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.
What does a mayor do?
A mayor’s role varies from city to city. In some jurisdictions, a mayor leads council meetings, but largely has similar responsibilities as other council members: voting on city ordinances, development proposals, contracts and the budget. In San Francisco, the mayor has broader powers to sign or veto bills, oversee city departments and make appointments.
Key Candidates
Lilia DardonRetired teacher
Alma HernandezMayor, Suisun City
Michael JeffersonCommunity organizer
Amit PalCity 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 mayor, would you continue or halt those discussions, and why?
Dardon says she would halt annexation discussions until an environmental impact report for the project is published. She says the company has not been transparent with residents about the potential costs the surrounding community could incur if it builds its megadevelopment in southeastern Solano County. She is also concerned about impacts to nearby Travis Air Force Base and that the land could be used for data centers.
Hernandez says she would continue to explore annexation and consider the option with the public. She does not yet know if the Suisun Expansion Plan is feasible or if it will solve the city’s structural deficit, which it has carried for more than a decade. But she says, “We owe it to the next generation to do our due diligence in understanding what is both possible and feasible.”
Jefferson is not interested in continuing to explore annexation. He says it’s a terrible deal that will circumvent democracy and would rob the county of a chance to vote on its collective future. On Day 1 as mayor, he plans to have two allies on the council vote alongside him to terminate the at-will contract and close the annexation bid.
Pal says his current job as a City Council member is to listen to the will of the people and understand their concerns. He sees potential benefits for annexing some of California Forever’s land but wants to hear questions from residents about impacts to traffic, water and utilities. He has voted to explore the possibility of annexation so he can get people answers to those questions.
What would you do to help existing small businesses and fill empty storefronts in Suisun City's waterfront district and downtown areas?
Dardon says she has drafted a plan and worked with a developer to build an amphitheater for visitors and tourists. The events and concerts performed at the amphitheater will increase foot traffic for people who dine and shop in downtown Suisun City and will benefit existing small businesses. She also plans to take advantage of the city’s Amtrak station to bring people into the city for large events.
Hernandez wants to explore establishing a tourism business improvement district — a fee businesses would pay — to fund a visitors bureau that would promote Suisun City throughout the region and result in more foot traffic to support small businesses. She voted to approve the sale of all city-owned property downtown and hopes new development will revitalize the area and help existing local businesses.
Jefferson says business development in Suisun City is stagnant because it is time-intensive and expensive to open and maintain brick-and-mortar stores. “My platform gets the city out of the way, as we determine the permissions, the time and rules,” he says. If elected, he would reduce fees and expedite permitting timelines to no more than 60 days.
Pal says it’s important for the mayor to understand how small-business owners think, and he brings that experience as a small-business owner himself. “Otherwise, we get into a situation where a mayor is told by out-of-town interest [groups] that the only way to help our economy is to let billionaires come in and do whatever they want,” he says. He promises to continue working with companies to recruit businesses to come to Suisun City.
What would you do to improve city services and make them more reliable?
Dardon wants the police and fire departments to be “completely staffed so that there is no delay for emergency response.” She plans to restart the city’s Community Emergency Response Team, where volunteers can help during a crisis. “My belief is that the mayor should be at every major crime [scene] that happens in this community.”
Hernandez’s ultimate goal is to increase staffing because the shortage of city employees impacts how quickly residents can access services. During her time in office, she and other city leaders stabilized the Police Department’s high turnover rate and increased staffing for the Fire Department. She is working on maintenance for the city’s downtown, fixing potholes, repaving streets and increasing capacity for landscaping and beautification.
Jefferson believes that once small businesses are able to thrive and grow in Suisun City, they will generate more revenue, which can support a wide array of city services. “This means more men and women in service, greater technology and stronger pay and benefits,” he says.
Pal says his power as a City Council member is limited because he can only direct the city manager and city attorney to improve certain services, but as mayor, he would work with them to make sure city staff are focused on delivering results. He says city leaders need to focus on roads and infrastructure and need to make sure police and fire departments have what they need to keep the city safe.
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 Dardon
- Grace Akpu, founder, Bountiful Harvest
- Amber Arias, digital creator
- Francisco Castillo, tax consultant
- Mike McCamey, pastor, Marina Church
- Myles and Katharine Weiss, Shalom House
For Hernandez
- Lori Wilson, California Assembly member
- Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
- North Coast States Carpenters Union
- Solano County Democratic Central Committee
- Suisun City Police Officers Association
For Jefferson
- None listed or provided
For Pal
- Fiona Ma, California state treasurer
- Mitch Mashburn, supervisor, Solano County
- Parise Shepherd, City Council member, Suisun City
- Princess Washington, City Council member, Suisun City
- Suisun City Police Officers Association
Additional Candidates
Chauncey BanksLocal business ownerBanks did not respond to KQED’s interview requests.