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# Where Albany City Council candidates stand on key issues
- URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/29/elections/albany-city-council-candidates-key-issues/
- Published: 2026-10-29T06:15:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-29T23:56:59.000Z
- Description: The City Hall forum offered voters a closer look at the candidates' priorities ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
- Author: Allyson Aleksey
- Tags: Elections, City, Election 2026, Albany City Council, Golden Gate Fields, Crime & Safety, Environment, Transportation, #articles

Four Albany City Council candidates debated finances, housing, surveillance and more at a recent election forum — but a fifth was notably absent.

"We have not heard from [Katherine Enos](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/election-2026/albany-city-council-candidate-katherine-enos/), so we don't have a statement from her, and she's not here," the moderator said, kicking off the Oct. 1 forum, which was hosted by the [League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville](https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-berkeley-albany-emeryville?ref=albanyscanner.com) in partnership with [Friends of the Albany Library](https://friendsalbanycalibrary.com/?ref=albanyscanner.com).

**Scroll to the bottom for an update from Katherine Enos.**

The participating candidates differed over how Albany should prepare for the transition of [Golden Gate Fields](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/golden-gate-fields/) to a public park, particularly the financial implications of the racetrack's closure.

Incumbent [Robin López](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/election-2026/albany-city-council-candidate-robin-d-lopez/) and former Councilman [Aaron Tiedemann](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/election-2026/albany-city-council-candidate-aaron-tiedemann/), who are campaigning together, defended the city's efforts to protect municipal revenue. 

Challengers [Jon Destin](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/election-2026/albany-city-council-candidate-jon-destin/) and [Chris McDaniels](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/election-2026/albany-city-council-candidate-chris-mcdaniels/) questioned whether Albany had done enough to prepare and called for identifying new revenue sources.

The candidates also discussed climate policy, new housing and how to make city government more responsive to residents.

Five candidates are vying for two seats on the [Albany City Council](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/albany-city-council/) in the Nov. 3 election.

## Surveillance technology and privacy

All four candidates supported the City Council's decision not to proceed with a [new contract for automated license plate readers](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/09/city/albany-rejects-license-plate-cameras-flock-contract-ends/), but they had different reasons for it.

Destin supported the decision but criticized city leaders for approving Flock cameras in the past. He said residents should understand what surveillance technology the city is using and why, and called for a balance between privacy and security.

"Those who celebrate getting rid of Flock are also the ones that brought us Flock," he observed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/10/Chris_McDaniels_BI6A4953.jpg)

Chris McDaniels

McDaniels drew on his experience working for San Francisco's Department of Public Works and Public Utilities Commission. He said San Francisco had encountered issues with Flock over data ownership, but that SFPD had ultimately [proceeded with the technology](https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-flock-cameras-data-access/4150306/?ref=albanyscanner.com).

"I'm glad the council decided not to move forward," he said. "We need to do a little bit more investigative work before we make any decisions like that that impacts folks' privacy."

Tiedemann said he supported the council vote and had spoken against the proposed contract. He cited privacy concerns and the potential for surveillance by the federal government.

He also credited community members who organized around the issue, saying their efforts showed how residents can influence local government.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/10/Robin_Lo--pez_BI6A4941.jpg)

Robin López

López took the strongest stance against automated license plate readers (ALPR).

"For me, it's a hell no to mass surveillance, and I don't think I need to go any further than that," he said. "Any entertaining of ALPR technology is not gonna get a yes or a pass by me moving forward."

## Representation and leadership

Asked how to bring new ideas to a City Council that some residents perceive as having a rotating cast of familiar faces, candidates offered differing views on experience and representation.

"Vote for me," said Destin, yielding the floor.

"Vote for me," said McDaniels, without missing a beat. He went on to praise the current council, saying officials work hard to fix problems residents may not see.

"There's a lot that happens behind the scenes," agreed Tiedemann.

Tiedemann, who served from 2020 to 2024, lost his reelection bid in 2024, when voters elected Peggy McQuaid, Jennifer Hansen-Romero and Preston Jordan to the three available seats.

He said he and Jordan had worked together in 2022 to recruit López and John Miki. Part of their goal had been to bring new voices to City Hall.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/10/Aaron_Tiedemann_BI6A4965.jpg)

Aaron Tiedemann

Tiedemann said he had been one of the youngest Albany council members ever elected, and that he wanted to run again because he felt his experience would still be valuable.

