Benicia Mayor Steve Young: Recalling school board trustees unwise

Letters to the Editor | Feb. 9, 2021

Recalls, to me, should be used in instances of bad behavior, malfeasance, or other serious offenses. Recalling someone because you don’t like their vote on an issue does not meet that test.

That is what elections are for. And both board members, if they choose to, can run for reelection in 2022. And their constituents can vote them out then. On the other hand, if enough Benicians sign the petition, there will be a special election.

California law governing recalls sets strict requirements for how they are conducted. Given the amount of time set aside by law to gather signatures, verify signatures, set a date for a special election, give new candidates enough time to file and campaign, it is probable that the special election would take place in late 2021 or early 2022. And with a projected cost to the Benica Unified School District of $300,000, this is money that doubtless could be better spent helping get the schools ready for the opening we all hope for.

With the regular election scheduled for November 2022, it makes no sense to spend that kind of money on an unnecessary special election. In addition, I know Sheri Zada and Mark Maselli to be smart, hard working people who, like all local elected officials, provide invaluable public service for no significant pay.

Steve Young, mayor of Benicia

Benicia