Why Patterson mayor broke from Stanislaus mayors on coronavirus, in her own words
When seven of the nine mayors in Stanislaus County recently signed a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking to aggressively reopen businesses here, I wondered why two didn’t.
We have fairly conservative leadership in these parts. All nine mayors and all five county supervisors are Republicans.
There is strength in unanimity. It’s one of the reasons the county has run fairly smoothly in recent years; the mayors don’t have an official platform for taking action together, but they choose to meet regularly and by all appearances they tend to get along. Eight have endorsed Ted Howze, the GOP challenger to Democratic Rep. Josh Harder in November.
So why did both West Side mayors — Patterson’s Deborah Novelli, and Newman’s Bob Martina — sit out the coronavirus letter?
I called Novelli, and I found her answers responsible and reasonable. I then prepared an editorial advocating more testing so we know when it’s safe for a broad reopening.
Only one of Novelli’s quotes made it into the editorial, which posted online Tuesday. Because news moves faster than newspapers, we weren’t able to get the editorial into our print product before it became outdated by other events.
Readers continue to comment on the mayors’ letter. Some praise those who broke from the pack, making me think more about the value of Novelli’s unprinted comments that people haven’t had a chance to see.
Here is most of that conversation, edited for clarity and space.
Question: Why didn’t you sign the letter?
Answer: The city of Patterson is a tight-knit community, and our (COVID-19) numbers are going up. I share the economic concerns that my fellow mayors expressed. But at this time, I want to take a more measured approach. I want to hear what the governor has to say, the parameters for his reopening.
Q: Is Newsom doing a good job?
A: I think the governor did a great thing with his stay-at-home order for the citizens of California. I believe he saved lives. I just don’t think now is the time to send that (mayors’) letter. I just wasn’t able to sign it and be on board with it.
Stanislaus mayors are united — on most things
Q: How are you getting along with the other mayors?
A: We’re all tired, working so hard. We have daily phone calls (with the group). I respect all the mayors and elected officials — the senators, assembly members, (county board) Chair (Kristin) Olsen. We’re working collaboratively. I think we all have the same goal of defeating COVID-19.
Q: Neither of you West Side mayors signed the letter.
A: My community’s numbers are going up, Newman’s are going up, too. I think the health of our citizens is the more important thing right now. We had 22 (positive cases) as of last night. That makes Patterson the highest per capita right now (in Stanislaus County).”
Q: Did the other mayors pressure you to sign?
A: No. Not really. The mayors meet monthly. It’s a great group of mayors, a very strong, united group. Sometimes you’re going to have people with differing opinions, and that’s OK. You have a respect for each individual and the community they represent.
I have to think about more than just Patterson, though. When you look at the unincorporated community (around us), I have Diablo Grande coming down, using our grocery stores and Walmart. I suspect people from Newman are coming over, too.
Q: What should leaders’ message be?
A: Stay home, stay safe, wear masks.
On Stanislaus County reopening after coronavirus
Q: When should the economy reopen?
A: I’m happy to see we’ll have additional testing at the Salida library. But we’re just starting this. There are still so many out there who need to be tested. We just don’t know (how widespread the virus is). It’s unknown.
Q: Are you still a good Republican?
A: (Laughing). This is my 10th year on the City Council — elected in 2010, mayor in 2016, re-elected in 2018. I have a good sense for my community and I’m trying to do what’s right.
Mainly, I’m a mother of five with two sets of twins. They’re all in their 20s now, but just to hear, `I’m having symptoms’ puts a sinking feeling in your stomach: `Oh my gosh — do they have it?’
Sometimes it’s not easy to go out (on your own). But you’ve got to do what feels right in your gut and for your community. And I’m able to answer `yes’ to both of those.
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
