Stockton, a city with a rich history and potential for a promising future, is at a crucial moment in its development. Now is the time that a solid and dedicated leadership can step up and use Stockton’s recent turmoil over the past few decades as leverage to create a system of change and increase morale, encouraging more residents to get involved. At this point, it’s up to the community to choose who that leadership will be in the upcoming election. In a recent candidate forum organized by various community organizations, four Mayoral candidates engaged in a lively discussion on critical issues such as economic development, housing, public safety, and youth empowerment. It should be noted that two candidates, Shakeel Ahmad and Tom Patti were no-shows.
Here are the highlights of the forum:
1. Youth Employment and Local Job Opportunities
One of the pressing concerns in Stockton is the lack of job opportunities for teenagers and young adults. The candidates were asked about their plans to address this issue and support youth employment. Each candidate offered unique insights and strategies.