The races are set for the 2024 general election, with two candidates emerging for each of the seats that are up for grabs this fall.
For the District 2 city council seat, incumbent Rebecka Monez will seek a second term, and will be challenged retired businessman Milt Trieweiler.
Meanwhile, two newcomers — business owner Erika Phillips and Kamlesh Kaur, the public information officer for Stanislaus County Health Services Agency— will seek the District 4 seat that is currently held by vice-mayor Pam Franco, who is seeking to become the city’s new treasurer.
Franco will be challenged for the treasurer’s post by Michael Abram, husband of District 3 councilmember Cassandra Abram.
“I care about my community and I want to carry on with the great progress that we’ve made over the last three and a half years,” said Monez. I don’t want that to come to a screeching halt. I want that progress to continue.”
Monez, with 49.77 percent of the vote, handily defeated opponents Gil Esquer (28.05) and Ruben Wegner (22.18) to earn her seat in 2020. Renovation of the Columbia Park swimming pool was the foundation of her election platform — a project that will cost the city more than $9 million to complete.
Trieweiler, a former small business owner and a staple at city council meetings over the past decade, said he’s running to represent the residents of District 2 and the community of Turlock, as a whole.
“I respect the beliefs of all residents and I will listen to and consider their views,” said Trieweiler. “I am not running for personal gain or future ambitions. I will support our small-town feeling by encouraging infill, and building up and not out.”
Phillips, a native of Modesto who has lived in Turlock for the past decade, owns and operates Fit Kitchen Meal Prep with her husband, Mike. She’s also a competitive professional bodybuilder, and believes being a business owner and a disciplined athlete provide her with traits that will be useful on the council.
“We opened our business in downtown last year and the support we’ve received from Turlock has been truly incredible,” said Phillips said, who said she wants to continue the council’s efforts to improve roads and enhance public safety. “I wanted to find a way to give back to my community and decided the best way to serve the city was on the council.
“I’m a business owner, and this is a little out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to step up to the plate and help my community. I know I’m capable of doing this.”
Kaur said she was motived to run by an article in the Turlock Journal that mentioned District 4, at the time, had just one candidate.
“It’s always concerning when only one candidate runs for a seat in an election,” said Kaur, who also owns a trucking business with her husband, in addition to her position with the county. “It almost feels like we no longer have trust in the governmental process. As a public servant, I am deeply committed to ensuring our community is safer, healthier, and more vibrant for everyone. I believe we deserve infrastructure and neighborhood improvements that are not only affordable but also sustainable for generations to come. Addressing housing challenges and homelessness is my top priority, alongside supporting local businesses and driving economic development.”
Last month, Franco cited a desire to spend more time with her growing family as one reason she’s not seeking re-election in District 4. The city treasurer’s post, she believes, provides a more stabilized schedule that is better suited to her needs.
“I’m proud of our accomplishments on the council,” said Franco, who defeated Robert Puffer in 2020 with just over 63 percent of the vote.
”When I ran, I wanted to focus on four main things: funding full staffing and equipping the police and fire departments, bringing stability to the city’s finances, repairing roads, and spending Measure A money wisely We have done each of these. There are always items on our to-do lists that we don’t get finished. I know I have many left on mine. But I trust the next council to continue what we started.”
Abram is a professional investment manager with Integral Wealth Management of Turlock. He oversees about half a billion dollars for 375 clients.
“The city treasurer is responsible for investing $300 million of taxpayer funds,” said Abram, who was born and raised in Turlock. “I’d like to use my experience to help the city by making safe and wise investments.
Abram said he decided to run not only so he could lend the city his expertise, but to bring more stability to the position.
“There were numerous months when a treasurer’s report was not included in the council packet,” said Abram, who holds a PhD in mathematics. “There seems to be not enough accountability for the position. I’d like to bring a different perspective, more transparency, report to the public regularly, and make the city’s money work harder.”
For information on how to register to vote for the November election, visit: stanvote.com.
