Although he is only half as old as many candidates running for office, 21-year-old Matt Garcia said that doesn't mean he is half as likely to do a good job if elected to the Fairfield City Council.

"The city of Fairfield needs change," Garcia said. "I can read the same papers. I can take as much time as everyone else and come out and make the right decision."

Instead of looking at his age as a disadvantage, he said that being younger can help with solving the problem of crime among youths.

"They're going to say I'm young, but I've got a good head on my shoulders," Garcia said. "I want to be that voice for the youth."

He also touts being familiar with all areas of Fairfield, not just the affluent areas.

"I'm not one of those candidates that live in Rancho Solano. I'm going to be out there (in the public)," he said. "I'm here to oversee the whole city of Fairfield."

One issue Garcia speaks strongly about is growth, especially involving businesses, and how those in the past have stifled it. He would like to see Fairfield follow the steps of Vacaville, or at least ask officials how they made that city so successful.

"There are people on the board who are against growth," he said. "It doesn't make sense with our location. I mean, you have people on the planning commission who shop in Vacaville. We need to collaborate with other cities. Ask them, 'What are you guys doing?"

As for Measure Q, Garcia said he is against it and the extra money Fairfield residents would pay could be better spent.

"We have people who can barely pay their rent," he said. "That's money that parents can spend on activities for their children."

Garcia knows winning will take a lot of hard work, but he has a backup plan just in case. "I'm going to get on a commission, or commissions," he said. "And in two years, I'll run again. I'm getting a lot of credit. I'm no joke."

Danny Bernardini can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .