As the Contra Costa County primary election draws near, voters will decide whether to elect incumbent John Gioia or challenger Mister Phillips as the next District I supervisor on June 8.
District I represents the cities of Richmond, San Pablo and El Cerrito, as well as the communities of East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Kensington, Montalvin Manor, North Richmond and Rollingwood.
Though both are vying for the same position, Gioia and Phillips differ in methods.
Gioia, elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006, has already worked to solve county issues by increasing access to public health and collaborating with the community to promote violence prevention.
Should he be re-elected, Gioia said he will continue to provide solutions to the county through collaborative efforts, including the building of a new health clinic, after-school youth programs and mental health services.
“The focus remains on the county’s ability to partner with community organizations and cities,” Gioia said. “The only way you get improvement is to work together and share responsibilities.”
His challenger, Phillips, works as a civil rights attorney, representing people who have been discriminated against at their jobs and also garners experiences from his time as an intern for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and lieutenant in the Navy Reserve.
“(Phillips) seems to be more concerned about the welfare of the community,” said Randall Henderson, president of the Quail Hill Neighborhood Council. “He has more concern for the city of Richmond than I think (Gioia) has shown.”
Phillips has taken an approach in his Five Point Plan for a Better West County, including solutions to issues regarding public safety, unemployment, youth involvement, senior care and the strengthening of families.
“If we were able to make a positive change in these five areas, it would be the difference between night and day in the community,” Phillips said. “I would vote to spend the money in these areas before I would vote to spend them in other areas.”
Gioia has spent his time in office focusing on county issues involving access to health care, violence prevention and employment.
“(Gioia) understands the government and knows how to get things done,”
Richmond City Council member Nathaniel Bates said, “Phillips is well-intended, but he’s an amateur when you compare him with John Gioia.”
Contact Asia Camagong at acamagong.advocate@gmail.com
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