A planning commissioner and a self-described community organizer are leading the race among eight candidates for two seats on the Hayward City Council, according to results updated Friday evening by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.
Julie Roche and George Syrop have received more votes than any of the other candidates. Roche has what appears to be an insurmountable lead with 11,816 votes or 23.68 percent, while Syrop is in second place with 8,143 votes or 16.32 percent.
Roche’s colleague on the Planning Commission, Dan Goldstein, had polled strong in initial returns on election night but has since faded to third place with 7,217 votes or 14.46 percent, 926 votes shy of making the cut.
It was unclear late Friday how many votes are left to count. Hayward voters are choosing two City Council members this election along with a new mayor; Councilmember Mark Salinas ran unopposed for the position currently held by Mayor Barbara Halliday.
Roche is an attorney as well as a mother and homeowner. She said she will be a voice for Hayward families. Roche received the endorsements of Halliday, and among others, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.
Syrop is a lifelong resident of the city who ran on a progressive platform. He was the founding chair for the Hayward Community Coalition (HayCoCoa) and an appointed member of the Community Services Commission. Among the key issues he cites on his campaign website are housing and rent stabilization, public safety, protecting small businesses and workers, improving traffic and responding to climate change.
