2024 Concord City Council Candidate Questions: Pablo Benavente
CONCORD, CA (Sept. 18, 2024) — The Pioneer newspaper presented a list of questions to the candidates running for Concord City Council in the 2024 election. To read other candidate answers, click here.
What is your name, age and occupation?
Pablo Benavente, 33, Senior Manager
Why do you want to run for a City Council Position?
I want to run for a City Council position because I’m deeply invested in shaping Concord’s future in a way that benefits all residents. Having lived in Concord since age 13, I’ve witnessed the city’s growth and the challenges it faces, from traffic safety concerns, fracturing infrastructure, to the need for more community resources like parks and libraries. I’m motivated by a strong commitment to making sure that our city continues to grow in a way that enhances the quality of life for all residents, ensuring that our community remains a great place to live and raise a family.
My experience on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission, as well as my work with Monument Impact and the Measure V Ballot Committee, has given me firsthand insight into the needs of our community. I want to bring that experience to the City Council to advocate for practical solutions—such as improving traffic safety and enhancing public spaces—that will improve the quality of life for all Concord residents. I’m committed to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable city where everyone, from young families to longtime residents, to retireees, can thrive. Running for City Council is an opportunity to turn my dedication to Concord into action and help guide our city toward a brighter future.
Concord needs a fresh approach. We need leaders who truly listen to all residents, not bully them, especially those who are often overlooked. City Council decisions should reflect the needs and values of our entire community—fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity for all. I’m running to bring a new perspective and ensure that Concord is a place where every individual and family can thrive, with their voices heard and their future prioritized.
What experience or training do you have that qualifies you to make decisions for the City of Concord?
I bring a unique combination of public service and private sector experience that qualifies me to make informed and effective decisions for the City of Concord. My service on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission has provided me with valuable experience in advocating for and improving our public spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of all residents. Additionally, my work with nonprofits such as Monument Impact and as Co-Chair of the Measure V
Committee has given me hands-on experience in advocating for and securing funding for critical infrastructure improvements.
In addition to my public service, I’ve built a career in the tech industry, working in government relations. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how to navigate complex regulatory environments, advocate for policies that drive innovation, and build strong relationships across various sectors. My work in the private sector has also given me a firsthand appreciation of the challenges involved in running a business, including managing resources, complying with regulations, and adapting to changing market conditions. These skills are directly transferable to the City Council, where I can bring a forward-thinking, results-
oriented approach to the challenges and opportunities facing Concord. My background in both the public and private sectors equips me with a well-rounded perspective, making me well-prepared to contribute effectively to the City Council and help guide Concord toward a prosperous and inclusive future.
What engagement have you had in Concord civic affairs? Do you regularly attend city council meetings?
I have been deeply engaged in Concord civic affairs for many years, and my
involvement has been both broad and impactful. As an appointed member of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission, I’ve had the opportunity to directly contribute to the planning and enhancement of our city’s public spaces, ensuring they serve the diverse needs of our community. My work with Monument Impact has also allowed me to play a significant role in advocating for low-income communities, which are essential to Concord’s growth and well-being.
I make it a priority to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening at the City Council. I try to attend council meetings regularly, and when I can’t be there in person, I participate via Zoom or listen to the recordings at a later date. I also closely review agendas and minutes. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the decisions being made at the local level because they have immediate and often noticeable impacts on our community.
A community driven Grand Jury identified a City Council lack of transparency in regard to financial reporting of Concord Naval weapon station Reuse Project. What changes, if any, would you make in response to the report?
The concerns raised by the community-driven Grand Jury about the lack of transparency in the financial reporting of the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Project are significant and must be addressed to restore public trust. Transparency is fundamental to good governance, and it’s crucial that residents have confidence in the decisions being made about such a major project. The City Council has a fiduciary duty to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of the community and that financial resources are managed responsibly.
