In an effort to help better inform voters regarding the decisions before them in the upcoming general election, which is now less than two weeks away, the Turlock Journal asked two questions of each candidate seeking local office in the city. Below are their responses. Early voting already is underway in Stanislaus County. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Visit https://www.stanvote.gov/pdf/voting-locations.pdf to find a drop box or voting center near you.
CITY OF TURLOCK
City Council District 2
MILT TRIEWEILER
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: My priority is to always enter the council meeting with an open mind, and always treat everyone respectfully. I must realize that I am the representative of our Turlock residents. At each meeting I will be voting on some 15 to 25 items on the agenda and all of them need to be scrutinized on their need, value and how they will affect the future of our city.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: I am very qualified because after retiring from my electronics business, I felt a need to give back to my community that had supported me. Ten years ago, I started attending council meetings and have done so ever since. I am very knowledgeable of exactly what is going on in our city government. I’ve always said the last item on the agenda is as important as the first item, and I stay until the end of the meetings. I realize that many people are occupied with work and their family, and it is my responsibility to represent them. I will stand up for the residents of District 2.
REBECKA MONEZ (incumbent)
Question: Of which accomplishment during your time on the council are you most proud?
Answer: I am proud of saving Columbia Pool for our kids. When I was elected four years ago, no one wanted to do anything to keep Columbia Pool alive. I worked with my colleagues to raise $9.3 million of non-general-fund money to get the pool rebuilt to a new state of the art facility for our kids. Some folks criticize the price tag — but I say our kids on the Westside are worth it!
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected to a second term?
Answer: Our roads in our neighborhood are in serious disrepair. In District 2, we have had more roads repaired that any other district in the city. I will continue to push for roads to be repaved, repaired and slurry sealed as appropriate. Our neighborhood specifically has already had 11 roads repaved in 2023, with three of those being major arterials with major improvements on Lander and West Main. We had eight repaved in 2024 and we have another nine roads already slotted for 2025, to be upgraded soon. There is road construction going on all over District 2, and there is much more to be done. I want to see all of our roads repaired and up to the standards of the other neighborhoods of our city.
City Council District 4
ERIKA PHILLIPS
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: My No. 1 priority if elected would be to address the homeless issue. The majority of my conversations I have had are about the homeless and how it's affecting local residents and businesses. Although it is a complex issue, I believe Turlock is heading in the right direction; from breaking down encampments, to passing the latest ordinance allowing our local law enforcement to do their job and protect our city, guiding the homeless to the proper care/facilities they need, really just reminding the homeless of the services available in Turlock. I fully support local law enforcement and fire, and will continue to do so if elected, giving them the capacity to do their job, keep our city safe and streets clean so that Turlock residents can walk our city with confidence knowing Turlock is doing something about it.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: I believe to be the most qualified candidate because through my business, I have already built many strong relationships with local residents and other business owners. I have had conversations with residents about anything they want to talk about, including how our city is doing, and their view about what needs to be worked on in our city. I have had conversations with residents outside my business as well, and they are very comfortable talking to me about any issues that they feel needs attention. Anyone that knows me or has met me, has told me I am a very positive person and bring a unique perspective to the city, being a pro athlete and a successful business owner. My approach going into this campaign has always been to keep an open mind as we all may have different views, all while ensuring I make the best decisions based on residents' needs.
KAMLESH KAUR
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: My No. 1 priority would be to rebuild trust in local government by fostering transparency and ensuring accountability. I understand the critical role of trust in effective governance. By increasing public engagement and making decision-making processes more transparent, we can create policies that reflect the needs of all Turlock residents, especially in areas like community health, safety, and affordable housing. Only through accountability can we address the pressing issues that impact our quality of life.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: As someone with a strong public safety, health, and policy background, I bring expertise and a track record of addressing community challenges head-on. I have over 17 years of experience working with my community, and that has given me the tools to understand the intersections between health, safety, housing, and infrastructure—critical issues impacting every Turlock family. I am deeply committed to listening to residents and advocating for their needs. My experience navigating both business and policy environments equips me to address the intersection of economic growth, health, and housing in a way that benefits all residents. I have a passion for public service, and my understanding of data-driven policy solutions makes me uniquely equipped to lead Turlock toward a healthier, safer, and more equitable future.
