DIXON, CA (MPG) - It's a fact that not everyone takes the time to read their Voter Information Guide that costs thousands of dollars to print and mail to every registered voter but candidates do pay a fee to get across to the voters their qualifications, their goals, or why they feel they are the best candidate for the spot.

That cost pales in comparison to the options candidates have to get their word out. Costs of signs, direct mail fliers, and newspaper advertisements are high and dollars have to be sought from supporters.

So when District 4 City Council Candidate Jerry Castañon discovered his message was missing, the phone calls were intense. First, Assistant Registrar of Voters John Gardner said they had been mailed and it wasn't until more phone calls were made that the Registrar of Voters Tim Flanagan discovered material was also missing for Benicia and Vallejo.

"It was kind of tough for me," said Castañon. "Time is precious and they did send an additional insert to District 4 but it was eight days later. But, that didn't remedy the issue." He wondered how many people will have both papers when they go to vote, for example.

"This was huge; bigger than one can think of," he said. Ultimately, the Registrar of Voters offered to refund the cost of the candidate's statement in addition to calling and emailing the voters. Castañon knew he had to stay focused on his campaign. Other candidates are Don Hendershot and Logan Legg.

Since his heart attack a couple years ago where he was without a heartbeat for eight minutes, he feels his priorities are straight and what he wants to do for his community are clear.

"There's a lot of things I need to do--like the Parkway Overpass. I have a lot of contacts in construction and there are grants and bonds..." His wife expressed concern about him taking on the stress of council duties again but he thinks he's better equipped now.

"I really believe I have been given a second chance. I'm blessed and I'm grateful. I don't sweat the little things anymore. I know I can do it and I believe that very strongly," he said. 

Even though he was still on the ballot, the news that he'd been left out of the Voter's Guide nabbed him on the front page with his photo in Solano newspapers. With 3,008 registered voters in his district, that might be the break in the clouds.