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Three seek 2-year Council seat
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Eric Ingwerson

A Ceres resident since birth, Eric Ingwerson, 57, has served two terms as mayor of Ceres and nine years on the Ceres City Council. The local real estate agent now hopes to trade in his School Board seat for another term on the City Council.

"I am running for City Council as I believe with these difficult economic times we are facing, that we need a depth of experience on the council as we navigate our way through these challenges," said Ingwerson. "I have served this community before and I'm very proud of my service. I make it a point to listen to our residents on issues of concern. I'm very accessible and I am involved with a number of community programs. I am regularly asked to volunteer or to help a program and I always try to say yes."

Ingwerson is a graduate of Ceres High School and attended Anthony Business School. He has been a licensed real estate agent since February 1981 and has been with the PMZ Real Estate team since 1994, serving as sales manager of the Ceres office.

His foray into city politics came during a 1988-1994 term on the Ceres Planning Commission. Eric then served on the Ceres City Council from 1994 to 2003 and was mayor from 1998 to 1999 and 2001 to 2003. He's stepping off as a member of the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees, a job he's held since his 2007 appointment.

"As a realtor, I am keenly aware of our community and the concerns of homeowners," said Ingwerson. "As a former councilmember and current member of the CUSD Board of Trustees, I am at ease when I interact with the public and have the ability to diffuse possible difficult situations.

"I believe my strengths include my ability to look at a situation and see both sides of the matter. I have lived here my entire life and I understand the issues from different generational viewpoints. I also make it a point to understand the issues our community must deal with as a result of state and federal activity. I try to stay very well informed and consider myself a problem solver."

Ingwerson supports exploring the alternatives to the future of water delivery, including a regional surface water project.

"We also need to focus on sustaining our balanced budget and not suffering any more lay offs if possible."

Ingwerson calls for the continued serious look at improving Ceres' economic situation "and define solutions to enhance the development."

He also feels the city needs to put in place a beautification plan to help improve the overall image of Ceres.

During his past city service Ingwerson said he was proud to assist in the development of Fire Stations #1 and #3, and acquiring the properties that are now the Ceres Community Center and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. He also helped to bring the Winco Distribution Center to Ceres, and development of the Business Improvement District on Hatch Road.

Active in civic affairs since 1982, Ingwerson has served as president and a member of the Board of Directors for the Ceres Chamber of Commerce Board for 14 years.

Ingwerson has been a member of the Ceres Lions Club for approximately 30 years.

He and wife Carol of 34 years have two grown children, Joel Ingwerson, 29, and Breanna Ingwerson Swartz, 25 and a grandson, Eli.

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Hugo Molina

Hugo D. Molina, 33, believes the citizens of Ceres deserve a strong and united council, "someone who is up-to-date with current events, and someone with common sense who is willing to put aside any special interest in order to do what's best and what's right for the community."

An appointed Ceres Planning Commissioner, Molina said he enjoys serving Ceres and looks forward to "putting my commitment into action when elected as a city councilman."

As the owner of Palmwest Insurance Services, and previous management positions, Molina feels he has a proven record of success "regardless of the challenges that present themselves, including the current economic downturn."

"My analytical business skills, budgeting experience and ability to work with other professionals would serve my ability to make sound decisions with respect to the long term interest of Ceres," he said.

Molina obtained California state insurance license in 2008. Currently attending California State University Stanislaus, working on a degree in Business Administration. He previously served as a customer service supervisor for Northwest Airlines in San Francisco, was the senior credit manager for CitiFinancial in Modesto and was customer service manager for Auto America Insurance in Los Banos. He presently owns Palmwest Insurance Services in Los Banos.

He previously lived in Turlock, met his bride, Gabriela, from Ceres, and moved here after marriage. They have two children, Victoria, 5, and Ethan, 2.

One of Molina's goals as a councilman would be to be responsive to citizen requests for the improvement of neighborhoods.

"I will have an open door policy and follow through with my commitments."

Molina has a goal to bring more entertainment venues to Ceres.

"Why not a theater, or a recreation center such as Funworks in Modesto?" he asked.

Molina said among his top priorities would be to enhance economic development, revitalize downtown and provide a clean and reliable source of drinking water.

"I already have a number of businesses behind me in my desire to make Ceres more business friendly," said Molina. "Ceres has a good number of exceptional businesses, however we have not done an adequate job in competing with the quality and variety of businesses located in Modesto and Turlock. More business translates into much needed jobs."

He said he will work vigorously with community leaders and local businesses in order to create a partnership that results in a more appealing and family-oriented atmosphere for commerce and entertainment in downtown.

Saying that quality city well water is diminishing, and expensive to treat, Molina also supports the concept of a regional surface water project, saying it represents a long-term solution to maintaining an adequate water supply for our future needs.

"When elected, I will do my part in helping to see that this project is approved."

If elected, Molina said he will be guided by the philosophy that business generates revenue that offsets the need of the city to impose new or greater taxes. He also believes that all city services are of vital importance - from water and sewage to police and fire - and that he will work "hand in hand" with all departments.

Molina, who is a youth leader at El Nuevo Pacto church, Modesto, is also volunteer English as a Second Language instructor at Ceres Partnership for Healthy Children. He also is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda Association.

Molina said he is the first member of his family to attend college and that he is proud of starting his own business.

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Linda Ryno

Linda Ryno is no stranger to the city of Ceres. For over 29 years she worked for the city as the administrative secretary for the Planning Department.

Now Ryno, a resident of Ceres since 1983, wants to serve on the Ceres City Council.

"Ceres is a wonderful family oriented community and I want to make it even better now that I have the opportunity and time that retirement offers," she said when asked why she wants a council seat. "I have a vested interest in this community by remaining a citizen of Ceres and living my retirement in Ceres with my friends and family. I enjoy what the community offers and would like to help make decisions to benefit our citizens."

The 57-year-old candidate said her goals as a councilmember would be to increase the transparency in government, assure safety for all citizens and insure that the council and city staff are held accountable to citizen's requests for assistance with respect.

Ryno believes the lack of new businesses relocating to Ceres is a major issue facing Ceres today.

"A more proactive approach to getting new businesses to relocate here is needed and one of the ways this might be undertaken is to actively recruit major businesses instead of waiting for them to contact the city," she said.

She notes that Ceres can do a better job in reducing blight.

"Blight is a problem most cities face in these times," said Ryno. "Not only do foreclosed homes remain an eyesore, but many of our city facilities need more maintenance. A close look at current staffing, and if needed, reorganization may need to occur to reach that end result of showing pride in our community."

Ryno retired from her city job a year ago but benefits from all her years working with staff, citizens and government officials on a daily basis.

"My knowledge of government workings is vast and I feel that a citizen such as myself with the knowledge and daily interaction with government officials, will be a strong asset to the City Council."

"I am most proud to have worked over 29 years for the citizens of Ceres. In that time, I demonstrated compassion, respect, ethics and congeniality to the citizens and to my co-workers. I would respond to each request for assistance with a strong knowledge and dedication to satisfy the request. I am also proud that my work ethics and my integrity were never compromised..

She lists her strengths as integrity, honesty, accessibility, accountability, knowledge of government workings, ethics, and a strong moral fiber.

A Manteca High School graduate, Ryno is married to former police Sgt. Sam Ryno, They have two sons, Lucas, 36, and Zachary, 24. Their son and daughter in law Aimee gave them their first grandchild, Logan, 9.

She lists as her proudest accomplishment as raising two sons into "responsible, productive citizens with strong work ethics."