Treasurer
MICHAEL ABRAM
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: The Turlock City Treasurer is responsible for investing $300 million of taxpayer funds. As treasurer, I will attentively and wisely manage those investments so the city can put those funds to use for our residents. I will work closely with the city’s finance director to monitor our cash needs and ensure we are investing the maximum amount possible. Since 2021, the city has held an average of $55 million in cash, earning very little interest at a time when interest rates have been high. We missed out on nearly $3 million of revenue by holding excessive levels of cash rather than investing in very safe cash alternatives, such as three-month treasury bills. That’s real money that could go a long way toward supporting the city services our residents depend on, and there’s been too little oversight and public accountability over the role of the treasurer. Turlock has a substantial investment portfolio and the stakes are high. We need to entrust the management of our city’s funds to someone with the professional experience of managing money for others and who will give the job the attention it deserves. I believe I am that candidate, and I humbly ask for your consideration for City Treasurer.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: The Turlock City Treasurer is responsible for investing, and I have built my career around investing and financial management. As a professional investment manager, I manage $500 million for 375 clients, a dozen retirement plans, and a church endowment. I have the experience to manage cash levels, follow financial markets and interest rates, research investments, place trades, and communicate investment strategies and progress to clients in an understandable way. I know how to work within the parameters of an Investment Policy Statement, much like the one the city council has adopted that sets guidelines on what types of investments are allowed. Managing money for the public also requires high ethical standards and transparency. I am accustomed to being a fiduciary who acts in the best interests of my clients, and I serve as my firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. I have devoted years of hard work to excel in my field and further my knowledge. I have earned a Ph.D. in mathematics and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, which is one of the most rigorous programs in the investment industry. I believe my professional experience and expertise would be a great asset to our city in the role of City Treasurer. I hope you will entrust me with the responsibility of safeguarding the city’s funds so I can make your tax dollars work harder for us all.
PAM FRANCO
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: My No.1 priority as the city of Turlock treasurer would be to ensure the safety and security of the city treasury investments. Treasury investments are governed by the laws of the state of California and the investment policy of the city of Turlock. Within these regulations are various types of investments the treasurer can make. The goal is to invest to get the highest rate of return while investing in the safest, most secure investments. My secondary goal is to achieve the highest rate of return possible in our safe secure investments. Achieving higher rates of return helps fund not only the general fund, but also the enterprise and specific funds, thereby helping to keep in check the need to raise taxes, rates and fees.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: I believe I am the most experienced and qualified candidate for Turlock city treasurer because of my years of experience in the finance, real estate and investment fields. I have been a local business owner of a large construction/development company for more than 35 years. As the owner and chief financial officer for our company, I have overseen all aspects of the finance department, as well as company and personal investments. Many of these investments are the similar to the investments the city of Turlock treasurer is allowed to invest the city treasury in. I am also a licensed real estate broker, overseeing the sales transactions for home sales and home rentals. I have previously served as the president, and now the treasurer of TriCounty Blueline Alliance, a non-profit company founded to assist local first responders during times of crisis and need. Finally, for the last four years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Turlock city councilcember, representing District 4. I have hands-on knowledge of the city finance and budget processes, I have worked with the city manager, finance director and finance department, and I am an experienced and knowledgeable member of the council where city investments are concerned. I have met with the finance director several times to prepare myself for this position. I intend to bring more clarity to the public regarding the treasurer position by revising the city treasurer portion of the website, so that the duties are described, the investment policy is posted and any pertinent information is updated regularly.
TURLOCK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Area 3
ANNA RAMIREZ
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: Making connections and building partnerships is important to me. Canvassing for school board, I found people want to be heard and validated. People want to know that their scholars will be cared for, not just educated. With that in mind, I will to reach out to administrators, teachers and support staff. I want to hear from them how programs are working. For example, are there enough resources available to them in and out of the classroom. Also, I will reach out to district personnel and look at state standards and board policies to support our community. In addition, I believe we need to nurture relationships with the surrounding school districts (Chatom, Keyes, Denair) to build on traditions and plan for the future.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: Being a retired employee in the field of education, I have much experience in a school setting. I worked as a middle school secretary for 20 years. I also worked as a para-professional and yard supervisor for 10 years. I worked for Chatom Union School District for more than 29 years. I have experience working with a diverse demographic with different languages. My years working in a local school district has given me insights to support teachers, staff, students, parents, and administrators. I also have experience serving on several committees such as Safety, LCAP, LCFF, SSC, ELAC to name a few. I have an understanding of school finance and allocations for programs. I know with all my experience I will work with the community and district personnel to support our scholars and working families. This is why I am the best candidate for this post.
PAOLA MALDONADO-PADILLA (incumbent)
Question: Of which accomplishment during your time on the board are you most proud?
Answer: During my two years on the board, I’m most proud of driving real change by fostering a culture of open communication and accountability. I’ve taken the lead in ensuring that the concerns of parents and staff are not only heard but also addressed with meaningful action, resulting in solutions that directly improve the lives of all staff, students, and families. Through my active involvement in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which guides funding decisions to address the specific needs of students and schools, I’ve helped pass initiatives that direct support to the areas where it’s needed most. I also served on the TUSD Family Resource Center Advisory Council, which delivers critical support to the community. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to making a lasting impact and setting a higher standard. I’m also proud of meeting practical needs; for example, I had the opportunity to donate around 20 prom dresses to Roselawn School, helping students participate in an important milestone in their lives. My accomplishments are not just about policy changes, they’re about making a tangible difference in the lives of students and families. That’s what I am most proud of.
