Same council, new mandate

CITY AFFAIRS: Following an election that reaffirmed the status quo on Berkeley City Council, officials must do a better job of working together.

Tuesday’s election results left the makeup of Berkeley City Council completely unchanged: All four incumbent council members were re-elected, as was Mayor Tom Bates. However, just because Berkeley’s main elected officials are the same does not mean their attitudes should remain static. The city’s challenges are steep, as exposed over Read More…

Election 2012 Endorsements: City candidates

Jacquelyn McCormick Berkeley City Mayor When Tom Bates was last re-elected as mayor of Berkeley in 2008, we expected him to be a leader who could bring local officials and residents together. Instead, he has proven to be a mayor who, especially in recent months, is unable to bridge the Read More…

For the record

I understand that my last column unintentionally caused offense over my reference to Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington as “Princess Worthington.” This reference is not in any way intended to offend, demean or imply anything concerning the council member’s sexual orientation. As an ally of the queer movement and as Read More…

All against one

CITY AFFAIRS: Most of the opponents to Mayor Tom Bates in this election are focusing too much of their attention on attacking the incumbent.

So far, this year’s race for Berkeley mayor seems to be composed of two parties: Tom Bates and everyone else. As a 10-year incumbent, Bates is an easy target for the other candidates. But opponents are placing too much emphasis on criticizing his record when voters really need to see Read More…