Wednesday, Oct. 3, the League of Woman Voters of Stanislaus County sponsored a debate for Turlock City Council candidates.
The Turlock community gathered at City Hall Wednesday evening to hear what candidates Sergio Alvarado, Steven Nasicimento, Mary Jackson and Amy Bublak had to say about local and state politics. The four competitors are fighting for two seats on the council.
The debate started with opening statements from all candidates, and then moved into questions posed by audience members.
Some main concerns included public safety, road conditions and proposition 30.
Proposition 30 is a tax initiative that ensures money toward education and public safety. If it does not pass, the CSU system would face serious budget cuts.
One person asked how the proposition would affect the community if it did not pass. Alvarado, first-time candidate and life-long small town resident, stated that he is strongly against the proposition. His main focus remains on infrastructure, roads and public safety.
Nascimento, a California State University, Stanislaus alum of 2008, agreed with Alvarado’s position on the proposition.
“The reality is that if it doesn’t pass on the ballot, the governor will have no choice but to go back and work with the legislature to get something done,” Nascimento said.
Bublak, also a CSU Stanislaus alum, quickly refuted Nascimento’s point with her concerns that it will in fact have an affect the community.
“There is no guarantee that if it doesn’t work we just go back and we discuss it again,” Bublak said. “It doesn’t give us any comfort to sit here and say it’s going to work out great, that if it doesn’t pass they’re going to work it out. I have no faith in this.”
Other concerns included park upkeep, ethics of the candidates and the candidate endorsements. Their endorsements come primarily from private parties and local supporters. Nascimento and Bublak are both sponsored by local Turlock firefighters. Jackson is supported by local businesses and families while Alvarado was proud to have no big names behind him and his campaign, he wants to be the voice of the people.
There was also talk about downtown businesses, what profit they bring and the Carnegie Art Center. All four candidates seemed to be supportive of the center, and want to find ways to help it in the future. Jackson in particular touched on the subject.
“I think we can do everything we can as a city to make sure the Carnegie is successful,” said Jackson, former city council member.
Each candidate brings a different perspective to Turlock, but all addressed the well being of the community. Elections will take place in November.