Week of October 27: What do you think about your opponent's fundraising, and what's this about the huge campaign expenditures of some Council candidates?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: Please r ead Will Gregory's letter, "Election Notes - Keeping it in Benicia, OR NOT" ... (continued)

Week of October 20: I heard that the current Mayor and your opponent have joined forces to reschedule hearings on Seeno. What do you know about this, and how might it affect the election and our future in Benicia??

Councilwoman Patterson responds: I think we are being played for suckers. Let me suggest to you why... (continued)

Week of October 12: What is the worth of the Benicia Industrial Park to Benicia's economy?   (...question asked at the Chamber Candidates Forum, 10/10)

Councilwoman Patterson responds: The Benicia Industrial Park is the economic engine of Benicia. Combined City revenues from sales taxes, property taxes and all other taxes for Fiscal Year 2006-7 are estimated at over ten million dollars.

Here are the latest figures, in the City's detailed report.

Week of October 6: Do we need an expensive Fire and Rescue Boat?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: Please read the excellent analysis sent to me by Brent Street on 9/12/07.

"I have some information regarding the “fire & rescue” boat that I would like to share with you. I met with Chief Hanley who was very cordial and generous with his time and covered several aspects of the situation...." (continued).

Week of September 22: Didn't you get caught up in politics some years ago over a lawsuit with the City, something about your porch?

Here are the facts: I bought my home in 1987 from Norm Koerner. It is exactly the same today as it was in 1987 and 1980 when it was built. The front porch (landing stairs and such) is built on the 1880 former back porch to the Hastings victorian. The property belongs to me - there was no property title given to the city. There is no recorded easement to the city. The city could not establish according to law a "dedicated easement" because in 1880 the back porch was accessed by a carriage driveway on the parcel across from the current driveway - there used to be a slope down to the old backporch. The driveway has only been a driveway and not an alley - even I now have senior and historic uses of the driveway as the result of the legal settlement. My title company paid for the attorney services - it cost over $160,000.00. The city spent over $110,000 on outside attorney fees. The mail box, trees, porch and fence are exactly where they were in 1980, 1987 and 2000 all key dates. What did $270,000 buy?

Please read the following excellent background piece written by Dave Badtke in 2000...

"Well, I went to see her house, which is on West 2nd Street, and was amazed to find that the alley owned by the City, which runs very close to her house, is really a driveway shared by Ms. Patterson and her neighbor to the west. Removal of her "porch", which is, in reality, the front steps leading to her entrance on the second floor, would require either that she enter her house using a ladder, which obviously would be very hard on visitors . . . (click here for the full story).

By the way, my quality of life has not been the same - the trees, hillside of vegetation and mature shrubs are gone. In their place is the rental second unit across the driveway; a broken down truck that is never moved; railroad ties, garbage cans, trash and construction material, along with trash cans and a storage area.

Elizabeth

Week of August 11: Where does our tax money go? Are the large corporations paying their fair share?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: It seems no one likes to pay taxes. Most people think that taxes, while not wished for, are necessary to pay for public safety, street repair, parks, safe and reliable water, good planning, economic development, and recreation and cultural services. Earlier this year a major tax fight was settled as described below:. (more)

Week of August 4: How would you describe the City's new Budget?

Councilwoman Patterson responds:  On the whole, the city's finances are in good shape. Our debt load (the amount of money borrowed) is well below the standards set by the state. Here are a few highlights of our budget. Also there is a discussion of what one of our major industries' approach has been toward paying taxes.:. (more)

Week of July 21: What can be done about the loud train horns?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: Some people have asked about the train horns, and Richmond Council Member Tom Butt has the answers ... (more)

Week of July 7: What are we doing about homelessness in Benicia?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: The most authoritative source of information on homelessness in Benicia is our own Community Action Centers ... (more)

Week of June 30: What's going on with Bordoni Ranch?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: ... I received the following on from Bill Tuikka of Vallejo’s Planning Commission. He followed up on the same day with [attached drawings] ... (more)

Week of June 23: What about that big yellow building on Columbus Parkway at Rose Drive?

Councilwoman Patterson responds: Charlie Knox, Benicia Community Development Director, contacted the project architect who acknowledges ... (more - UPDATED ON 8/1/07)