The Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission, better known as LAFCO, recently announced their decision to appoint Turlock City Councilwoman Amy Bublak as Chairperson.

The commission, which oversees changes that are made to local governmental boundaries in addition to preparing the spheres of influence and growth limits for each city in Stanislaus, consists of elected city and county officials in addition to one public member. In addition to Bublak, LAFCO commissioners include County Supervisors Jim DeMartini and Bill O’Brien, Waterford Mayor Charlie Goeken, and former Modesto City Councilman Brad Hawn.

During her time as Chair, Bublak says that her priorities include protecting agriculture and strengthening jobs and economic development throughout the County.

“I am humbled I have been given this honor to serve and work together with the other members of the commission to responsibly manage our land resources and maximize the return on those resources for the citizens of Stanislaus County,” said Bublak. “On a personal level LAFCO is a way for me to make a difference and work with the community to help make decisions as to the economic foundations we need to be competitive with other regions in California while learning from other community leaders from throughout the entire county in what is important to them.”

With this year marking the 30th anniversary of the original adoption of the spheres of influence for the nine cities within Stanislaus County, LAFCO continues to review current and future service areas, special districts, and land uses while encouraging the orderly formation of local governmental agencies, preserving agricultural land resources and discouraging urban sprawl.

“I want to focus on making educated decisions with my fellow members of the commission that protect our agricultural heritage and encourage jobs and economic development in our county,” said Bublak, “while also making sure Turlock has a strong voice in this county's economic decision-making process.”