Farm Bureau Draws Candidates

Nearly 25 candidates that will be on the June ballot gave their stump speeches Wednesday night at the Sonora Opera Hall.

Around 75 people came out for the Tuolumne County Farm Bureau’s annual Candidates Night forum.

Those making an appearance were District Five Assembly candidates Rico Oller, Frank Bigelow, Tim Fitzgerald and Marc Boyd. District Five Supervisorial candidates on hand included Karl Rodefer, Domenic Torchia, Jim O’Neal and Michael Macomber. All five District One Supervisorial candidates spoke, Jim Hildreth, Sherri Brennan, Liz Bass, Jim Garaventa and Randy Cofer. Both District Four Supervisorial candidates made an appearance, John Gray and Nolan Matter. Four of the five Sonora City Council candidates spoke, David Axelrod, Ron Stearn, Connie Williams and Dave Sheppard. One District Four Congressional candidate made an appearance, Frank Uppal. All four candidates running for two judicial positions gave a speech, Gregory Oliver, Eleanor Provost, Alex Aretakis and Donald Segerstrom.

Most all candidates touched on the topic of job creation, and making the region more business friendly. Members of the public had a chance to ask questions to the candidates. Topics ranged from medical marijuana to psychiatric care in the county.

The next large candidates gathering is the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce’s Candidates Night, April 26th at 5pm in the Tuolumne County Supervisors meeting room. It will be aired live on AM 1450 KVML.