Miley and Esteen Debate for Alameda Supervisor

In a debate at the First Presbyterian Church in Castro Valley, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley and challenger Jennifer Esteen engaged in a passionate discussion, addressing critical issues impacting the community. The exchange covered a spectrum of topics, from housing concerns to environmental issues and youth engagement.

Esteen expressed concerns about the lack of housing protection and dedicated homelessness programs in Alameda County. She emphasized the urgent need to redirect resources from the county jail towards addressing pressing community issues, particularly supporting those struggling to pay rent in mobile home communities facing rising costs.

“Our community deserves solutions that prioritize well-being over incarceration,” remarked Esteen.

The debate also touched upon engaging and including teenagers in community matters, responding to a question that I had asked. Esteen shared her commitment to enriching the lives of youth through access to sports programs and advocating for their involvement in the democratic process. She supported the idea of allowing 17-year-olds to vote in public school elections and promoted internships and youth board participation.

Miley, defending his extensive experience and contributions, highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges like mental health, housing, and illegal dumping. In response to my question about engaging young people in community matters, Miley emphasized his involvement in youth-related projects, stating, “I’m on the board of youth uprising in Oakland, and I’ve worked with them, listening to families and providing funding to enhance youth services.” He acknowledged the importance of partnering with youth and addressing their concerns.

Illegal dumping emerged as a pressing issue, with Esteen attributing it to “bad policies” and proposing impactful solutions, including affordable or free dumping services. She stressed the importance of regular pickups and effective reporting mechanisms to combat irresponsible waste disposal. Esteen asserted, “We must proactively tackle the root causes of issues affecting our environment.”

Miley addressed the issue of illegal dumping, stating, “I head up a statewide task force, dealing with education, eradication, and enforcement. We work with nonprofit organizations, public and private sector entities, and have conferences to address illegal dumping.” He emphasized the need for collaboration and best practices to combat this environmental concern.

As the debate concluded, both candidates presented visions for the future of District 4. Miley reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration and the progress he facilitated during his tenure, asserting, “I believe in a community-driven approach to governance.”

Esteen, drawing from her unique perspective gained through personal experiences, emphasized her dedication to bringing transformative change to the community.

The debate provided insights into the candidates’ positions on crucial issues, including housing, environmental concerns, and youth engagement. As the election on March 5, approaches, the residents of District 4 will decide the representative on the Board of Supervisors who aligns with their vision for the future of Castro Valley and surrounding areas.