IN THE NEWS

Silva, Seifert to lock horns
Incumbent county supervisor faces first ballot challenge since 1996
By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 02/12/2008 07:04:40 AM PST

For the first time in eight years, Solano County Supervisor John Silva has a re-election opponent.

On June 3, voters will decide who will represent Vallejo and Benicia on the Board of Supervisors.

Linda Seifert, a public advocate from Fairfield, officially announced her candidacy Monday for the District 2 seat, held by Silva since 1996. That year, the former Benicia city councilman and police officer defeated Doris Lowe for the post. He ran unopposed in his 2000 and 2004 re-election bids.

Seifert said she advocates for literacy, health care and children's issues. A 58-year-old retired lawyer, she said it took about six months to decide to throw her hat in the ring.

"I got a great deal of support, and it's one of those things, you have to decide if you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution. It's time for a change," Seifert said.

Seifert said she's running on a platform stressing open, accessible, accountable government, and that she has a special desire to see Vallejo reach its potential.

"I think Vallejo's an absolutely marvelous place and should be one of the highlights of our county," Seifert said. "I've walked around the city a lot and find a lot of people talk about Vallejo like it's a hotel for them. They live there, but they work, play and send their kids to school somewhere else. They need to be brought back."

She said "a little more attention from a supervisor" could help make that happen.

Silva, 73, said he's spent his tenure working to better Vallejo. He represents half of Vallejo, as well as Benicia and parts of Cordelia and Green Valley.

"I sit on the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood board and have met regularly once a month with them," Silva said. He added that he's involved with Mare Island as well and that under his leadership, parts of unincorporated Vallejo got millions of dollars to upgrade water and sewer-related infrastructure.

Silva said he takes the opposition seriously.

"I'll approach this race differently," Silva said. "I'll run like I've never run before - like I have someone running against me."

Among Seifert's high-profile supporters is Supervisor Barbara Kondylis, who also represents Vallejo. She described Seifert as "capable and competent."

"It's obvious that Mr. Silva and I don't agree on many things, and it would be nice to have someone on the board who is conscientious about trying to fix the problems we're facing," said Kondylis, who also faces re-election this year.

Most recently Kondylis was unable to win Silva's support in her fight to thwart Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis' bid to unseat Gary Cloutier on Dec. 11. Cloutier was among those who appeared at a news conference announcing Seifert's candidacy.

Seifert said she opposes the county's general plan in its present form, and is interested in addressing freeway gridlock, health care programs and other issues. She also sees the state takeover of the Vallejo Ferry and its properties as "a travesty."

"Now that it's done, Vallejo must try to fashion the best deal it can to ensure it keeps that system serving our people," Seifert said. "We need direction, vision and it's time for the people of this county to be heard."