What’s next for downtown Modesto? Council candidates to meet with public today

Voters can hear Councilman Tony Madrigal and challenger Homero Mejia talk about their visions for downtown and other issues facing Modesto at the State Theatre.

The event is today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the theatre, 1307 J St. The public is invited. The two are running to represent Council District 2, which covers west and south Modesto as well as downtown.

Madrigal is running for his second four-year term. He is being challenged by Mejia, a former community organizer with Congregations Building Community who now teaches school, and Jon Rodriguez, a farmer and Yosemite Community College District trustee.

Rodriguez said he cannot attend the event.

Organizers have put together about a half-dozen questions for Madrigal and Mejia on some of the core issues facing Modesto, which include homelessness, public safety and agriculture. But District 2 voter Brian Gini, who helped organize the event, said the focus will be on downtown. Kevin Fox of Power Talk 1360 radio will serve as moderator.

Audience members also can ask questions.

The election is Nov. 7.

This story was originally published October 16, 2017 at 12:05 PM with the headline "What’s next for downtown Modesto? Council candidates to meet with public today."