Politics & Government

Councilwoman Barbara Halliday Elected Mayor of Hayward

Hayward City Councilwoman Barbara Halliday was elected Hayward's new mayor in Tuesday's election based on unofficial results, getting 39 percent of the vote in a four-candidate race. 

Related article: Hayward Voters to Elect New Mayor, 2 City Council Members
 
Halliday won the race even though she didn't get a majority of the vote because Hayward doesn't have runoff elections. Halliday had a comfortable margin over fellow councilmembers Mark Salinas, who got nearly 32 percent of the vote, and Francisco Zermeno, who got 22 percent. 
 
Rakesh Christian, a small business owner who also ran for governor, finished fourth, with only 6.8 percent of the vote. The mayor's job is being vacated by Michael Sweeney, who is stepping down after eight years in office. 
 
Halliday, who will assume her new post on July 8, said in an early morning phone interview that, "I am very happy to have won against two formidable councilmembers," referring to Salinas and Zermeno. She said, "I have a lot of respect for them."

In her ballot statement, Halliday said that as a council member she has helped the city reduce crime and speeding, eradicate blight and improve streets and sidewalks and promised that as mayor she will bring "even better results."

Halliday said she also will boost students' test scores by expanding a homework support center. "I believe we must do all we can as a city to keep our children healthy and safe," Halliday said.

In the city council race, which featured seven candidates who were competing for two seats, incumbent Marvin Peixoto and planning commissioner Sara Lamnin were elected. Peixoto led the way with 22.6 percent and Lamnin was close behind with 21.9 percent.

Ryan "Rocky" Fernandez, a former Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District board member, finished a close third with nearly 19 percent of the vote. He was followed by former planning commissioner Julie McKillop, with 16.5 percent, current planning commissioner Rodney Loche with nearly 11 percent, Ralph Farias Jr. with 5.2 percent and Phillip Gallegos with 3.5 percent.

Peixoto said in his ballot statement that in the four years he has been on the council business has improved, crime is down and "Hayward has  indeed turned the corner." But he said the city needs "leaders who have the courage to continue the upward course despite the criticism and pressure from outside interests."

Lamnin promised to provide "responsible oversight of our city budget to ensure efficient, consistent delivery of public safety and services and to develop innovative solutions for revitalizing our commercial districts."

She said, "I will work to attract employers and prioritize local hiring, ensuring that Hayward dollars stay in Hayward." 

Related election coverage on Patch:


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