Campaign 2010 The June primary election is just weeks away, and it seems as if Mariposa County voters are highly interested in the outcome. On Monday night, more than 200 people came out to hear what hopefuls had to say at the MARIPOSA GAZETTE’S candidate’s forum on Monday evening.

The evening began with presentations from those seeking state and national offices. Jeff Denham, Les Marsden, Richard Pombo and Larry Westerlund, all of whom are seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Mariposa’s George Radanovich, took turns at the podium.

Denham, who was handpicked and is endorsed by Radanovich, told voters “what you see is what you get with me.” The Atwater agriculture manufacturer said he has been frustrated with the condition of government, but that is changing. “I’m not frustrated any longer,” he said. “I’m afraid. We should all be afraid.”

Mariposa resident Les Marsden said he wants to “keep our country moving in the right direction,” and lauded the importance of agriculture. “I believe in feeding America with food grown in America, preserving farm land.”

Jim Patterson focused on his conservative views. “I’m running because America is in trouble,” he said. “Conservative ideas can really change the way America is going.”

Pombo said the fear of not being able to pass his ranch to his children scared him enough to get involved in government. “The environmental community doesn’t like me much, and that’s all right,” he said.

Westerlund said the current state of government has him “upset and angry.” The 22-year military veteran said, “We need to refocus,” as a country.

Candidates for state assembly Terry Murrison, Kristin Olsen and Jesse James White followed. Murrison, who is a Tuolumne County resident, said she loves the rural lifestyle and wants to preserve it. She said the area shouldn’t be so dependent on its tourism industry.

Olson, who is on the Modesto City Council, said she is “fed up with the utter dysfunction of the state government.” She said if elected, she will remain true to her conservative values. “We can make things happen without compromising our principles. We must stand up for common sense.”

White, who lives in Riverbank, said he had been interested in politics since age 4. Although he noted his young age (21), he said he is “more conservative than my opponents.” He closed with “I’m Jesse James, and I’ll stick to my guns so you can keep yours.”

Tim Campi, candidate for state senate, said, “They say one person can make a difference,” he said. “I was going to give it a try.”

Those running unopposed for Mariposa County offices followed. Treasurer, Tax Collector and County Clerk Keith Williams, Assessor Becky Crafts and District Attorney Bob Brown, made brief statements before the contested county offices took center stage.

Bill Davis and Eric Oster, who are running for auditor, went first. Davis said that education is a tool, but it is experience that matters. “Who has the best experience?” he said. “That, I believe is the fundamental question.”

Oster, a local accountant, said it is the “Integrity and honesty of the auditor that helps protect the county.”

District 1 supervisor candidates Brad Aborn and Lee Stetson were next. Aborn said he was “tapped on the shoulder” to run against Stetson in the last election. During the question and answer period, Aborn asked people to give input on such things as the Midpines Community Plan. “Citizens, please be part of the solution. This is what I’m asking.”

Stetson, who held the seat before Aborn, said the job is a “complex and challenging one.” He said he is running “because I have been asked to, begged to, mainly because of the lack of progress” in county government. Stetson said the county needs to look at importing as many “green” jobs as possible and encourage entrepreneurs. “People are challenged to make a living here,” he said.

Both candidates said the Merced Irrigation District contract that is up for renewal soon is key. “We better get it right this time,” Aborn said. “What was the thinking back then? We should be the senior partner in this.” Stetson said the contract is “one of the most compelling things that face us.” The county could stand to gain as much as $10 million a year if the contract is properly negotiated. “We must maintain the health of this resource,” he said of the Merced River. “I urge us to look at the percentage we deserve.”

District 3 has been a hotly contested race. Four candidates, incumbent Janet Mankins-Bibby joined challengers Floyd Davis, Theresa Castaldi and Tolley Gorham at the table.

Mankins-Bibby said she is an open book. “I believe that’s the way county government should be.” Bibby said during her tenure, there have been no tasks too little or too big for her to tackle. Davis said serving the people is about going above and beyond the call of duty. “I’ll do it for you,” he said.

Castaldi said the Cathey’s Valley Plan is trying to take away property rights from owners. “Our board isn’t listening. We need to stop this plan.” Gorham said Mariposa County needs to generate new jobs. “We need growth in our county to make that happen.” He said the time for change is now. “We’re on a course right now that we don’t want to be on.”

In response to a question about the CVCP specifically, the three challengers said they were against it as written. Mankins-Bibby clarified some things, noting that much of the information out there is incorrect or misunderstood. “I encourage people to actually look at what it says,” she stated.

The sandwich war reared its head. All Gorham, Davis and Mankins-Bibby said that as long as the proposed business owners were following the rules, the Subway restaurant should be allowed to open. “The county is not proposing a moratorium because there is no health and safety issue,” Mankins-Bibby said. “We should encourage business.” Davis agreed. “There is very little we can do,” he said. “The gate is open. The cattle are out.”

The evening’s final forum featured candidates for sheriff, Doug Binnewies and Mark Jones.

Binnewies said he has “energy and passion” for the job that is infectious. He said he has been handling the budget on a daily basis, an issue that is key given the state’s financial situation. He said he is an “open book, a local success product.” Binnewies concluded his opening statement. “I do feel indebted,” he said of serving the community. “I’m very much in the right place.” He said if elected, he hopes to serve three terms.

Jones said he too wants to give back to Mariposa County, which has been his home for 22 years, all of which he has worked in law enforcement. “I believe that is what a person is to do,” he said. He said the threat of crime is very real here, noting the recent shooting and marijuana garden busts. “We have to realize that changes have to be made. We have a good department. I believe we could do better.”

In response to a question about dealing with loitering juveniles in the creek parkway area, Binnewies said the department is working on digital surveillance of the area to mitigate problems. “But the big picture is coaching, mentoring. Many kids are waiting for a little time and energy.”

Jones said he didn’t want to underplay dealing with such problems, but there are also serious crimes that need attention. “We have to prioritize. We have to let our officers do the work.” Jones agreed that positive interaction with law enforcement is key to reaching young people. He said the department needs to be “more proactive and less reactive” about the serious things that affect local children.

The final question was who each candidate would choose as an undersheriff. Jones went first and without hesitation. “My undersheriff would be Doug Binnewies.” Further, Jones said that the only endorsements he is concerned with are those of the voters. “You are the ones I will be elected to represent.”

Binnewies said he couldn’t say who his undersheriff would be, as he has been focused on the campaign and the department’s budget. “Right now I don’t have time to plan. We’re running hard.”

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