Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching and there are three people running for two seats on the city council of Riverbank: Incumbent Cal Campbell, Incumbent Leanne Jones Cruz, and candidate Larry King.
Vote by Mail Ballots formerly known as Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
To get to know the candidates a little bit better, The News offered the opportunity for all three to participate in a brief “question and answer” session. Following are the responses; candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Cal Campbell
Why are you running?
I would like to continue representing the public as a councilmember and continue working with other council members in the strategic goals we have developed.
How long have you been interested in city government?
I’ve always been interested in all types of government. Two years ago I decided to become more involved in city government because I had the time and skills to be a good representative for the people.
What is the biggest issue you feel the city faces?
We have many issues but our biggest issue by far is achieving and maintaining financial stability for all city budgets while continuing improvements for Riverbank in all areas.
If elected, what do you want to accomplish?
Improvements with public safety is a high priority. Making sure our infrastructure and facilities are maintained and improved is also needed. I would continue working with the Stanislaus Business Alliance and other groups to find ways to retain and attract new business. I will continue working with lower Stanislaus River cities to find ways of improving uses for the river that are environmentally sound and benefit all. I will continue working to ensure that the city improves and maintains professionalism with everyone.
How long have you been on the council?
I have been an elected councilmember for 16 months. This will be my third election campaign.
Leanne Jones Cruz
Why are you running?
First, I am seeking this office again because I am the most recently appointed incumbent (since October 2013), and I feel like I have had a short time on council to make a difference, and would like to see through some projects that I have been involved in. Secondly, I have strong family ties in this community, and feel strongly that it’s my time to follow in family footsteps, and do my part and give back to Riverbank, by serving again on the council. And last, great things are going on in Riverbank, city government is running smoothly, and we are making great strides. I want to continue being a part of a cohesive, proactive city council that is moving Riverbank forward.
How long have you been interested in city government?
I have always followed city government, but I have to say it’s been the last 5 years or so, that I feel like I was in a place personally to be able to dedicate the time needed to pursue my interests in Riverbank’s City government.
What is the biggest issue you feel the city faces?
We have several issues that are equally important: we need to achieve and maintain financial stability, and sustainability, we need to improve and maintain our infrastructure and facilities, we need to enhance public safety and we need to retain and attract businesses.
If elected, what do you want to accomplish?
I want to see the conveyance of the Riverbank Industrial Park from the Army to the City of Riverbank. I want to see increased business growth throughout Riverbank, and I would like to see us move forward with the short and long term goals laid out in the strategic plan.
How long have you been on the council?
I was appointed to the Council in October of 2013. I ran for City Council in the 2012 General Election, and finished fourth out of seven candidates with 14.5 percent of the total vote.
Larry King
Why are you running?
I simply believe that I can do more for the community than those I hope to unseat. There are some exciting times coming, for example the transfer of the Riverbank Industrial Complex, the beginning of construction of the North County Corridor, and very possibly the annexation of the northwest corner of Oakdale Road and Claribel Avenue. These events will offer us some great opportunities to grow but also some challenges. Growth needs to be intelligent and not undermine the efforts we have and will put into a revitalized downtown while maintaining a small town feel. I also do not feel that all the citizens of Riverbank feel they have a say in the governance of their city and I am determined to find ways to create an environment where citizens have an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with regard to public polices and the direction the city is going. Lastly, I am committed to open public discourse on all decisions made by the council; all things should be decided in public, discussed in public and then voted on with an explanation as to why you have voted in a particular fashion. In short I am running because I believe I can make a positive difference in Riverbank’s future and would like to help lead the community in a direction chosen by the many, not the few.
How long have you been interested in city government?
I have been interested in city government for seven or eight years. I did not take an active role until I ran for mayor in 2009. I have served as a member of the Budget Advisory Committee, as well as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Local Redevelopment Authority. I feel citizens have a real part to play in their choosing of their representative at this level of government. I am proud to try and make a difference, win or lose. If no one steps up to the plate and current positions are filled with incumbents, the public is being denied their right to choose. I can make a difference and will if given that opportunity.
What is the biggest issue you think the city faces?
The city faces many issues. I have spent a great deal of time walking door to door lately and find the biggest issue really depends on whose eyes you’re looking through. River Cove residents have homeless and parking issues; our law enforcement faces a criminal release program that is much like a revolving door. We continue to have graffiti problems and the downtown smells like a cat box if you walk the neighborhoods. Of course, low property values and a lower tax base are starving our local government of needed revenue. The biggest problem is a point of view. I believe a problem we should address is a disconnect between the city government and the people they serve and I believe I can and will reconnect the citizenry of Riverbank and ensure the direction we take is a direction of their choosing.
If elected what do you want to accomplish?
My goal is to help the city achieve its mission statement. That includes keeping the streets safe for our families, maintain a small town feel, but through the use of technologies keep Riverbank on the cutting edge so we are attractive to companies looking for a community to come to. If elected I will see our downtown with new business and a reason to enjoy our plaza. I will find ways to keep our streets safe with the help of the eyes and ears of the residents of Riverbank. I will do all I can to ensure the growth we experience will reflect the choices of our citizenry.
I have run for office twice before, once for mayor and once for city council. It has been a long road to this election; I have become more involved in the community through the committees I have served on and the Kiwanis Club of Riverbank. I am looking forward to continuing to serve Riverbank as a city council member.
