Editor,

The upcoming election will be critical for the future of Turlock. Brad Bates was, and will be, an excellent mayor. I am 87 years old and have been a resident of Turlock since 1930. My great uncle, R.R. Fowler, was the first City of Turlock attorney and filed the original articles of incorporation in 1908. His wife Blanche and some of her friends named the first grammar schools in town (Lowell and Hawthorne) after poets they enjoyed. But enough historical Turlock trivia.

I have known every mayor since Roy M. Day. Brad is with those on the top of my list. Our city appears to be on a path to being in very deep financial trouble. We need a more experienced and competent person to lead. I believe Brad is the right person to be our mayor at this point in our city’s history.

— Colleen Carkeet Bill