By Emerson Drake
6/20/11
Modesto has bragged for years about its council races being nonpartisan but it wasn't true then and it isn't true now. Most recently the Republican party and Jim DeMartini have chosen to endorse Todd Aaronson for the District Three Modesto City Council seat. That of course is their right.
In many cases the Republican party actively seeks out members to run, like they did with Dave Geer, unlike the Democrats who still believe in non partisanship and never actively seek or promote candidates for local office in Modesto.
Unfortunately developers, real estate magnets, builders, those with personal agendas (Muratore's War on the less fortunate) have enjoyed the fruits of their manipulations, while the rest of the citizens of Modesto have been sent to the back of the bus and been taken along for a ride to nowhere.
The aforementioned people have bled city coffers dry (remember village I) while lining their pockets with taxpayer money. They continue to manipulate the rules to this very day. Remember the $480,000.00 they gave to an out of town developer (Florsheim Homes) and permission to forgo the need for middle class housing, that's right not homes for the less fortunate but middle class houses) in their high end development.
We aren't taking sides in the District Three race but feel the need to point out to everyone exactly what is going on. You already are aware the local print media endorses one poor decision maker after another.
In this we remind you that the local print media has endorsed every single Director on the MID Board. Our rates are skyrocketing through the roof from mismanagement and all you see in print are excuses.
Many people have pulled papers for public office by the actual submission of papers doesn't start until next month. There is still time to find a candidate you believe has the same beliefs as you and support them. It doesn't have to be one of the already declared candidates.
Don't let the deep pockets of a few make decisions for you. Developer Stephen Endsley believes he bought something when he gave Mayoral candidate Brad Hawn a $14,000.00 contribution for his race.
Don't let people like this buy your vote like he's buying Brad Hawn's.
Every vote counts so make sure you're registered and make sure to vote.
