Stephen Smith: Of two good candidates, pick Brem

It is a testament to the high quality of both candidates in the Turlock mayoral race that we have had the rare pleasure to experience a campaign based on issues and the qualifications of the candidates, not on the partisan bickering that is common in most political campaigns. When The Bee endorsed Mike Brem for mayor it was also stated that Turlock had two strong choices.

I share that opinion and believe that either candidate would make a good mayor. I do believe Mike Brem would be the more effective mayor however. A truly effective mayor has to have the leadership skills necessary to lead the city council.

I believe Mike has these skills. I have seen them both in public service, as a member of the Turlock Planning Commission for the last 14 years and in private enterprise as a successful agricultural business leader who brought jobs to Turlock.

Some have tried to introduce age as an issue. I find it irrelevant. What is important is which candidate has the leadership skills necessary to lead Turlock at this critical time. I believe Mike Brem is that person.

This story was originally published October 31, 2014 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Stephen Smith: Of two good candidates, pick Brem."