Introducing ONE CITY

For the last ten years I have participated in efforts initiated by city government, its staff, elected officials, committees, commissions, etc. along with area civic groups, service clubs, non-profit and for-profit organizations to help the City of Stockton reach its potential. For my efforts, I have been recognized by city, state, federal government representatives, featured in local publications and have been courted by local powerbrokers/gatekeepers who have encouraged me to pursue an elected office...as have hundreds of other passionate souls who have made similar efforts in this city.

After a one-year sabbatical and a second year attending to an ailing parent, I discovered...or should I say rediscovered…many truths about myself, about the city that I love, and about the relationship between the two. This brings me to the reason for initiating this blog.

I have come to realize that the most important, yet undervalued, position for a civic-minded person seeking the renewal of a city is that of "citizen".  

So that is the role that I have decided to fully embrace. A role to which encapsulates my passion to see all citizens in HEALTHY families, affordably HOUSED in SAFE neighborhoods, adequately EDUCATED, MENTORED and gainfully EMPLOYED.

In order for this to occur, engaged citizens must require their city leaders/government be ACCESSIBLE, ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT, ANSWERABLE and OPEN to partnering with them to address our historic, systemic challenges as a representative democracy; establishing social enterprises as the foundation of a 21st century economy. Citizens must pursue this with love, while both recognizing our commonalities and respecting our differences as we truly become ONE CITY.

This is where you come in. You are our city's greatest asset. There is a place in this city's storied past, present and future that belongs ro you. Yes, you. Which one of the capitalized words sparks your passion? Your city needs you. I need you. All of you...

Join me.

Benjamin Saffold
linktr.ee/benjaminsaffold
(209) 227-0247

Read my job story...