Election Brings In New Round Of City Leaders To Revive Stockton After Bankruptcy
STOCKTON (CBS13) — The day after Stockton's elections, Miracle Mile businesses are moving on. Christmas holiday decorations and gifts are already on display, but shop owners say early holiday shopping traffic is a sign they're driving a strong economy and hope the city council can keep up now that it has a clean slate after bankruptcy.
"Coming out of the election, we feel very optimistic," said With Garden Flair shop owner, Richard Ladd. "There are a lot of great things in position right now to set us up to succeed."
Ladd said small businesses on Miracle Mile have seen steady economic growth in the past 10 years, because business owners are doing their part to make the area an attraction in the city.
"Miracle Mile in whole is becoming more of a destination," said Ladd. "That's what we've been working on very hard with all of the committees and our board of directors to get the growth down here."
Stockton will have two new council members - Christina Fugazi and Susan Lofthus. An appointment is also needed on council to fill Kathy Miller's vacated seat in District 2.
University of the Pacific political science professor Keith Smith said the fresh faces may help the city see new opportunities, but the dynamic of the council as a team with Mayor Anthony Silva will be something he'll watch closely.
"I think the more interesting thing is one of the people Silva endorsed lost and one of the people he endorsed won," said Smith.
As for moving out of bankruptcy, Smith said if and when the city starts hiring, the benefits packages may be very different than in years' past. Current retirees, however, should not longer fear what the city will do next, now that the bankruptcy judge ruled pensioners, as creditors, have negotiated enough with the city.
"The retirees should be feeling like there is nothing else coming," said Smith. "There shouldn't be a whole lot more coming."
Business owners said Stockton should be done taking away from citizens and ready to invest back into the city locals have helped build.