In response to the Grand Jury’s report, I would advocate for key changes. First, I would push for more frequent and detailed public reporting on the financial aspects of the Reuse Project. This would include regular updates on expenditures, revenue projections, and any financial agreements related to the project, which should be presented as part of the oral presentations at council meetings—not just buried in hundreds of pages of documents. Additionally, I would support the creation of a dedicated oversight committee that includes community representatives to review financial reports and ensure that all information is accurate and accessible to the public. These steps are essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring that the project is managed with the transparency and accountability that the community deserves. Furthermore, it is essential to hold city staff accountable for their roles in the project’s financial management. I would advocate for establishing clear performance metrics and regular evaluations to ensure that staff are meeting their responsibilities effectively. If issues arise, they should be addressed promptly, with appropriate corrective actions taken to maintain the integrity of the project’s oversight. By holding staff accountable, we can ensure that the project is managed with the highest standards of professionalism and that public funds are used efficiently and responsibly. This commitment to accountability will help restore and maintain public confidence in the city’s ability to manage such a significant undertaking.
There has been some discussion among residents that the Naval Weapons Station development is too big a project for the City Council, and that the project should have regional oversight. Do you agree?
The Concord Naval Weapons Station development is indeed a significant project, and its scale and impact on our city and the surrounding region are substantial. While I understand the concerns that some residents have about whether the City Council alone can effectively manage such a large and complex project, I believe that local oversight is crucial. The City Council is directly accountable to the residents of Concord, and we have a deep understanding of the community’s needs, priorities, and concerns. Unfortunately, the incumbent has been part of the problem, contributing to delays and a lack of transparency that has eroded public trust in the process.
However, I also recognize the value of regional collaboration on a project of this magnitude. While I don’t believe the oversight should be handed over entirely to a regional body, I do support the idea of involving regional stakeholders in an advisory capacity. This could include collaboration with neighboring cities, county officials, and regional planning organizations to ensure that the project benefits not just Concord but the broader region as well. By maintaining local control while seeking input and cooperation from regional partners, we can strike a balance that ensures the project is managed effectively and serves the best interests of both Concord and the surrounding communities.
This project has the potential to create a divide within Concord, leading to two very different experiences for residents depending on which side of the development they live on. The City Council must take an active role in ensuring that this development does not result in “two Concords,” where some areas thrive while others are left behind. Additionally, if the current development agreement with Brookfield does not succeed, we run the very real risk of the Navy reclaiming the land and selling it off, which could lead to outcomes that are not in Concord’s best interest. It’s essential that we act decisively and responsibly to ensure that this project moves forward in a way that benefits all parts of our city and all of its residents equally.
The major issues in the city have been homelessness, roads/infrastructure, safety and housing. What have you done, or would you do to address these issues? Are there other issues you would champion?
The major issues facing Concord—homelessness, roads and infrastructure, safety, and housing—are complex and require a comprehensive, proactive approach. My experience and commitment to our community have already led me to take steps in addressing some of these challenges, and I’m prepared to do more if elected to the City Council.
Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that combines immediate support with long-term solutions. We should increase the availability of affordable and transitional housing to help individuals and families move from homelessness to stable living situations. Partnering with local nonprofits, county services, and state programs is essential to creating a coordinated response that addresses the root causes of homelessness, including unemployment, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing. By focusing on both short-term relief and long-term recovery, we can create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and improve the overall well-being of our community.
For roads and infrastructure, my role on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission, as well as my work on the Measure V Committee, has involved securing approximately 30 million dollars annually for critical infrastructure improvements. I would continue to prioritize investments in our roads, and other essential infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of our growing population.
Safety is another key concern. Ensuring our police department has the resources it needs to keep our neighborhoods safe, while also emphasizing transparency and accountability, is essential. Measure V, which I was proud to co-chair, plays a critical role in supporting public safety by providing vital funding for local law enforcement. With this funding, I plan to advocate for increasing the number of dispatchers to ensure quicker response times in emergencies and to equip our police officers with the tools and training they need to serve our community effectively. By prioritizing these enhancements, we can improve safety across Concord while maintaining the transparency and accountability that our residents expect and deserve.
When it comes to housing, I would encourage the development of new housing while ensuring that growth is sustainable and aligned with the character of our city. A key priority will be ensuring that the Concord Naval Weapons Station development moves forward without unnecessary delays. This project is crucial for providing much-needed housing and economic opportunities for our community. By focusing on efficient and responsible development, we can avoid setbacks and make sure the project is completed in a way that benefits all of Concord while preserving the unique qualities of our city.
In addition to these priorities, I am committed to bringing businesses back to Concord and reducing the number of empty commercial spaces in our city. By supporting local businesses, attracting new ones, and revitalizing our commercial areas, we can create jobs, boost the economy, and make Concord a more vibrant place to live and work. Additionally, I would focus on bringing a new library to Concord. A modern library would serve as a crucial community hub, providing resources for education, job training, and cultural enrichment, while also being a place where residents can gather and connect. To make this vision a reality, Iwould actively pursue federal and state grants dedicated to community development and educational resources. I would initiate a capital campaign to raise additional funds, engaging with local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community members who share the vision of a new library. By combining these funding sources, we can ensure that the library project is well-supported and becomes a centerpiece of our community, benefiting residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, my approach is to listen to the community, collaborate with stakeholders, and take decisive action to address the challenges we face while also seizing opportunities to make Concord an even better place to live.
A recent press release from the city announced the potential rezoning of selected areas of Concord to accommodate high density housing (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Projects). What are your thoughts on this proposal?
The potential rezoning of selected areas in Concord to accommodate high-density housing as part of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) initiative is a continuation of the city’s ongoing efforts to address our affordable housing needs. Concord has made significant progress through initiatives like adjusting zoning laws, implementing funding programs, and supporting affordable housing developments, such as those on Galindo Street.
However, while these efforts are commendable, Concord still faces significant challenges in meeting the increasing housing demands and RHNA targets. I believe that further progress in this area will require careful consideration of financial resources, as additional support may be necessary to achieve these goals without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. The city will need to strike a balance between expanding housing options and managing its resources effectively to ensure sustainable growth. Thoughtful planning and community input will be essential in navigating these challenges and making sure that the rezoning efforts truly benefit all residents.
If you had an extra $1 million in the general budget, what would you do with it?
If I had an extra $1 million in the general budget, I would allocate half of it as seed money to initiate the development of a new library in Concord. A modern library is far more than just a collection of books—it serves as a critical community resource, offering educational programs, job training, cultural activities, and a safe, welcoming environment where residents can connect and grow. Investing in a new library would create a hub for lifelong learning and community engagement, benefiting our city for generations to come.
The other half of the funds would be dedicated to attracting and supporting businesses in Concord. I would prioritize creating incentives for local entrepreneurs, revitalizing empty commercial spaces, and upgrading infrastructure to make Concord an even more attractive destination for new businesses. This could involve providing grants or low-interest loans to small business startups, launching targeted marketing campaigns to highlight Concord as a prime location for investment, and enhancing our transportation and public services to support business growth. By focusing on economic development, we would not only create jobs and boost our local economy but also expand our tax base, bringing more revenue back to Concord. This, in turn, would allow us to further enhance our infrastructure, ensuring that Concord remains a vibrant and thriving place to live and work.
If you had to cut an extra $1 million from the general budget, what would you cut?
If faced with the difficult task of cutting an extra $1 million from the general budget, I would prioritize minimizing the impact on essential services that directly affect the well-being of our residents, such as public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. My approach would be to look for efficiencies within the budget, such as reducing administrative overhead, postponing non-essential projects, or finding cost savings in contracts and procurement processes.
I would also consider cutting or scaling back on programs or initiatives that are less critical or could be funded through alternative means, such as grants or partnerships with private organizations. The goal would be to make cuts in areas that would least affect the day-to-day lives of our residents while maintaining the core services and investments that keep our community strong and thriving.
How do you feel about putting “red light” cameras at high-use intersections, and why? What about in parks?
