Vice mayor takes exception to column
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I am writing in response to your recent column on Oct. 26, "Wal-Mart foes should come clean." Your column seeks to call out members of our community who expressed specific concerns over the recent Wal-Mart proposal. Not only were citizens called out but so were two local businesses that have a history of being great community partners. Your unfounded accusations are not only misleading, they reported to be prompted by "rumors" by "city officials."
As a city official I take issue with such unfounded speculation and would like to point to some key facts that you have failed to reference in your column. The first is that Citizens for Ceres submitted the names of at least 90 plus people for the appeal - all members of our community. Their advocacy, along with others, helped to drive the conversation to a productive solution that I ultimately supported.
When it comes to local grocers being the focus of "rumors," I personally spoke to representatives of many local businesses during this discussion about their concerns. Save Mart submitted a letter on the record regarding speculation of their future plans, which turned about to be false speculation on the part of supporters of the project. Additionally, I spoke to representatives of Food4Less, who had been a part of a consistent conversation with the city and myself, even going on record about it in a letter to the council. Their concerns were and have always been related to the vacancy issue. As you know, the city shared that same concern and at times was equally as vocal about that issue if not more than Food4Less.
What disappoints me most about your column is that it takes away from all the great things we are doing as a community. Your column could have been about bringing community together, which by the way, had recently taken place for two local high schools. Central Valley and Ceres High School were the recipients of an athletic boosters fundraiser hosted by Food4Less on Oct. 22, with the help of Foster Farms and the Lions Club, which I am a member of. None of this was even reported by the paper.
I sincerely hope that we can start reading more column about the great partnerships such as the recent Football Chicken BBQs, rather than old news about an approved project in which our local businesses were more than transparent about during the process.
Ken Lane,
Vice Mayor of Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Guerrero possesses traits of a community leader
Editor, Ceres Courier,
When one thinks about the persona needed to serve in public office, proven leadership, integrity, and spirit of cooperation are character traits that come to mind. Teresa Guerrero possesses those qualities and many others. She has been a role model and mentor for me for the past 24 years. Mrs. Guerrero has guided and inspired students and community members through her various capacities and roles, from her former position as Migrant Education Counselor at Ceres High School, where I was one of her Migrant students, to her current position as the Parent Institute for Quality Education Director.
Through the years, she has been honing her leadership skills through her consistent and active civic involvement in various organizations. Her passion and actions have been guided by her commitment to help others achieve their dreams. She brings to the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees sensitivity towards staff and will provide an experienced voice respectful of all.
Olga Castañeda-Cardenas, M.L.I.S.
Ceres High Class of 1991
* * * * * * * *
Well qualified for board
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I take great pride in supporting Teresa Guerrero for the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees. she is an incredibly well qualified candidate. She has served the District before with distinction. I am confident that once elected, she will have the necessary skills and experience to begin representing this great District. She is a candidate who knows the issues and keeps well informed of the needs of the community.
I encourage others to also support this outstanding candidate.
Lisa Mantarro Moore,
Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Ryno is honest, knowledgable
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I endorse Linda Ryno for the position of City Council member for the city of Ceres.
I have known Linda for over 20 years and have found her to be honest, ethical, forthright and above reproach.
Linda served the citizens of Ceres as a dedicated employee for almost three decades. Due to her vast knowledge of local government she knows the strengths and the weakness and will work for the best interests of the citizens of Ceres.
It is without hesitation that I endorse Linda Ryno for the elected office of City Council for the city of Ceres.
G.W. "Pete" Peterson,
Retired Ceres Chief of Police
* * * * * * * *
Two have city experience
Editor, Ceres Courier,
It is encouraging to know that two gentlemen with council experience have chosen, once again, to serve the citizens of Ceres as councilmembers. Their experience, commitment and knowledge of the city bring a blend of continuity to the council that will serve to enhance the quality of life for all city residents. I encourage the voters of Ceres to join me in retaining Bret Durossette as a council member and electing Eric Ingwerson to the Ceres City Council.
Louie Arrollo,
Former Mayor of Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I am writing in support of both Eric Ingwerson and Bret Durossette to be elected to the Ceres City Council.
I believe each of these individuals will best serve our community on the council.
I have had the privilege of serving with Eric on the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees and he has done an outstanding job. He is responsible and takes his position very seriously.
I have also had the privilege of working with Bret over the years in a number of community and athletic programs and I believe he is a tremendous asset to Ceres. Bret's leadership and concern for Ceres' future is evident in every activity for which he is involved.
Serving on the School Board, I know how much confidence and responsibility is placed on our elected officials. I am confident that both Eric and Bret will serve their communities as we need them to and will put Ceres first.
