The Modesto Bee 2015 election recommendations

The Modesto Bee will not endorse candidates or positions in every race, but here are some recommendations:

▪ Modesto mayor: Incumbent Garrad Marsh has made some decisions The Bee disagrees with, but at least he’s willing to make a call and try to push the city forward.

▪ Modesto City Council, District 1: Mani Grewal brings fresh perspective and business sense to the council that needs change; Ron Hurst needs more experience, but we like his drive and most of his ideas.

▪ Modesto City Council, District 3: Kristi Ah You brings drive and fresh perspective; Pat Gillum is savvy and wise. The council will benefit most from Ah You’s no-nonsense approach.

▪ Modesto City Council, District 6: Retired police officer Doug Ridenour knows Modesto’s problems, and has a heart for solutions.

▪ Measure F: Vote no on Modesto City School measure to create new districts; district withdrew the measure due to ballot flaws.

▪ Measure G: Vote no on the proposed sales tax increase; Modesto needs a solution everyone can get behind, and Measure G doesn’t fit the bill.

▪ Measure H: Vote yes to extend city services to county “islands” within the city, a step needed before annexation into city of Modesto.

▪ Measure I: Vote no on establishing west, north, south boundaries for Modesto growth.

▪ Ceres City Council: Incumbents Mike Kline and Bret Durossette will keep the city on a positive path.

▪ Modesto City Schools: Incumbents Amy Neumann and Steve Grenbeaux should be returned to a board facing big issues; Chad Brown deserves a chance to serve.

▪ Oakdale Irrigation District, Division 1: Challenger Gail Altieri is angry about groundwater overdrafting, board secrecy.

▪ Oakdale Irrigation District, Division 4: Challenger Linda Santos wants to make the secretive district more responsive to residents.

▪ Oakdale Irrigation District, Division 5: Appointed incumbent Gary Osmundson is building a house outside his division, but is more responsive than challenger Daniel Medina.

▪ Turlock Irrigation District: Incumbent Michael Frantz is among the most influential and knowledgeable irrigation district board members in the region.

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 3:23 PM with the headline "The Modesto Bee 2015 election recommendations."