Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007

Supervisor race attracts candidate

The race to replace retiring District 2 Stanislaus County Supervisor Tom Mayfield is heating up.

Former Stanislaus County Farm Bureau President Vito Chiesa threw his hat into the ring Monday, pledging to fight for road improvements, protect farmland and battle gangs in the county.

Although no one else has formally announced their candidacy in District 2, former Sheriff Les Weidman has been laying the groundwork for a run at the office. Weidman could not be reached for comment Monday.

Mayfield, 76, who has served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years, announced three weeks ago that he would not seek re-election.

Chiesa, 43, is a peach and almond grower in Hughson. In addition to his Stanislaus County Farm Bureau presidency, he has served on the board of the California Farm Bureau, the California Canning Peach Association, the 38th District Agricultural Association and as a former member of the board of The Arrowhead Club.

He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Weidman served as Stanislaus County sheriff from 1990 to 2004, and was Gov. Schwarzenegger's liaison to the public safety community for a year.

Another rumored candidate, former Turlock Mayor Curt Andre, said Monday that he considered running for the post but decided against it. Andre said he was enjoying more time with his family, but added that he would not rule out a run for political office in the future.

The Board of Supervisors election is in June. The seats held by Jim DeMartini and Bill O'Brien are also up for grabs.

DeMartini is running for re-election and is busy lining up endorsements. He recently announced that former state ag commissioner Bill Lyons Jr. has endorsed his candidacy. DeMartini is serving his first term on the board.

Newman Mayor John Fantazia is running against DeMartini for the District 5 seat. Fantazia is serving his first term as Newman mayor and has been on the Newman City Council since 2000.

O'Brien said Monday that he will make an announcement about whether he will run for re-election to his District 1 seat by the end of the month. O'Brien is serving his first term on the board.

Bee staff writer Tim Moran can be reached at tmoran@modbee.com or 578-2349.