Stanislaus County District 2 Supervisor Vito Chiesa is inspired by the list of accomplishments during his four terms on the Board of Supervisors.
But the native of Hughson feels there’s plenty left to do, which is why he formally announced his candidacy for a fifth term this past weekend.
“Yes, I am running for re-election,” said Chiesa, who celebrated his 59th birthday on Tuesday. “I guess I still have the passion to serve … and the energy. So, between the passion and the energy and the will, I think I can continue to do a good job representing Stanislaus County and District 2.
“And I do think we’ve been doing the job, collectively, as a board. It’s very difficult to do things on your own.”
More than working with fellow board members, county supervisors must foster relationships with state and federal representatives.
“I was very happy to hear my friend Vito announce his reelection campaign,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis, R-Modesto. “He has my full endorsement and support. Vito has been a tremendous servant for Stanislaus County and has become a staple in county leadership. Vito has been a great friend over the years and his office and mine have worked hand-in-hand since I was elected to the state legislature. His advice and insight into issues facing Stanislaus County is tremendously helpful to us up here in Sacramento. Vito can always be counted on to stop in and visit any time he’s here representing Stanislaus or California counties in general.”
Those sentiments were echoed on the other side of the aisle, in the other chamber of the legislature.
“Vito has always represented Turlock and District 2 in a very positive way,” said Chad Condit, chief of staff for state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, D-Jackson.
Chiesa was first elected in June 2008, defeating former Stanislaus County Sheriff Les Weidman, by a 17 point margin — 58.5 percent to 41.3 percent. Since then, the popular supervisor has run unopposed.
He’s held a variety of roles during his time in office, serving on various commissions and boards, including:
* California State Association of Counties
* Stanislaus Council of Governments
* San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors
* San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
* San Joaquin Region Rail Commission
* San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council
* San Joaquin Valley Regional Early Action Planning Commission for Housing
* California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley
* Stanislaus Children and Families Commission
* Stanislaus County General Plan Update Committee
* Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission
For more than a decade, Chiesa has hosted the annual Turlock Government Night, which brings elected representatives to the people in a convenient one-stop shopping format. The latest Government Night was held in April at the Carnegie Arts Center, with Alanis, Alvarado-Gil, Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, Rep. John Duarte, R-Hughson, and a field rep for Rep. Tom McClintock, R-El Dorado Hills, in attendance to answer the questions of local constituents.
Agriculture, road and rail projects, air quality, mental health and homelessness are issues that are keenly on Chiesa’s radar.
“Stanislaus County has a $1.6 billion budget, and you have to make incremental change,” said Chiesa. “But as a board, we’ve not been afraid to fail. We’re allowed to take chances. Sometimes, in government, I think we’re too afraid of thinking outside the box.”
Chiesa graduated from Hughson High School, attended Modesto Junior College then went onto graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He farms almonds and walnuts with his mother, Mary, and brother, Andrew.
Prior to being elected to the Board of Supervisors, Chiesa served as the president of the Stanislaus County Fair Board, as well as the president of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. He was also director for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and State Director for California Farm Bureau.
No one has yet announced that they will be running against Chiesa in the 2024 election. His name will appear on the ballot in the March primary, with a possible runoff to take place in November should a significant challenger arise.
