Christina Fugazi, a career educator who has been teaching science for over 25 years, was voted in as Stockton’s new mayor in the Nov. 5 election.
Fugazi earned a 53.52 percent of the vote (33,418) compared to opponent Tom Patti’s 46.48% percent (29,018) as of press time. No comment on her apparent lea was given by press time.
Fugazi has deep ties to Stockton. A lifelong resident, her family has been present in Stockton for centuries, according to her website.
”The Fugazi family has deep and historical roots in San Joaquin County. They settled in Stockton and Lodi in the mid-1800s,” reads the site.
Fugazi, who currently teaches at venture academy, has been in politics since 2007 when she was appointed as the Stockton City Planning Commissioner, where she opposed a city plan that would allow development north of Eight Mile Road, which, according to her website, “would have destroyed part of Stockton’s last remaining region of open agricultural space.”
Later in 2015, Fugazi won a seat on the city council where she served for two full terms.
“I have said ‘no’ many times in the past when people have asked me to run for mayor,” she said in an interview with ABC 10 in February this year. “But it wasn’t until the current mayor, mayor lincoln decided he was going to run for congress, that I said ‘well now’s my opportunity.’”
Fugazi’s campaign has run on a platform of tackling the homeless issue, addressing concerns about public safety, and supporting local businesses.
Homelessness
“Allowing homelessness to persist is unacceptable.” reads Fugazi’s website. “As Mayor, I’ll take decisive action to address homelessness, enforcing the law with compassion, and effectiveness.”
“Well obviously it’s a multi-faceted issue, if I knew the perfect answer for it the governor would have me on his payroll,” said Fugazi in a KCRA 3 interview from March. She stressed that while she didn’t have the answers she was keen to find solutions.
“We have to be able to say ‘here’s a program or a project’ and we’re gonna see it through we’re gonna learn things. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t.” Fugazi said, leveraging her background as a science teacher.
“We just keep moving people from here to there, without addressing the root cause”
Public safety
Fugazi hopes to achieve a higher standard of public safety through the hiring and maintaining of more police officers.
“Strengthening our police force will make our streets safer, improve residents’ quality of life, and create a welcoming environment for new businesses,” reads her website.
Economic Revitalization
Fugazi’s campaign has also put a large focus on the topic of economic revitalization.
“I recognize the importance of Miracle Mile, Yosemite, Dr. MLK Jr Blvd, and Wilson Way. I’m dedicated to developing and supporting these districts, making them vibrant, safe, and attractive.” according to her website.