I do not support the use of “red light” cameras at high-use intersections or in parks because they have proven to be neither effective nor a good use of taxpayer money. Studies have shown that these cameras often do not significantly reduce traffic accidents and, in some cases, can even lead to an increase in rear-end collisions as drivers abruptly stop to avoid a ticket. Additionally, the costs associated with installing and maintaining these cameras are high, and the revenue generated from fines often does not justify the expense.
In parks, the presence of red light cameras would be even less effective, as parks are typically low-speed areas where traffic violations are less common. Instead of investing in expensive and ineffective solutions like red light cameras, I believe we should focus on more proven methods of improving traffic safety, such as better road design, increased police presence at high-risk intersections, and public awareness campaigns. This approach would be a more responsible use of taxpayer dollars and more effective in ensuring the safety of our community.
How would you improve transparency and accountability in the city’s decision-making process?
Given that the city already implements many standard transparency measures, in my opinion, I would focus on an additional strategy to further enhance transparency and accountability in Concord’s decision-making process.
I would advocate for more interactive engagement with the community. This could include regular “ask me anything” sessions with council members where residents can directly pose questions and get answers in real time. Additionally, I believe that council members should hold regular town halls in their districts, allowing for direct, face-to-face communication with constituents. These town halls would provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and receive updates on local issues, ensuring that council members remain closely connected to the needs and priorities of their communities outside of city council meetings.
How would you address discord or disagreements between council members and/or with city staff?
Addressing discord or disagreements between council members within the constraints of the Brown Act requires a structured, transparent, and deliberate approach. The Brown Act is designed to ensure that decisions are made openly and with full public scrutiny, which means that any discussions among council members must be conducted in a public forum. Council members are limited to discussing city-related issues with only one other council member outside of public meetings. This restriction makes it crucial to foster an environment during public meetings where open dialogue is not only encouraged but facilitated. I would work to ensure that every council member has the opportunity to express their perspectives fully and respectfully. This means setting clear expectations for conduct and communication, emphasizing that while disagreements are natural in any decision-making body, they must be handled with professionalism and mutual respect. By framing disagreements as a normal and healthy part of the democratic process, we can create a culture where differences of opinion are seen as opportunities for growth and better decision-making, rather than as points of conflict.
To further ensure that discussions remain productive, it is vital to maintain a strong focus on the issues at hand, rather than allowing debates to devolve into personal disputes. Keeping the dialogue centered on the facts, data, and community impact helps to depersonalize conflicts and makes it easier to work toward consensus. This approach not only facilitates more effective decision-making but also reinforces public trust in the council’s processes. The community expects their elected representatives to handle disagreements in a way that prioritizes the city’s best interests. By maintaining a respectful, issue-focused dialogue, we can demonstrate our commitment to serving Concord effectively and transparently. Ultimately, the goal is to model the kind of constructive, respectful discourse that strengthens both the council’s effectiveness and the public’s confidence in our governance.
Do you feel the current measures taken by council on rent control and tenant protections are the correct ones for the city of Concord?
I believe the city’s housing policies must strike a balance that benefits both tenants and property owners. While the current measures on rent control and tenant protections aim to address affordability and stability, it’s essential that we take a data-driven approach to assess their long-term impact. We need to ensure that the policies we enact not only provide immediate relief to those in need but also foster a sustainable housing market that encourages investment and growth.
It’s important that we regularly review the effectiveness of these policies and remain open to adjustments based on the data we gather from our community. By understanding how these measures affect property owners, tenants, and the local economy, we can craft solutions that work for everyone.
Our goal should be to create a city where people of all backgrounds can afford to live, work, thrive, and retire comfortably. This means protecting tenants’ rights while ensuring property owners have the ability to maintain and improve their properties. By promoting fairness and stability, we can build a stronger Concord that supports both renters and property owners, ensuring that our city remains a vibrant place for generations to come.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at benaventeforconcord@gmail.com.
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To read other Concord City Council candidate answers, click here.