Not often can citizens go to one place and talk to representatives from all levels of government — local, county, state and federal. Turlock residents will have just that opportunity on April 5 when County Supervisor Vito Chiesa hosts a Government Night event.
The event will feature a panel of government officials who will share their take on regional issues and legislative priorities.
The panel will consist of Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, Supervisor Chiesa, Assemblymember Juan Alanis, State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and Congressman John Duarte.
“Thank you to Supervisor Chiesa for putting together Government Night. One thing we all have in common is that we serve people, and you cannot do that without listening and engaging. We are here to serve you and I encourage open communication so that I understand the issues facing California's 13th Congressional District when I am back in Washington D.C.,” said Congressman Duarte.
Chiesa has been hosting Government Night events for over a decade. He said the idea for the event started when a constituent called and said they could not get ahold of their state or federal elected official. He understood their frustration and also those of legislators who are continually travelling between Sacramento and Washington D.C. and the Valley. This event puts all levels of government in one room to address issues that important to locals, Chiesa said.
“People want to know that we’re working together for the betterment of Stanislaus County. It’s an opportunity to show we can all get to together and agree and disagree and move things forward,” Chiesa said.
“I am looking forward to being a part of Government Night in Stanislaus County. It is an opportunity to engage with our local community and hear their concerns and ideas,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “As elected officials, it is our duty to listen and work towards creating positive change for our constituents. It promises to be a productive and insightful evening.”
When speaking with local residents, Chiesa said the topics most brought up are homelessness, safety and security, inflation and housing and he expects the conversation will revolve around those issues on Government Night.
The Supervisor encourages everyone to attend the event to get their opinions heard and questions answered.
“People don’t believe they can make a difference, but they can,” he said.
Government Night will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 5 at the Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Seating is free but limited to the capacity of the facility. For questions about the event, accessibility or to request accommodations please contact Megan Wells at WellsM@stancounty.com or 209-525-6440.
The event will be available through Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86910987286?pwd=Nytjd1gzbXFpUVpDQThJdzVpbjY4U T09
Meeting ID: 869 1098 7286
Passcode: 047807
