Dear Editor,
During Amy’s first term, the city’s financial position was grim. City Manager Bob Lawton presented a balanced budget that required drastic service reductions, a hiring freeze, and defunding vacant positions. Lawton noted that while the budget was balanced, it was "not the answer to the City's long-term financial problems."
Toby Wells became the next City Manager. The City Council adopted a $42M budget for fiscal year 2020–21. Under the budget, the council froze 35 formerly vacant positions, to curb spending.
To fix the crisis, Wells worked alongside the City Council to draft a 0.75% local sales tax increase. On July 6, 2020, the City Council voted to place Turlock’s Measure A on the ballot. It passed 4-1 with Mayor Bublak dissenting.
Wells was actively involved in promoting Measure A. Mayor Bublak never joined the City Manager or Council Members to promote its passage. On November 3, 2020, voters passed Measure A; Wells managed the administrative heavy lifting to pass the tax and stabilize Turlock's long-term financial health.
Since Measure A passed, Turlock has grown its reserves from $9.8M to $36M. Police and fire positions have been filled. Parks are repaired and properly maintained. And, Turlock’s roads are being repaired.
It’s wrong for Mayor Bublak to be credited with Turlock’s financial recovery — Measure A passed by only 57% — Bublak’s opposition was dangerous. It’s hard to imagine where our city would be without the $15M Measure A brings in annually.
Opposition to Measure A was a huge failure on Mayor Bublak’s part… huge. Turlock needs a mayor who listens and works with the community, as well as the City Manager. I support Jim Reape for mayor, an individual who is a problem solver, committed to bringing Turlock together.
— Jeani Ferrari