Lopez vs Monteith
We wouldn’t sink to the Bee tactic of holding the current administration responsible for the sins of its predecessors, but it is amusing to see the Bee endorse City Councilman Dave Lopez for Stanislaus County Supervisor. During the campaign for the one cent sales tax, the Bee argued we couldn’t trust Modesto City Government, mostly because of scandals that happened during the Ridenour administration, which the Bee didn’t get around to covering until Mayor Garrad Marsh and an almost entirely new City Council were elected. Lopez was one of the few holdovers from the Ridenour era.
Former Bee Opinion Page Editor Judy Sly and Publisher Eric Johnston were big factors during the campaign against the sales tax, and both are gone, so it wouldn’t be entirely fair to claim the Bee has a double standard—it’s a new regime that’s backing Lopez. On the other hand, the endorsement of Lopez wasn’t exactly enthusiastic. “Lopez has a penchant for bending to the political winds,” said the Bee editorial.
That’s an understatement. When Democrat Jose Hernandez ran against Republican Jeff Denham, Lopez, a nominal Democrat, endorsed Denham. Even the Bee admits Lopez flips and flops on the issues. His one consistent position seems to involve an algorithm for bringing in plenty of developer money.
The Bee touts Lopez’s enthusiasm and holds Monteith’s age against him, but can’t find much good to say about Lopez. Given the trust issue and Lopez’s well-earned reputation as a political chameleon, don’t be surprised if he changes colors a few more times before the election.
Calkins vs Withrow
Former State Secretary of Agriculture Bill Lyons was considered a shoo-in before the last Stanislaus County District 3 Supervisor’s election. With name recognition, a high profile, and deep pockets, he was anointed by out-going incumbent Jeff Grover and endorsed by the Modesto Bee.
Then along came David. The man who slew the Goliath that was Bill Lyons was Terry Withrow. Even though Lyons spent a local record $63.51 per vote for the 5,038 votes he received, he still couldn’t finish ahead of Withrow.
That’s one reason people have to wonder whether Scott Calkins is this election’s David. Calkin’s late announcement surprised the Withrow camp, and left many asking how Calkins could possibly win against a popular incumbent.
However, despite the Bee’s claim that the candidates share almost identical platforms, Calkins has a raised issues that both distinguish him from Withrow and are worthy of consideration.
Unlike Withrow, Calkins prefers a moratorium on mining groundwater until we can assess the likely harm to our overall supply. He also wants the Stanislaus Workforce Alliance to justify funding or face termination for what he suggests is wasteful spending.
Calkins would take a much harder line on expansion of Highway 132 than Terry Withrow. Calkins thinks the County can do more to minimize the effects of the expansion on farmland in District 3.
Both candidates have long and strong family ties in their district, and both are men of impeccable character. Whatever the outcome, this is one of the rare local campaigns that features superb candidates and clear issues. Bruce Frohman’s interviews with the candidates are here and here.
When your assessment on Lopez vs Monteith you were spot on.
I differ from your assessment on Withrow vs Calkins.
Calkins has only made it to 1 supervisor meeting in the past 4 years and his words for not showing up to the meetings is he is too busy. Calkins is a full time teacher with two small children. Calkins admitted to only making it to the StanCog meetings because he is fighting the 132. The State has already purchased the land and there is no stopping 132 from happening. Calkins also stated that he wasn’t concerned with Salida and for that he will not listen to his constituents in District 3 unless they are in Wood Colony or along 132 corridor. Salida MAC meetings are very important and Terry Withrow attends regularly. Terry Withrow has assisted Salida with several issues and Terry also supports Wood Colony. Why would anyone want to give that up at this time? Terry listens to his constituents and takes action. I support Terry Withrow for County Supervisor District 3.
Nanette Spyksma
Mr. Caine,
Even though West Stanislaus residents cannot participate in the vote for either Supervisor seat, we need to watch these races and support the candidates that we feel will assist our District 5 Supervisor in making sound decisions that affect us.
Monteith/Lopez Race – I hate to say it, but Monteith is the safer choice. His West Park / Kamilos stunt did nothing to endear him, however, Lopez is cut from a similar cloth without the breadth of experience on matters that pertain to a wider electorate. Bottom line, Monteith is the lesser of the two evils.
Withrow/Calkins Race – Withrow has strong family ties to West Stanislaus and has never failed to meet with concerned citizens outside his District. Mr. Calkins, while well meaning is approaching the seat from a less global perspective. That could be problematic in terms of how many issues he would be fully prepared to address.
Best of Luck to the Candidates and the Constituents.