Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs Looks Forward In State Of The City Address

The nation’s youngest African-American mayor of a city over 300,000 gave his first State of the City address in Stockton Thursday.

Mayor Michael Tubbs, 26, says Stockton has risen from the ashes with more promise than ever.

“We’re in a city where a poor kid from South Stockton can one day grow up and become mayor,” Tubbs says.

The mayor aims to guide his city into realizing its own potential for success. Tubbs says Stockton only a few years ago was mired in bankruptcy debt but is now in a better position from before.

Tubbs pointed out crime has dropped, and the city is tackling the problems of homelessness, affordable housing, and bringing more educational opportunities.

However, he says the city may have to give up some things.
 
“There’s something I won’t say yes to and that’s to continuing to subsidize golf in our public golf courses to the tune of $700,000 a year," Tubbs says. "It’s unconscionable for me to continue to that subsidy."

Tama Brisbane who was among almost a thousand people at the event liked what she heard.

“It’s not a panacea or rainbows and unicorns but there is hard work and a defined path to getting there. I’m excited about it," Brisbane says.

Mayor Tubbs says the city finally has a promising future.

“Stockton, this nation is looking for a comeback story. Why not the great city of Stockton, California?”