Patterson, Ceres mayors aren’t running for reelection. These candidates are lining up
The mayors of Patterson and Ceres aren’t seeking reelection this November, leaving the races open to longtime council members and newcomers.
After 10 years on the Patterson City Council, Mayor Deborah Novelli on Monday told the Bee she won’t run for a third mayoral term. Ceres Mayor Chris Vierra has likewise indicated plans to not file before the nomination deadline next month, ending a nine-year tenure as elected mayor.
Three candidates have pulled paperwork to run for Patterson mayor in the last week, while Ceres City Council Member Bret Durossette is among the two vying for Vierra’s seat.
Although Novelli said she wants to focus on family and her career in advertising and media, she endorsed and encouraged Patterson City Council Member Dennis McCord’s bid for mayor. Former mayor David Keller and Mark Miles, who hasn’t held office before, have also entered the race.
Citing his past six years on the council and fiscally conservative experience with the budget, McCord said he understands the city’s financial situation. Upcoming street and sewer work can boost the economy, McCord said, adding that he would increase communication on issues such as the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter.
“I also want to get more citizen involvement, so (we can) create more committees for people to be involved in so they have input on some of the issues around here people are concerned about,” said McCord, who teaches math at Patterson High School and worked in information technology.
Meanwhile, Keller identified improving downtown and opposing the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir as his priorities. During his time as mayor from 2004 to 2006 and as a council member starting in 1998, Keller pointed to his involvement in building the first city pool and the current city hall. The real estate broker said the community has grown since then, as companies such as Amazon brought job opportunities.
“I’d like to reach out to the new residents and find out what they want and how they want to see the community grow,” Keller said. “I think I can bring that to the table.”
Patterson resident Mark W. Miles also pulled papers last week, but did not respond to requests for comment.
Race for Ceres mayor starts with two
If elected mayor, Council Member Bret Durossette said he will guide the completion of pending projects, as well as support the growth of current and new businesses. Since he was first appointed to the council in 2007, Durossette highlighted his work with the river treatment plant and said he wants to fast-track plans for the Walmart Supercenter at South Gate.
“With this COVID, I think the city of Ceres needs somebody that’s been there and that’s helped run the city for the past 13 years,” Durossette said. “With my leadership capabilities, the skills that I have, the knowledge of the city, I think it’s crucial.”
Besides retaining struggling businesses, Durossette said reaching out to businesses interested in setting up across the street from the Walmart is among his priorities. A physical education, drivers’ education and careers teacher at Ceres High School, Durossette has also served as its head baseball and football coach.
Durossette said he considered a bid for mayor in 2015, but campaigned for council member again after Vierra said he wanted to serve another term. Durossette described Vierra — who announced he wouldn’t seek re-election more than a year ago, according to the Ceres Courier — as a strong leader. Vierra did not respond to requests for comment.
Javier Lopez, a fire suppression technician and business owner, brings a new face to the mayoral race. Without experience in local government, Lopez said he hopes to connect Ceres residents and city officials. He identified increasing community involvement and creating opportunities for future generations as goals.
“My leadership, my work ethic and being able to work as a team member will play a very crucial part in my ability to guide our city in the right direction,” Lopez said in an email to the Bee. “Making tough decisions every day to expand my business and leading by example in my career in the fire industry allows me to be better prepared for mayor.”
Given the incumbents do not plan to run, the filing period for Ceres and Patterson mayor will be extended to Aug. 12. Those interested in running can begin the nomination process by emailing cityclerk@ci.ceres.ca.us or cityclerk@ci.patterson.ca.us for instructions.