"There's work still to be done," he said.

López said his election in 2022, with Miki, had helped usher in a "new wave of representation."

Before then, he said, "It did feel like and look like the same type of folks rotating in and out."

López said he wanted to continue representing residents who have not always felt seen or heard: "We're definitely swinging in a different direction."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/10/Jon_Destin_BI6A4949-1.jpg)

Jon Destin

In later remarks, Destin returned briefly to the issue of representation, saying he would be Albany's first openly gay City Council member if elected.

He also proposed creating an "Albany accountability dashboard" where residents could track the city's response to concerns such as speeding, broken sidewalks and damaged curbs.

He said residents should be able to see whether their concerns had been reviewed, when work might begin and how long it could take to resolve them.

## Climate action: Transportation and electrification

The candidates offered different approaches to reducing Albany's greenhouse gas emissions, from transportation improvements to electrification and financial incentives.

López, who said he previously worked as a researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is pursuing a doctorate at UC Berkeley, pointed to transportation as a major source of the city's emissions. 

He called for better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and said the city should fully implement its [Active Transportation Plan](https://www.albanyca.gov/Projects/2024/Albany-Active-Transportation-Plan?ref=albanyscanner.com).

Destin advocated maintaining [existing rebate programs](https://www.switchison.org/incentive-finder/search?location=94706&audience=CUSTOMER&authority=118&ref=albanyscanner.com) and creating a local sustainability hub. He said climate policy should account for its effects on lower-income residents.

McDaniels said converting Public Works fleets to electric vehicles can be difficult because of vehicle costs and charging requirements. He said charging infrastructure needs to be in place before agencies make a major shift.

In response to a separate question, McDaniels raised concerns about adding [a protected bike lane to Solano Avenue](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/07/08/city/albany-protected-bike-lane-solano-ave-first-look/), saying the street is too narrow to accommodate it safely alongside other traffic.

Tiedemann also emphasized transportation, saying Albany should make it easier for residents to get around without driving. 

He lauded [Measure C funding for sidewalk improvements](https://www.albanyca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Programs/Sidewalks?ref=albanyscanner.com), the city's [heat pump rebate program](https://www.albanyca.gov/Residents/Services/Heat-Pump-HVAC-Rebate-Program?ref=albanyscanner.com) and other efforts to [encourage electrification](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/27/community/albany-induction-cooktop-lending-program/).

"We're not trying to take away anybody's car, but we're trying to make it so that you don't need one to do a lot of your main chores," he said.

## New housing vs. sunlight and views?

The candidates weighed new housing along San Pablo and Solano avenues, backyard units and concerns about how development could affect existing homes and solar access.

Tiedemann called for more development along major thoroughfares, including San Pablo and Solano avenues, as well as additional accessory dwelling units and small multifamily buildings in residential neighborhoods.

López supported encouraging accessory dwelling units and streamlining the permitting process for homeowners. He also pointed to the [San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan](https://www.sanpablospecificplan.org/?ref=albanyscanner.com) as an opportunity to accommodate additional housing.

Destin said the city should consider both housing needs and the ability of residents to install solar panels. He cautioned against framing the issues as competing priorities.

"I don't want to pin climate against housing," he said.

McDaniels said new development should not negatively affect existing properties and called for examining the city's permitting and inspection processes.

## Where candidates stand on ballot measures

During the Oct. 1 forum, the candidates differed in their support for [Albany's six local ballot measures](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/ballot-measures/).

Tiedemann and López endorsed all six measures, which the City Council [voted unanimously](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/22/city/albany-mayor-ballot-measures-op-ed/) to place on the ballot.

Destin said he would "hesitantly" support four of the six measures but was undecided about measures R and S, which would change the city's [business license](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/14/elections/albany-measure-r-business-license-tax-explainer/) and [real estate transfer](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/16/elections/albany-measure-s-property-transfer-tax-explainer/) taxes, respectively.

As a small business owner, he said he wanted to discuss them with city staff before taking a position.

McDaniels said he was still reviewing the measures and, as of early October, had not decided whether to oppose any of them.

