Politics & Government

Mayoral Candidate: Barbara Hickman

Barbara Hickman is a candidate for the Livermore mayoral race in November.

We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here's the answers we received from Barbara Hickman, who is running for mayor.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

My primary reason for running for office is that, as I was collecting signatures on the petition for Keep BART on 580, so many people commented that "We have to replace the current Council," or words to that effect, combined with the urging by former mayor Cathie Brown, former Dublin mayor Linda Jeffery Sailors, and former County Supervisor Valerie Raymond. After mulling it over, I realized that a win is possible, and with so much public opposition to the current Council, perhaps even probable.

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What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

I have a number of priorities, of course, but my single most important priority is to make sure that the BART stays on 580.

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What sets you apart from the other candidates?

The difference between me and the other candidates for mayor is that I am on the opposite side from the current Council on almost every important issue. That's the case with John Marchand, at least. I haven't seen much information on Minuet's position on issues, so I can't say except that I have considerable more experience than she does.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I'm retired.

Who’s in your immediate family? Spouse, children?

I'm married, my husband Bob and I have two children, four grandchildren.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

University of Wisconsin, Chabot College Livermore Campus, San Jose State, California State Hayward. I've earned a B.S. and M.S. in Speech Communication, granted in 1992. 

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

I was on the city's Design Review Committee for five years, two as Chairman;and the city's Redevelopment Advisory Committee for three years, two years as chairman. Also, for 10 years I was host of "Grassroots Issues" TV program, listening to citizens' issues and doing what I can to help.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

In 1999 I ran for mayor against incumbent Cathie Brown, who is now my mentor; and in 2003 I ran for Council and was endorsed by The Independent. I lost both times.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?

I plan to spend a maximum of $250 of my own money on my campaign, although I might extend a loan so I can order signs, etc., when I need to, then get repaid when the money comes in. Total amount I've been told to be prepared to spend is $15,000.

Have you ever served in the military?

No.

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

Nothing, not even a speeding ticket.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in everfiled bankruptcy?

No.

How long have you lived in Livermore?

45 years.

What's your favorite thing about Livermore?

I like the small-town atmosphere that we've had, and I don't want to spoil it with BART downtown or the proposed 2000-seat theater with the 95-foot fly tower in our downtown.

What is the biggest problem in Livermore?

The biggest problem is that our current council doesn't listen to the public.They say they listen, citing their about-face on the BART route issue, but they hear what they want to hear. The petition clearly stated that the signers wanted the issue to be put on the ballot, but the Council adopted it without putting it on the ballot. They weren't listening to the public; they heard what they wanted to hear.

Do you have a campaign website? If so, what is it?

www.HickmanforMayor.com


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