Election Watch: Who's in Local Races So Far

So far, four people who hope to win seats on the Alameda City Council in the Nov. 6 election have taken out nomination papers, the first official step in the campaign process, according to Mike McMahon's 2012 election website.

They are Jeff Cambra, the former president of the League of Women Voters of Alameda; Stewart Chen, currently serving on the Alameda Hospital board of directors; , a former councilmember who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2010; and , an active opponent of the Alameda Unified School District's Measure A last year.

Two council seats are up for grabs, with terms of current Councilmembers Doug deHaan and Beverly Johson expiring in December 2012. In addition, Councilmember Rob Bonta is a candidate for the 18th Assembly District seat. If he wins that race, the third-place finisher would serve the remainder of Bonta's city council term, which expires in December 2014.

Also taking out nomination papers July 16 and 17: the "Kevins," incumbent City Auditor Kevin Kearney and incumbent City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy; incumbent Alameda Unified School District board member Patricia Herrera Spencer; and incumbent Peralta Community College District trustee Bill Withrow, who represents the district's Ward 1, which includes Alameda and a sliver of Oakland.

Nomination papers must be filed by Aug. 10 for a candidate to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

What issues do you think candidates should address during the campaign? Tell us  in the comments section below.