Election 2022: The Modesto Bee Editorial Board’s complete list of endorsements

By The Modesto Bee Editorial Board

October 23, 2022 4:00 AM

Voter Erma Cardenas drops her ballot in Modesto before the June 2022 primary election. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

Here is a summary of The Modesto Bee Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2022 general election.

Like editorials, endorsements represent the collective opinion of the Editorial Board.

The Bee’s opinion section operates independently from the news section. Reporters do not participate in Editorial Board deliberations or weigh in on its decisions.

The board is led by Opinions Editor Garth Stapley, joined by former Managing Editor Patty Guerra and Maria Figueroa, research and information specialist. Community Advisory Board members Tahmira Mecca, Doug Maner and Tina Driskill provide input after forums for each race, all of which can be viewed at modbee.com/opinion/.

Federal offices

U.S. Representative, California’s Congressional District 9

The Bee’s choice: Josh Harder

Here’s why: In four years at the U.S. Capitol, Harder has accomplished much, including securing benefits for Vietnam veterans, money for water projects and helping remove giant swamp rats (nutria) from waterways.

U.S. Representative, California’s Congressional District 13

The Bee’s choice: Adam Gray

Here’s why: While representing the Valley for 10 years in the state Assembly, Gray championed a medical school at UC Merced and defended our water rights. He is jointly endorsed by The Bees in Modesto and Fresno, as well as by The Merced Sun-Star.

California Legislature

California Assembly, District 22

The Bee’s choice: Jessica Self

Here’s why: Self is engaged and informed, seamlessly moving between the Valley’s challenges with state water policy to in-depth discussion of many bills recently acted upon in Sacramento.

California Senate, District 4

The Bee’s choice: Tim Robertson

Here’s why: A labor nonprofit leader, Robertson has spent years establishing common ground and honing negotiating skills. His service on the Keyes Community Services District and on three Stanislaus countywide boards focused on better jobs are an asset.

Municipal races

Modesto City Council, District 5

The Bee’s choice: Jeremiah Williams

Here’s why: Of Modesto’s 52 nonprofit organizations, Williams has served with 25, making him among the city’s most knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers of all time.

Turlock Mayor

The Bee’s choice: Amy Bublak

Here’s why: In her first term, Bublak’s leadership led to police officers and firefighters, body cameras for police, and repairs to long-suffering roads. She has served 14 years on the Turlock council, the past four as mayor.

Turlock City Council, District 3

The Bee’s choice: Cassandra Abram

Here’s why: The eye doctor’s experience helping people on Los Angeles’ skid row suggest a candidate with courage and compassion. She is focused on affordable housing, street repair and public safety.

Patterson Mayor

The Bee’s choice: Dominic Farinha

Here’s why: Fifteen years on the Patterson City Council, weathering hard times and helping it through prosperous ones, have prepared Farinha to lead with knowledge and experience.

Ceres City Council, District 1

The Bee’s choice: Jim Casey

Here’s why: Joining the council in a special election a year ago, Casey remains focused on cleaning up town and filling empty buildings deserted by former businesses.

Ceres City Council, District 2

The Bee’s choice: Rosalinda Vierra

Here’s why: Vierra’s devotion to public service is real, having served on Ceres’ Measure H sales tax oversight committee as well as the Stanislaus Economic Development Action Committee.

Modesto City Schools

Area 1

The Bee’s choice: Cindy Marks

Here’s why: Having served 25 years on the board, Marks’ experience is legendary. Her lengthy list of involvement in myriad committees and associations is evidence of deep-seated devotion.

Area 5

The Bee’s choice: Charlene West

Here’s why: A career school counselor before she retired, West has served five years on the school board. Her mastery of multifaceted challenges facing the district is impressive.

Modesto Irrigation District

Division 2

The Bee’s choice: Janice Keating

Here’s why: This problem-solver weathered rocky years on the Modesto council (2002-2009), earning a reputation second to none for financial acumen. Keating has her own mind and a steel will.

Division 3

The Bee’s choice: Nick Dokoozlian

Here’s why: An effective advocate for the up-and-coming generation, Dokoozlian is committed to collaboration, not division.

Division 4

The Bee’s choice: Stu Gilman

Here’s why: The board needs Gilman’s extensive knowledge of complex water policy and electricity issues. Without Gilman, progress will stop on treating electricity ratepayers more fairly.

Local Measures

Measure H (Modesto sales tax increase)

The Bee’s choice: Yes

Here’s why: Modesto deserves better public safety, healthier trees, safer parks and cleaner streets. All are within reach by raising sales tax 1%.

Measure L (Modesto City Schools bond)

The Bee’s choice: Yes

Here’s why: High school students will better prepare for college and jobs if we give them updated classrooms, labs and sports venues.

BEHIND THE STORY

How The Bee makes an election recommendation

The Modesto Bee Editorial Board interviews candidates for elected office, then discusses the merits of each. Candidates must participate to be eligible for an endorsement.

The Editorial Board consists of McClatchy California Opinion Editor Marcos Breton, Fresno Bee Opinion Editor Juan Esparza Loera, opinion writer Tad Weber and Don Blount, McClatchy Central Valley senior news editor.

The recommendation is an opinion meant to help readers reach their own decision on which candidate to choose.

Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

Why are endorsements unsigned?

Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Bee Editorial Board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.

Decisions have no connection to news coverage of political races and are wholly separate from journalists who cover those campaigns.