Stockton, California has it all: rampant crime, rising unemployment, record foreclosures, AND an open seat on its beleaguered city council.

In 2012, Stockton became the largest U.S. city EVER to declare bankruptcy (*Detroit took this dubious honor in 2013). A boom-to-bust real estate market, mismanagement by city leaders, and speculative overspending left the city in dire straits.

But now, an optimistic high school teacher, a self-made entrepreneur, a former city hall intern, and an eccentric council mainstay all think they can fix their beloved hometown.

Who will fill the vacant seat?