budget

Defended previous council administration efforts and programs addressing homelessness, pushing back against claims that past leadership left a structural mess.

Expressed opposition to city bond investments in companies like Lockheed Martin, Chevron, and Caterpillar due to human rights concerns.

Expressed frustration with council leadership and decisions regarding city management staffing.

Expressed strong support for properly staffing and funding Antioch Animal Services, emphasizing that animal control is a core public health and safety function.

Highlighted long-standing vacancies at the animal shelter and urged the city to collaborate with non-profit rescue groups to solve the current animal crisis.

Expressed support for city-funded downtown events like the 4th of July and proposed collaborating with local businesses on fundraising.

Cautioned against cutting animal services funding and recommended establishing formal agreements with the County beforehand to prevent service gaps.

Discussed the feral cat crisis and urged the city to partner with the county for an effective spay and neuter program.

Reported county restrictions on bringing Antioch cats to county spay programs and encouraged forming a community review group.

Expressed disappointment with the lack of genuine community engagement in the budget process and raised financial concerns regarding the Water Park and downtown park projects.

Suggested reducing police overtime by utilizing civilian volunteers and cadets, partnering with unhoused advocates, and reforming pensions to balance the budget without cutting public safety.

Commended the finance director, urged sustaining public safety funding, and asked for reports on crisis response teams and pension reforms.