Two former San Bernardino City Council members are among the four challengers seeking to oust Councilmember Ben Reynoso from his Fifth Ward seat in the March 5 presidential primary election.
Reynoso won the Fifth Ward in 2020, edging out the then-incumbent, Henry Nickel, by some 600 votes.
Nickel seeks to reclaim the seat he held for a single term, as does former council member Chas Kelley, who resigned from the council after he pleaded guilty to felony perjury charges in 2013. Kelley’s conviction was stricken in November 2020, and his sentence vacated, according to San Bernardino Super Court records.
Kim Knaus, a nonprofit director and businesswoman, joins the race for the seat, along with resident Rose Ward.
RELATED: Who’s running for office in San Bernardino County in March 2024 election?
The Fifth Ward is one of four council seats on the March 5 ballot.
We reached out to all of the candidates and asked them the same questions. Below are the responses for the Fifth Ward candidates, edited for length to conform to required word limits.
Chas Kelley
Age: No response provided.
Occupation: Medical assistant
Education: No response provided.
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? In order to reduce homelessness, I will work actively to shut down illegal homeless camping and support mandatory court-ordered treatment for drug addicts and the mentally ill homeless.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? No response provided.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I will bring a proven track record of responsive and effective leadership to the City Council. I will promptly return residents’ phone calls and emails. Since leaving the City Council in 2013, I have stayed active in the community as a Neighborhood Association president. I have no allegiance to other politicians or to the downtown special interests. As a 25-year Fifth Ward homeowner, I am committed to protecting our neighborhoods and fighting for the concerns of our local residents.
Top three community activities: 1) Fifth Ward City Councilman (2003-2013). 2) President, Kendall Hills Neighborhood Association. 3) Field representative for our past San Bernardino County supervisor.
Campaign information: No response provided.
Kim Knaus
Age: 41
Occupation: Nonprofit director and businesswoman
Education: Studied business at Cal State University San Bernardino
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? Our city has recently received additional funding to assist with this crisis in our city, however more must be done. Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach that involves providing affordable housing options, access to essential services, and support for those experiencing homelessness. Collaborating with other agencies (county and state), nonprofits, shelters, and community organizations can help. This is where the implementation of a regional approach will serve our city well.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? I believe our city has a tremendous opportunity with the Carousel Mall. It can truly be catalytic and jump-start the resurgence of our entire city! However, we must be forward-thinking. Doing what everybody else has done will not suffice. We need new, innovative development that will set us apart from surrounding cities. I would like to see a developer focus on entertainment that brings in significant revenue streams, hospitality, and blend with housing to increase residency in our downtown.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I played a pivotal role in preserving the Verdemont Community Center, rekindling the magic of movie nights in our parks, and creating the city’s inaugural monthly food festival SB Foodfest, serving small businesses. Having honed my expertise as the senior field representative for our district’s San Bernardino County supervisor (Joe Baca Jr.), I am well-versed in the intricate workings of municipal governance. Beyond my civic endeavors, I am a wife and mother.
Top three community activities: I brought back Movie Night in the Park to the Verdemont community, co-created the downtown food festival SB Foodfest, and have participated in numerous clean-ups throughout the city including the recent revitalization of Seccombe Lake Park.
Campaign information: voteforkimk@gmail.com
Henry Nickel
Age: 45
Occupation: Business owner/workforce development analyst
Education: Bachelor’s in communications, American University; master’s in national security studies, Cal State San Bernardino
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? No, effective multi-jurisdiction collaboration, intervention and enforcement must be advanced.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? Continue moving forward to create a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly destination based upon a consistent and competent master development plan that integrates nationally recognized best practices to create a safe, attractive, livable, walkable, vibrant, and economically prosperous downtown.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I am self-financed and committed to putting our homeowners and residents first. Having served on the council during the city’s dark days of bankruptcy, I know how to navigate the mechanics of City Hall. I bring nearly three decades of experience in finance, transportation, economic development, real estate, public health, arts, and government in service to our community. I will advance the need to achieve a safe, clean and prosperous city.
Top three community activities: Conducting regular community agenda review meetings before every City Council meeting open to all residents; active participation in local performing arts; promoting greater neighborhood association participation and recognized community best practices as a current national board member of Neighborhoods USA.
Campaign information: HenryNickel.com
Ben Reynoso
Age: 31
Occupation: Councilmember, organizer, occupational safety and health trainer
Education: Bachelor’s in English, University of Southern Mississippi; master of education, Loyola Marymount University
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? Not historically, but since being elected in 2020, I would say yes. We have put our money where our mouth is by slating several shelter developments, establishing an outreach team to assist with servicing the unhoused, and partnering with organizations and entities across the county that serve the homeless effectively and efficiently. I brought forward the declaration for a state of emergency on homelessness and the funds have been coming in to assist ever since.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? I would like to see mixed use development and housing that is affordable, sit down food options, a civic center/entertainment venue, and lots of shopping options similar to those available at Victoria Gardens — but better.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I am not beholden to developers, corporations, or special interests — nor will I ever take their money. I represent all people but especially our youth and am actively including them in the future of San Bernardino. My policies … reflect historic needs such as rent control, investment in our small businesses, housing the homeless, infrastructure investments, better food options, transparency and inclusion, and authentic representation that doesn’t lie and always leads with honesty.
Top three community activities: Supporting artists across town and especially downtown, holding townhall meetings, and playing soccer regularly with locals at CSUSB.
Campaign information: votereynoso.com
Rose Ward
Age: 54
Occupation: Account executive
Education: Associate’s degree and 33 years of business experience
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? The city has not done enough to help with the homeless concerns. They failed to use money at one point and this money had to be sent back to the federal government. Over $400,000 was lost due to lack of use in 2022. At this time San Bernardino is sending money to other cities to house our homeless. They could also use this money for a new YMCA that would help with showers, resumes, job skills and training.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? I would like to see a new type of outdoor mall that includes a pet-friendly space. This would have outdoor shopping and an area for families to bring their children. We could also have a garden area with a flowing water area and rock area. There would be an area for a train ride for kids. Outdoor seating for food. A place to enjoy your drinks and seeing the outdoor gardens and water while shopping with your children and pets.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I feel that I am the best candidate for this position because I am not a politician. I believe that our community is tired of politics as usual. I am part of the neighborhood and I know what we need because I live here. I live in the community, and I am a regular person with a regular job. In addition, if I were to win, I plan on retiring and making this my full-time career dedicating my time to the position.
Top three community activities: Women’s Business Resource Group, UPS Women’s Leadership Group, UPS Emerging Leaders
Campaign information: roseward4sbc on Instagram
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct information about candidate Kim Knaus. She previously worked for San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr.
