Nathaniel “Nat” Bates

Richmond City Council member Nathaniel "Nat" Bates is an incumbent running for re-election with plans to solve issues dealing with crime, the economy and unemployment in the city.


Bates hopes to attract new companies and businesses to Richmond and supply the city with a variety of jobs to alleviate unemployment.


The large businesses would also provide tax revenue to stimulate economic development.


"Without tax revenue, we can't do anything for the city," Bates said. "You've got to have the money to be able to accomplish the needs and demands of this community."


In addition to solving the issue of unemployment, providing jobs for the citizens would have a tremendous effect in the reduction of crime, he said.


Having served as a senior member of the Richmond City Council for nearly 30 years, Bates believes in his knowledge and ability to work with Washington and Sacramento.


"I can use the leadership that is necessary to sustain and then prove the quality of life for all the citizens in Richmond," Bates said.


Bates has served for six terms in office and has been twice elected as the city's mayor.


While in office, he supported the construction of new housing in Point Richmond and Richmond Parkway.


"Almost every new development that is in Richmond today, I had a part in bringing it into the city," Bates said.


His experience and hard work ethic prove him to be a council member of "no nonsense" that "gets the job done," he said.




—Asia Camagong