Escalon and the surrounding area is part of District Four for San Joaquin County and voters on Tuesday will elect a new supervisor to fill the role of representing the district on the county Board of Supervisors. Ken Vogel is the outgoing supervisor for this district and candidates Russ Munson and Chuck Winn are both running for the post. The Times recently posed a number of questions to the candidates regarding the office and what their hopes are for the county if they win the seat. Following are the responses from the two candidates.
RUSS MUNSON
Why are you seeking the Supervisor’s seat?
I am running for the county supervisor to give back to my community and create a brighter future for District 4. The San Joaquin region is an amazing place to work, live and raise a family. Yet we have a lot of challenges and opportunities ahead. I know first-hand the issues impacting our region. I want to champion policies that strengthen public safety, protect agriculture, preserve our water supply and create economic opportunities. I have a record of getting things done, and I hope to use my 35 years of business experience to move San Joaquin County forward.
What unique talents/qualifications would you bring to the position?
As a local business owner and community member, I know first-hand the challenges we face in San Joaquin County. I have always taken an active role in the community, previously serving as a Chamber of Commerce board member and chairman. I am also a founding member, and past board of director for the Lodi Visitors Bureau “Visit Lodi” which promotes the Lodi region as a tourism destination.
I have not only built a successful business at Wine & Roses, but I’ve raised my children and grandchildren here as well. I am passionate about applying my business know-how and enthusiasm for San Joaquin County to address our challenges and opportunities. I have created a successful business with 250 employees and I want to play a role in creating a prosperous future for the residents of our District 4.
How has your past employment prepared you for the county supervisor role?
It has given me the ability to bring people together, find common sense solutions and move forward. I’m a businessman, not a politician stepping up the political ladder – I’m seeking public office to provide a public service. We deserve local leaders who know how to create jobs, are accountable and will work aggressively to get things done. I have spent my entire career in the private sector and I want to use that experience to advance and promote common sense policies that support this mission.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the county?
While we have a lot of opportunity, we also have challenges that must be addressed. I want to champion policies that strengthen public safety, protect agriculture, preserve our water supply and create economic opportunities. I am not only a business owner, but I am a father and grandfather – and want to create a thriving San Joaquin County for future generations.
How are you getting your message out to the community?
I continue to get my message out to the community with community meetings, political interviews, news media, social media and remaining visible in the public by attending as many community events as possible. I was successful in the primary election in June and have continued to build support for the November election with additional volunteers and financial contributions from supporters. Manual Lopez, one of the other primary candidates, has given me his endorsement and has been a great help in promoting my candidacy.
CHUCK WINN
Why are you seeking the Supervisor’s seat?
For over 45 years, my life has been devoted to public service. I had the privilege of serving the residents of this state as a member of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for 37 years coupled with 11+ years on the Ripon City Council and a record of community service with various organizations. I am running to use my experience in law enforcement, public office and community service to protect and enhance the quality of life in San Joaquin County.
What unique talents/qualifications would you bring to the position?
As a CHP Commander, I was responsible for a 24/7 operation involving approximately 90 employees and maintaining a budget just like a business owner. This also required ensuring the public received the services they needed which required frequent adjustments in staffing, assignments and equipment allocations.
When I was appointed to the Ripon Planning Commission in 1999, I worked with the other commissioners to make decisions that benefited our community. After I was elected to the City Council in 2002, I continued to develop my relationships with my fellow council members and ultimately used those skills to govern on various boards and commissions I served on.
Furthermore, I worked with my fellow council members to maintain a balanced budget through personnel cuts and other cost-saving measures.
How has your past employment prepared you for the county supervisor role?
There are three qualities that have uniquely prepared for my role as a supervisor. First, I have the integrity to ensure that I stay true to my convictions and values which I believe represent the residents of San Joaquin County. One of my assignments with the CHP was Internal Affairs where I investigated misconduct within the department.
Second, I have held leadership positions for over 28 years as a CHP commander and elected official. Therefore, I am comfortable initiating projects and issues which others may not.
Finally, I believe in governance. On most issues, I find that there is agreement on 80 percent which leaves the remaining 20 percent up for discussion and agreement. This is preferable to being rigid and unwilling to enhance our communities.
In addition to these qualities, I have been directly involved in the majority of issues facing the Board of Supervisors having served with four out of the five. Therefore, I will be ready to serve on day one, if I am elected.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the county?
Agriculture is the foundation of our economy in San Joaquin County. Consequently, it is important that we support the agricultural sectors that create the jobs and products within our valley. There are a variety of issues that challenge the future of our agricultural production.
The most serious is ensuring that this region has the necessary water to survive the current drought. The Bay Delta Conservation Plan or “twin tunnels” is an enormous threat to our quality of life. Increased storage capacity both above and underground would provide the necessary relief during dry years. In addition, we should be exploring new technologies such as desalination to create additional water throughout the state rather than relying only on the existing resources and the unpredictability of the weather.
How are you getting your message out to the community?
The majority of my time has been spent knocking on doors throughout the district. This gives me the opportunity to listen to residents’ concerns which frequently aren’t expressed at council or board meetings because they are too busy taking care of their family.
Additionally, I have addressed numerous organizations in candidate forums and received several key endorsements. Also, I have the endorsements of 13 of the 16 elected officials in the fourth district including the current supervisor, Ken Vogel and all five members of the Escalon City Council.
The final component is getting campaign literature to all voters in the district.