Mike Welsh,
Ceres
* * * * * * *
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed with the author's name, address and telephone number. Letters should contain 250 words or less and be void of libelous statements. Letters may be sent to The Ceres Courier, P.O. Box 7, Ceres, CA 95307, or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I am writing in response to your recent column on Oct. 26, "Wal-Mart foes should come clean." Your column seeks to call out members of our community who expressed specific concerns over the recent Wal-Mart proposal. Not only were citizens called out but so were two local businesses that have a history of being great community partners. Your unfounded accusations are not only misleading, they reported to be prompted by "rumors" by "city officials."
As a city official I take issue with such unfounded speculation and would like to point to some key facts that you have failed to reference in your column. The first is that Citizens for Ceres submitted the names of at least 90 plus people for the appeal - all members of our community. Their advocacy, along with others, helped to drive the conversation to a productive solution that I ultimately supported.
When it comes to local grocers being the focus of "rumors," I personally spoke to representatives of many local businesses during this discussion about their concerns. Save Mart submitted a letter on the record regarding speculation of their future plans, which turned about to be false speculation on the part of supporters of the project. Additionally, I spoke to representatives of Food4Less, who had been a part of a consistent conversation with the city and myself, even going on record about it in a letter to the council. Their concerns were and have always been related to the vacancy issue. As you know, the city shared that same concern and at times was equally as vocal about that issue if not more than Food4Less.
What disappoints me most about your column is that it takes away from all the great things we are doing as a community. Your column could have been about bringing community together, which by the way, had recently taken place for two local high schools. Central Valley and Ceres High School were the recipients of an athletic boosters fundraiser hosted by Food4Less on Oct. 22, with the help of Foster Farms and the Lions Club, which I am a member of. None of this was even reported by the paper.
I sincerely hope that we can start reading more column about the great partnerships such as the recent Football Chicken BBQs, rather than old news about an approved project in which our local businesses were more than transparent about during the process.
Ken Lane,
Vice Mayor of Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Guerrero possesses traits of a community leader
Editor, Ceres Courier,
When one thinks about the persona needed to serve in public office, proven leadership, integrity, and spirit of cooperation are character traits that come to mind. Teresa Guerrero possesses those qualities and many others. She has been a role model and mentor for me for the past 24 years. Mrs. Guerrero has guided and inspired students and community members through her various capacities and roles, from her former position as Migrant Education Counselor at Ceres High School, where I was one of her Migrant students, to her current position as the Parent Institute for Quality Education Director.
Through the years, she has been honing her leadership skills through her consistent and active civic involvement in various organizations. Her passion and actions have been guided by her commitment to help others achieve their dreams. She brings to the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees sensitivity towards staff and will provide an experienced voice respectful of all.
Olga Castañeda-Cardenas, M.L.I.S.
Ceres High Class of 1991
* * * * * * * *
Well qualified for board
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I take great pride in supporting Teresa Guerrero for the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees. she is an incredibly well qualified candidate. She has served the District before with distinction. I am confident that once elected, she will have the necessary skills and experience to begin representing this great District. She is a candidate who knows the issues and keeps well informed of the needs of the community.
I encourage others to also support this outstanding candidate.
Lisa Mantarro Moore,
Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Ryno is honest, knowledgable
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I endorse Linda Ryno for the position of City Council member for the city of Ceres.
I have known Linda for over 20 years and have found her to be honest, ethical, forthright and above reproach.
Linda served the citizens of Ceres as a dedicated employee for almost three decades. Due to her vast knowledge of local government she knows the strengths and the weakness and will work for the best interests of the citizens of Ceres.
It is without hesitation that I endorse Linda Ryno for the elected office of City Council for the city of Ceres.
G.W. "Pete" Peterson,
Retired Ceres Chief of Police
* * * * * * * *
Two have city experience
Editor, Ceres Courier,
It is encouraging to know that two gentlemen with council experience have chosen, once again, to serve the citizens of Ceres as councilmembers. Their experience, commitment and knowledge of the city bring a blend of continuity to the council that will serve to enhance the quality of life for all city residents. I encourage the voters of Ceres to join me in retaining Bret Durossette as a council member and electing Eric Ingwerson to the Ceres City Council.
Louie Arrollo,
Former Mayor of Ceres
* * * * * * * *
Editor, Ceres Courier,
I am writing in support of both Eric Ingwerson and Bret Durossette to be elected to the Ceres City Council.
I believe each of these individuals will best serve our community on the council.
I have had the privilege of serving with Eric on the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees and he has done an outstanding job. He is responsible and takes his position very seriously.
I have also had the privilege of working with Bret over the years in a number of community and athletic programs and I believe he is a tremendous asset to Ceres. Bret's leadership and concern for Ceres' future is evident in every activity for which he is involved.
Serving on the School Board, I know how much confidence and responsibility is placed on our elected officials. I am confident that both Eric and Bret will serve their communities as we need them to and will put Ceres first.
Mike Welsh,
Ceres
* * * * * * *
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed with the author's name, address and telephone number. Letters should contain 250 words or less and be void of libelous statements. Letters may be sent to The Ceres Courier, P.O. Box 7, Ceres, CA 95307, or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com
