Turlock politics are red-hot | Letters to the editor: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022
Trio best for Turlock schools
The race for Turlock Unified School Board is starting to turn ugly. Our schools are too important to allow petty issues and differences to jeopardize the future for our students. There is no room for partisan politics in this race.
As someone who has worked with Lori Carlson, Mary Jackson and Ken Howenstine, I can say that they are what’s right for our students, teachers and parents. The sign of strong leaders is doing what’s right even in the face of unjustifiable criticism. Their leadership has guided our district through very difficult times. Along with our excellent superintendent and team, they have held the course and have kept our district strong and secure for everyone, not just a vocal few. Our board members may not always agree, but at the end of the day we come together to do what is best for our schools.
If you study both sides of the discussion, you will find that Lori, Mary and Ken will lead our schools to remain safe, fiscally responsible and representative for all. Their dedication is proven by their volunteer service to our schools and community.
Anthony Silva, Turlock
Bixel for Turlock council
I have known Kevin Bixel for nearly three decades. In that time, I have watched him in many roles: father, husband, paramedic, student, physician’s assistant, friend to many and a natural leader. He has always brought compassion, strength, honesty and a healthy dose of common sense to everything he undertakes. I strongly support Kevin in his election bid to District 1 on the Turlock City Council. Kevin will bring all of those personal traits to represent not just his district but all of Turlock. While he has nothing personal to gain while on the council, he does want Turlock to thrive and be a community to be proud of.
Kevin understands the value of local business and the need to foster opportunities for growth and prosperity. He also knows the importance of collaboration and the need for a reliable, clean water supply both for drinking and agriculture. He will bring his compassion and common sense to tough issues like public safety and homelessness.
Kevin’s ability to listen and ask questions, along with his desire to fully understand issues and work with key stake holders, make him the ideal candidate.
Steven Boyd, Turlock
Turlock improving with Bublak
As lifetime residents of Turlock, Lynette and I have seen many mayors come and go, but never have we seen a mayor accomplish as much as Amy Bublak has in her first term in office. Fixing roads, balancing the budget, putting more firefighters and police officers on the street and closing down homeless encampments have all taken place under Mayor Bublak’s leadership. Amy loves Turlock, cares about our residents and has earned a second term as our mayor.
Ray Souza, Turlock
Finance whiz will benefit TID
David Yonan will be a great addition to the Turlock Irrigation District board, Division 2. He not only has 37 years of financial expertise in his background as a valley agribusiness banker but he is an active farmer and is well aware of the water issues facing the Valley today. David fits the description of the type of well-rounded leadership needed on the board to see us through the ever-changing landscape of environmental and social issues. David has a keen eye for catching inefficiencies and will be an advocate for watching expenses and ensuring that TID power and water costs remain among the lowest in the state.
Charles Fernandes, TID Division 2 director, Ceres