Raging inflation, joblessness fears and daily bulletins and cries of alarm regarding the actions, or inactions of our leaders in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. make people skeptical of government. Coupled with the incessant cries of doom and finger pointing from all corners of the internet, and from partisan spokespersons for both the right and left who link every single issue regardless of its scope or seriousness to Trump, Biden, COVID, the deep state, and the Department of Justice, it’s not surprising that people are reluctant to say anything positive about government at any level.
But looking at our own local jurisdictions can restore faith our system of government can work.
Turlock’s recent elections have been strongly contested. The mayor, and our current council members, told the voters that Turlock would meet the challenges of our time.
Let’s see the record.
The city emergency reserve fund, which had shrunk to dangerous levels has been fully restored to over $18.5 million, an increase of over $10 million.
Our public safety services, police and fire, were facing potential layoffs and losing senior officers through transfers or retirements. Since 2020, police and fire departments have seen a significant increase in budgeted positions. The current challenge now is to find qualified applicants to fill them.
Turlock, like most cities during the COVID years, had an issue with retention of employees. That problem is now gone. Almost all positions have been filled.
The funds from our recent city sales tax increase has been allocated to projects and programs 100% in keeping with the announced plans for spending put forth before the election. I’m personally familiar with this because I was appointed to the oversite committee to ensure the taxes were spent as promised.
Our committee’s biggest single suggestion was for the city to better publicize its schedule for road repairs, because it’s impressive and the public has a right to know when their roads will be fixed.
Our city campaigns have hard fought, but the council itself, while dealing with controversial issues, stays the course. Dialogue is exchanged respectfully. Solutions are sought. Disagreements don’t become feuds.
Turlock’s city government, from its Mayor and council, to its city manager, city attorney, other department leaders and the rank and file officers of police and fire, public works, and every city department have earned a loud “well done” from its residents.
— Mike Lynch
