Editor,

As Turlock voters choose their next mayor, I urge them to return Amy Bublak to the job. I have known Amy since our days at Cal State Stanislaus.

When I served on the city council in the 1990s, I learned that Turlock residents consistently prioritize three things: public safety, fiscal responsibility and well-maintained roads. Their policy objectives have not changed, and Mayor Bublak has delivered on all three.

First, she has fully staffed the Turlock Fire Department and expanded the police force to 90 officers. Her career in law enforcement shapes her commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Second, when she took office in 2018, the city’s bank account was nearly dry because the previous mayor and council had drained the budget and its reserves. Today, Turlock has a balanced budget and has rebuilt its rainy-day account.

Third, our roads are visibly improving. Geer Road, Golden State Boulevard and residential streets that once resembled rutted Old West wagon trails are finally getting long-overdue repairs.

Turlock has grown from a farm town of about 14,000 in 1970 to nearly 73,000 today — a 420% population increase since I moved here in the 1970s. Indeed, we still have a small-town vibe, but it cannot be run like a small town. Turlock needs experience, and Mayor Bublak has it. I encourage you to support her on Election Day.

— Larry Rumbeck