city’s waterfront and downtown. She says the city also needs to invest in creating clean and safe public spaces, events and additional housing, which could contribute to a stronger customer base.
What would you do to improve city services and make them more reliable?
Dawson believes the city should make significant capital investments in its aging infrastructure, roads, streets and facilities to keep pace with the needs of its growing community. In order to do that, Dawson wants to expand Suisun City’s tax base by creating more opportunities for residents to spend their dollars within city limits and bringing high livable-wage jobs to the city so people aren’t forced to leave Suisun City to make a living.
Garcia would require clear service goals and publish regular reports showing how long it takes for the city to respond to road problems, code complaints, permits and resident requests. She believes city leaders should plan ahead for equipment replacement, rebuild reserves and train and retain qualified employees. “My goal would be simple: listen, respond, follow through and report the results.”
Washington says the city faces real financial and infrastructure challenges and cannot continue addressing them only when they become emergencies. She has advocated for long-term financial planning and prioritizing public safety, roads, infrastructure, technology, parks, the waterfront and basic maintenance. Suisun City recently experienced a cyberattack. “We need systems that protect public information and allow essential services to continue during emergencies and disruptions,” she says.
Key Supporters
This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.
For Dawson
- Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
- Napa-Solano Building and Construction Trades Council
- Plasters’ and Cement Masons’ Local Union 300
- Solano County Democratic Central Committee
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5
For Garcia
- Maurice Arnold, business owner
- Tirzah Haik, care provider
For Washington
- Cassandra James, supervisor, Solano County
- Mitch Mashburn, supervisor, Solano County
- Edwin Okamura, mayor, Rio Vista
- Solano County Democratic Central Committee
- Solano County Orderly Growth Committee
Xenia TomHomemakerTom did not respond to KQED’s interview requests.