City Treasurer Considering Council Run
Jan 19, 2022 12:00AM ● By By Debra Dingman
James Ward at his swearing in ceremony for being elected Dixon City Treasurer in 2020. Photo by Debra Dingman
DIXON, CA (MPG) - With 7,400 votes in November 2020, elected City Treasurer James Ward was hoping to continue service to his community by watching city decisions involving spending and savings but has learned that his position, though elected, can make no impact. His input, suggestions, and even concerns seem to fall on deaf ears.
Having more impact in the future of his town and on his fellow constituents is why this former California Highway Patrol Sergeant is considering a run for a Dixon City Council seat. He is the first candidate to express interest in the upcoming November elections and resides in District 1.
“I have begun seeking support but am not yet ready to make a final decision,” he said. “The best part of this whole possibility is the people I have been meeting and how supportive they are.”
As an Army veteran (Sp4,) with 28 years of law enforcement experience, he served as a road patrol officer for 22 years before promoting to the rank of sergeant CHP San Francisco office where he worked for five years before serving his last year as a supervisor within the CHP (ENTAC) Center, Sacramento.
“I am no stranger to the workings of government,” he said. “My primary areas of interest include improving the relationship between our citizens and city council that still seem to be strained and fiscal responsibility. As the City Treasurer, I’ve learned so much about the City of Dixon’s financial and economic situation and I want to have more impact in our future.”
District lines have not yet been formalized and won’t until possibly April, said District 3 Councilman Kevin Johnson, but they are not expected to vary widely from the current ones. Both District 1 and 2 will be open for election this year. Currently District 1 Council Representative is Scott Pederson and District 2 Representative is Jim Ernest.
According to the Constitution, election day is to be the first Tuesday after a Monday in November so that will be Nov. 8, 2022.