Guest Editorials

EDITORIAL - This November, a number of elected offices will be on the ballot.  One vitally important to our community is the office of Madera City Council District 3. We need a representative who is independent, hardworking and honest.  We need someone who responds to our requests for assistance. I feel that the best person to represent District 3 is Will Oliver.  Please join me in casting your vote for him. 

I had the honor of serving you as a Madera County Board of Supervisor for twelve years before retiring in 2013. I feel I know what needs to take place in order for results to occur. Will Oliver works in business and economic development and understands the challenges that small businesses face.

EDITORIAL - When is an Association endorsement not an endorsement of the Association?  In the present race for the Office of the District Attorney, Paul Hornick and Sally Moreno have garnered various law enforcement endorsements.  Paul is endorsed by the Madera Police Officers’ Association, the Madera County Correctional Officers’ Association, the Chowchilla City Police Officers’ Association, and the Madera County Prosecutors’ Association which is comprised of the Deputy District Attorneys who have worked with both Paul and Sally.  It is reported that Sally is endorsed by the Madera County Sheriff’s Association.

Up front let me disclose that I know each of the candidates and after reviewing their credentials and history I will be voting for Paul Hornick.  This is not to say that I am opposed to Sally Moreno but rather in making a choice as to who receives my vote, I as well as most of the attorneys based in Madera County, whether working for the government or in private practice, are supporting Paul Hornick for District Attorney.

EDITORIAL - For the second time in the past few months I find it necessary to correct the Tribune and set the record straight regarding presentations I have made to the Madera City Council.  A few months ago, I admonished the Tribune for making several factual errors and misquoting me regarding an earlier report on water rates.  Unfortunately, I am compelled once again to make corrections regarding my report addressing City of Madera management compensation at the Wednesday, August 1^st meeting.  

Following are some of those errors and/or incorrect quotes: 1) The Tribune attributed to me the following terms/phase of “padding of salaries” and “pad earnings”. Terms I did not use or imply. 2) “… Manfredi said in his report were some 16% higher than similar positions in other Valley cities….”.  Again, this was not said.   The previous City Administrator’s salary was reported to be 16% higher, a few others were higher; but most were lower.  3)  The Tribune was completely mixed up in reference to Management Leave not appearing in the budget. The reference was to medical insurance for retirees not easily being identified. 4) Information as to my preference for the City of Fresno not being in the study was misquoted.  My reference was to an earlier statement I made regarding not including Fresno or Chowchilla.

EDITORIAL - In 1981, President Reagan, with his signature grace and civility, declared of Robert Kennedy, “He roused the comfortable. He exposed the corrupt, remembered the forgotten, inspired his countrymen, and renewed and enriched the American conscience.” A half-century later, Reagan’s truth seems just as clear.

June 6^th, 1968 bears a special place and a solemn reminder in the hearts and minds of many people inspired by Senator Robert F. Kennedy.  While we were not born yet, that fateful day in 1968 has inspired us, through Kennedy’s life and legacy. The issues and challenges of the 1960s very much remain relevant today and his legacy still calls subsequent generations to act on convictions of equality and dream of a better future. June 6^th, 2018 marks the 50^th anniversary of his assassination after winning California’s Presidential Primary, and Madera shares a unique place as part of that history, as Bobby had campaigned here just days before on Thursday, May 30^th 1968.