[Golden Gate Fields: Albany ballot measures would offset lossesMeasures P and Q would offset about $700,000 in annual losses if Golden Gate Fields becomes tax exempt, leaving roughly $383,000 to address.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/icon/alb-scanner-orange-a4c02b0f-e904-4cff-ba8a-917854accb18.png)Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-10-15-at-5.15.04---PM-62dcaffc-f8d3-4835-833f-7b2f85ee0894.jpg)](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/16/elections/golden-gate-fields-albany-ballot-measures-offset-losses/)

## Golden Gate Fields: What's next for city finances?

The future of [Golden Gate Fields](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/golden-gate-fields/) again divided the candidates, with Tiedemann and López defending the city's financial preparations and McDaniels and Destin arguing that Albany should have done more.

The candidates had [clashed over the issue at an earlier forum](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/01/elections/albany-council-candidates-clash-housing-taxes/), particularly over the city's reliance on new tax measures to address potential revenue losses.

Asked whether Albany was already losing revenue from the closure of Golden Gate Fields, McDaniels said, "Absolutely."

Tiedemann disagreed, saying the city had already taken steps to offset declining racetrack revenue, including a $6 million agreement with UC Berkeley he helped negotiate.

"No, we aren't experiencing loss right now," he said. "That more than replaced the amount that Golden Gate Fields' operation lost us."

López emphasized the council's efforts to protect city finances.

"To answer the question quite plainly, is the city already suffering a loss? No," he said. "But the city could be endeavoring into situations that are unprecedented had our council … not been proactive."

López said officials had acted quickly to put [measures on the November ballot](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/ballot-measures/) after news of a pending sale broke in March.

[Albany council candidates clash over housing, taxesTwo candidates defended their work. Others questioned their record.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/icon/alb-scanner-orange-12872e0a-2d78-4654-b7f7-0733cae82198.png)Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled-1-1-d6e964a4-f259-4025-acea-acd9ed9885de.jpg)](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/01/elections/albany-council-candidates-clash-housing-taxes/)

The city's [adopted 2025-27 budget](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/content/city/v/25/departments/finance/budget-financial-reports/1-biennial-budget-fy26%5Ffy27-adoption-060225-final-v2-corrected.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com) states that the racetrack's closure resulted in lost sales and racing tax revenue beginning in fiscal 2024-25, with those losses continuing in subsequent years.

McDaniels suggested exploring parking fees, admission charges and permits for vendors selling food and other goods at the future park as potential revenue sources.

Asked separately whether the city had adequately considered recommendations from its earlier [Voices to Vision waterfront planning process](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/administration/documents/waterfront/2009-voices%5Fto%5Fvision-back.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com), McDaniels acknowledged he had not researched it and could not offer an opinion.

Destin agreed with Tiedemann that the UC Berkeley funding was helpful but questioned whether the city had adequately prepared for the transition.

"We knew this was coming," Destin said. "We knew this was coming certainly two years ago when it closed down, but we knew it was coming even before then."

## Watch: Albany City Council candidate forum

The League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville hosted the Oct. 1 Albany City Council candidate forum at City Hall in partnership with Friends of the Albany Library.

## Update: Why Enos skipped the Albany City Council candidate forum

Editor's note: Albany Scanner asked candidate Enos about her absence from the forum. Her response appears in full.

> I did not attend the October 1 League of Women Voters forum because of serious concerns about the independence of some of the organizations sponsoring candidate events in Albany. For example, Mayor Peggy McQuaid holds a leadership position in Albany Democratic Club. My concerns are informed by my experiences with Albany's political leadership and by conversations with others who express similar frustrations about politics in the City of Albany. 

> When I was invited to my first endorsement event, I noted an incumbent website that displayed a broad range of endorsements. I further noted overlapping relationships among incumbent officeholders, political clubs, and organizations that present themselves as providing impartial opportunities for candidates to be heard. 

> I recognize that organizations have every right to advocate for policies and endorse candidates. But there is an important distinction to be made between political advocacy and providing an open forum in which candidates with differing perspectives can receive a fair hearing.

> I chose not to participate in some of these events because I questioned whether they offered a meaningful opportunity to challenge established positions and introduce different ideas about Albany's future. 

> With the rise of the web, the best way to learn about candidate positions may be to review their websites and to request information on candidate positions when a candidate website does not provide sufficient information. To learn more about what I stand for, I welcome voters to my website.

**Read complete** [**election coverage**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/elections/) **on Albany Scanner, including** [**council candidate Q&As**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/22/elections/election-2026-who-is-running-albany-city-council/) **and our reporting on** [**local ballot measures**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/ballot-measures/)**.**

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