Turlock’s three mayoral candidates participated in what was likely their final debate of the election season, stating their case to a standing-room-only crowd at the Stanislaus State Event Center on Wednesday.
Incumbent Mayor Amy Bublak and challengers Jim Reape and Kelley Coelho fielded questions from moderators Kristina Hacker of the Turlock Journal and Garth Stapley of the Modesto Focus, as well as a handful of questions from the audience members, during the 90-minute event.
Whether it’s reflective of the city at large or the work done by his advance team, the crowd of about 300 seemed to have more Reape supporters – though all three at times delivered answers that drew ringing applause from the audience.
In a random, post-debate polling of four women and four men from the audience, all four women and one man said that Reape won the debate; another man said that Bublak won; another said the responses from the crowd suggested that Reape won; and another opted not to divulge who he thought won, though he said one candidate earned his vote.
- “I thought they all did a good job,” said Angelica Gutierrez. “Personally, I think Mr. Reape had some pretty good responses that I feel will help us make our decision.”
- “It was a fair debate and the candidates communicated very well,” said Pete Kirchhoff. “I think I got to know the personality and the character and how each candidate would lead; so, for me it decided who I would vote for. I was on the bubble and now I know for sure.”
- “I thought Jim Reape did a really outstanding job,” said Teresa Bergman. “I think he came into this debate, from a national, regional, and local level, addressing all the vitriol that we’re living through day to day, and it just needs to stop. We need to see other as Turockians and U.S. citizens and not divide us up as so many politicians – especially nationally – have been doing. It’s a breath of fresh air.”
- “I think Jim Reape had an even-keel disposition,” said Norman Schlenker. “He didn’t rush to answer questions or pose an opinion. And he was realistic about things taking time; not everything is one-faceted. For example, homelessness is due to seven contributing problems, not just one. He seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
- “I think it was a very interesting debate,” said Megan Patterson. “I came in with my mind made up, but I still wanted to hear more. I’m in favor of Jim. I think he presented very well. I hope he wins.”
- “I think Jim Reape did a fabulous job with his responses,” said Ana Machado. “They weren’t arrogant, they seemed well thought out and like he had a plan and vision for what he might do for Turlock.”
- “I think the momentum of the crowd would suggest that Jim Reape was ahead,” said Eric Frahm, who admitted to being a Reape neighbor and coaching Reape’s daughters in youth sports. “I like our current mayor, and I think she did really well, as well. But I had an opinion coming in and the I guess the debate solidified my opinion.”
- “I think Amy Bublak definitely has more experience in office,” said Ken Olson. “I’m going with Amy and tonight solidified my opinion.”
While opinions differed on which candidate performed better, one thing was unanimous among those surveyed: the joint effort by CSUS, the Focus, and the Journal was a success.
“I am so grateful that Stan State decided to hold an event like this,” said Gutierrez. “It’s a real opportunity for the community to come together on the campus, get involved, and be part of something that really means something to the city.”
To watch the full debate, visit TurlockJournal.com next week.
