Editor,

I have been a resident of Turlock and a local farmer since 1965. I supported and helped Brad Bates on his campaign when he first ran for Mayor of Turlock in 1982. I saw then a young man with a small amount of political experience, he was the Chairman of the Planning Commission, but with a strong desire to serve the community where he had grown up and where he planned to live.

In a time of contentious and sometimes divisive City Council meetings, Brad was a respectful, effective and efficient leader. He restored a much-needed level of civility and decorum to the process of governing and serving the citizens of Turlock as Mayor for eight years.

Today, our community needs these same characteristics in a leader, and Brad is again running for Mayor. Brad has much more experience, a broader perspective and a desire to preserve and restore a community that has provided a good quality of life for those who live here.

I am proud to have supported Brad then, and now have the opportunity to do so again. Please join me in voting for Brad Bates for Mayor of Turlock this November.

— Charles Crivelli