The four candidates competing for two Turlock City Council seats will square off for the first time today.
The campaign season's inaugural debate will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Covenant Village's Byrd Hall, 2125 N. Olive Ave. The event will be hosted by the Turlock Action for Business Political Action Committee, affiliated with the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.
Each candidate will make an opening statement, followed by three prepared questions. Questions will then be taken from the audience as time allows, followed by closing statements.
Participating will be:
• Amy Bublak, incumbent Turlock City Council member since 2008 and a Modesto Police Officer. Bublak has advocated for public safety and fiscal restraint during her tenure on the council. She also initiated the Turlock Business Partnership Incentives Program, which offers $1,000 cash to small businesses which open up shop in vacant storefronts and meet certain criteria.
• Mary Jackson, an incumbent council member first elected in 2008 alongside Bublak. Jackson has been an advocate for the arts and recreation, led the campaign for the return of the Turlock Farmers' Market, and today serves as council's representative to the Stanislaus Council of Governments.
• Steven Nascimento, current Turlock Parks, Recreation, and Facilities commissioner and the district director for State Sen. Anthony Cannella (R - Ceres). He says he would bring his experience in dealing with the complicated world of government to the post, along with planning expertise from a stint as a planner with the City of Modesto.
• Sergio Alvarado, a Turlock resident who works for the U.S. Postal Service in Livingston. He hopes to maintain Turlock's small-town feel and charm.