VIDEO: KION presents the Salinas Mayoral Debate, Scott Rates moderates
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) – The 2024 election is just weeks away. There are many issues facing the city of Salinas. The candidates for mayor are Chris Barrera, Ernesto Gonzalez Garcia, and Dennis Donohue.
In this debate, the candidates talk about the following topics:
- The perception of dysfunction that the council has been going through that evidently led to two members leaving (including the Mayor.) How will the individual running for mayor address issues that come up within council, and make sure that the entire council is working together and doing what in the best interests of the community they serve?
- The housing crisis. It is very expensive to live in Salinas. Beyond rent stabilization ordinances being discussed, what more would you bring to the table to keep longtime residents in Salinas? How do you plan on addressing the homeless crisis?
- Police chief and crime in the city. The police department still does not have a permanent chief. Once selected, how will the mayor work with the chief and how will you address crime in the city? Is the department getting the money it needs.