Question : What would be your No. 1 priority if elected to another term?
Answer: If re-elected, my number one priority will be to elevate academic achievement by addressing the diverse needs of all students. I will push for targeted resources and individualized support, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to the tools they need to succeed. My focus will continue to be on creating pathways to success, closing achievement disparities, and fostering an environment where excellence is not just a goal but the standard. We need to see results from our investments, and I’m committed to ensuring that our efforts translate into measurable outcomes for our students.
Area 5
DEBBIE MARTINEZ
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: Fight for Turlock school district to have community schools and school safety would be my No. 1 priority.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: I feel most qualified for the position to serve Area 5, being founder of We R La Raza parents union social JUSTICE movement, students advocate, parents advocate.
DANIEL BENEDICT (incumbent)
Question: Of which accomplishment during your time on the board are you most proud?
Answer: I am most proud of being a part of the team that was able to successfully get our kids back to school after the pandemic. With this return, the district was able to again focus on academic achievement and has made significant progress. Much of this progress is due to our teachers and staff helping to make sure our students are prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Question : What would be your No. 1 priority if elected to another term?
Answer: My number one priority if I am re-elected is to continue the academic recovery and progress that we have made over the last couple of years, especially in math and reading.
Area 6
PATRICK SHIELDS
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: My No. 1 priority when I’m elected will be to bring transparency back to the board. I have spoken with parents that feel they have been cut out of the conversation and are starting to question the integrity of our schools. We have to bring accountability back and allow for our community to see, hear, and speak with our schools leaders. I will petition the board to not only mandate all board meetings to be live-streamed, but available online, and on demand for our community to access. I will also bring forth a proposal to add term limits to the board — to foster new leaders and stakeholders. I will make sure that students, parents, and staff are heard, not silenced.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: As a father, TUSD Alumni, and lifelong resident of Turlock, I am the most qualified candidate because I represent the future of our community. A new generation of parents and students deserve a leader who knows the challenges and opportunities that come with technology and social media. I have a degree, I have work experience, and I have real leadership skills, but that all pales in comparison to the qualifications of being a parent to a child and an uncle to eight other children who are growing up in Turlock. A vote for me is a vote for the future generations of Turlock.
JOE A. SOUZA (incumbent)
Question: Of which accomplishment during your time on the board are you most proud?
Answer: I am proud of the knowledge that I have gained during the short time I have served on the board. It includes the interworking of the Turlock Unified School District. It helps me make informed decisions on the issues that come before the board. Learning about the functioning practices of the TUSD is the first step to its successful operation.
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected to another term?
Answer: Continue to navigate the fluid situation of funding and our economy. This knowledge is necessary to make wise decisions for now and for the future. Understanding state mandated policies, budget practices and human interaction are key elements.
TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Division 1
MARY JACKSON
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected?
Answer: I have three main priorities if elected as a TID Director. 1. Fiscal Accountability, ensuring our taxpayer dollars are not misspent. 2. Recruiting, training, and retaining qualified employees. 3. Replacing aging infrastructure on both the power and water side of the district; assuring our region can provide enough power and water for our existing businesses, while bringing new businesses to our industrial areas.
Question: Why are you the most qualified candidate?
Answer: I want to bring a new, fresh perspective to the TID board, a new set of eyes and ears. I would like to see more communication with the TID public, maybe holding one evening meeting each month, so more ratepayers can attend.
MICHAEL FRANTZ (incumbent)
Question: Of which accomplishment during your time on the board are you most proud?
Answer: When I reflect back on my nearly 15 years on the board, there are several significant accomplishments that come to mind. The first is the fact that careful stewardship and wise investments have enabled us to operate a large electric and water system in a reliable and customer-centric manner, at rates that are some of the lowest in the state. This performance over a long time-horizon should make all TID ratepayer owners quite satisfied. I’m also honored that I was able to serve alongside fellow directors that treated each other with respect and civility at all times. We do not always agree, but I can’t recall an angry word in the boardroom. Lastly and this is a silly one, but possibly the thing that I’m most proud of when I reflect back is getting a particular power pole removed in my division that was the source of several traffic accidents.
Question: What would be your No. 1 priority if elected to another term?
Answer: My biggest priority as a director, if elected to another term, is the same as it’s always been: Keep the lights on, and water flowing to both our farms and cities. And do so in an affordable and reliable manner.
