First Priority Issue

By Bev Finley

Re-establishment of civility and the return of leadership to the City Council; along with the regeneration of confidence in our local government by the citizenry

Of equal importance is the regeneration of confidence in our local government by the citizenry and to make people feel proud (or even prouder) about living in Modesto. This means continuing the momentum for downtown redevelopment and bringing in new business to redirect our recent population growth to local jobs.

To do this, our infrastructure needs to be improved, especially roads and highways. It must be accomplished, however, while balancing the budget and maintaining reserves to take us through periods - like the one that is coming - when state and federal funds will be scarce. Therefore, efficiency in local government will be critical to our success.

Much must come together to make Modesto a city that we can be proud of once more. I believe I am the person most qualified to make this happen because of my leadership experience and ability. I can and will bring coalitions together to work toward common goals.